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 Steering 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
Tower Hamlets Fairtrade Map - where you can support
Fairtrade
Volunteers have surveyed local caterers in the borough to
establish the number of caterers that sell Fairtrade products. In
January 2011 about 6 per cent of local caterers stocked Fairtrade
products, including coffee. If you would like to view
these outlets, please click on Tower
Hamlets Fairtrade Caterers Map.
Tower Hamlets Fairtrade Caterers Scheme
The council in partnership with the LBTH Fairtrade Steering
Group launched the Fairtrade Caterers scheme and produced a
comprehensive London-wide Fairtrade
suppliers list (Word, 87kb). The scheme gives local
caterers the incentive to sell two or more Fairtrade products
by providing it with a LBTH
Fairtrade window sticker (PDF, 13kb). This has now
become very popular with more caterers signing up to the
scheme.
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 2631
Email: fairtrade@towerhamlets.gov.uk