Fairtrade
International trade is a key feature in the lives of millions of
small scale producers in the developing world. By buying Fairtrade
products UK consumers can play an important role in improving the
often desperate situation facing producers and their families in
today's unpredictable world markets.
The Fairtrade Mark is an independent certification scheme that
guarantees that the producer in the developing world is getting a
better deal. Fairtrade products, bought direct from farmers at a
minimum price that covers the cost of production and an extra
premium invested in the local community, allow farmers and other
producers to earn a decent livelihood and lift families and
communities out of poverty
Tower Hamlets Fairtrade group
The Tower Hamlets Fairtrade group was set up
in late 2005 by a group of local people keen to achieve Fairtrade
Borough status for Tower Hamlets and welcomes everyone to its
group
The group includes representatives of local
development campaign groups, churches and faith groups,
universities and other community and education organisations as
well as officers of Tower Hamlets council. The aims of the Tower
Hamlets Fairtrade group are to:
- provide local residents and community groups with information
about Fairtrade and development issues
- encourage local groups to hold events, especially during
Fairtrade Fortnight
- increase awareness of Fairtrade among consumers and
retailers
- support development education work in schools
- encourage local businesses to stock, use and promote Fairtrade
products
- produce and maintain a Fairtrade directory for Tower
Hamlets
Fairtrade Fortnight
The key activities of the Tower Hamlets
Fairtrade group are to promote Fairtrade during
Fairtrade Fortnight, which in 2010 runs from 22
February to 2 March, and maintaining Fairtrade Borough
status for Tower Hamlets (awarded in October 2006 by the Fairtrade
Foundation).
In order to meet the criteria five goals had
to be met:
- The council must pass a resolution supporting Fairtrade, and
serve Fairtrade coffee and tea at its meetings and in offices and
canteens.
- A range of Fairtrade products must be readily available in the
area’s shops and served in local cafés and catering
establishments.
- Fairtrade products must be used by a number of local work
places (estate agents, hairdressers etc) and community
organisations (churches, schools etc).
- The council must attract popular support for the campaign.
- A local Fairtrade steering group must be convened to ensure
continued commitment to Fairtrade Town status.
Further information
How to contact us
Sustainable Development Team
Development and Renewal
London Borough of Tower Hamlets
Mulberry Place (AH)
PO Box 55739
5 Clove Crescent
London
E14 1BY
Tel: 020 7364 2523
Fax: 020 7364 2533
e-mail: fairtrade@towerhamlets.gov.uk