Gwynedd Council is supporting a world wide cause which campaigns for fairness and a just deal for all.
Fairtrade Fortnight 2011 ‘Show Off Your Label’ (28 Feb-March 13) is aimed at encouraging people to show off about buying Fairtrade and the impact it has on producers – whether it’s the cotton in your t-shirt or the jam on your toast. Gwynedd Council is playing its part, in partnership with Gwynedd Fairtrade Forum, by having a stall in the Caernarfon headquarters reception area selling Fairtrade goodies, encouraging people to try something new.
Gwynedd secured its Fairtrade status in 2009, and has recently been successful in renewing its Fairtrade County status and is dedicated to the cornerstones of the Fairtade concept:
- Ensuring a fair wage for workers
- Money is invested in the community of the producers
- No child labour is used
- The environment is respected and sustainable methods are used for production
Councillor Wyn Williams, chairman of the Gwynedd Fairtrade Committee, said:
“The Fairtrade campaign and events such as Fairtrade Fortnight are excellent opportunities for us to raise awareness that small changes in how we live here in Gwynedd can make a huge difference to lives of people in developing countries. For example changing the brand of the everyday foods that we buy can help brake the cycle of unfair trade, which traps people in poverty and stifles sustainability.
“I believe that the concept and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world is something that strikes a chord with the people of Gwynedd and I hope that Gwynedd Council’s support can give the local campaign a boost.”
