Gwynedd Council is supporting a world wide cause which campaigns for fairness and a just deal for all.
Fairtrade Fortnight 2010 is aimed at encouraging people to swap their usual products – such as tea, coffee, fruit and chocolate – with Fairtrade products. 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 Council is also supporting an event in Pwllheli next week where local community groups and schools will meet to celebrate their Fairtade achievements. It will also be an opportunity to hear how being aware of what we buy can be a driving force in social change, with the first hand experiences of Juan Louis, a nut producer from El Salvador.
Gwynedd secured its Fairtrade status in 2009 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 stikes a chord with the people of Gwynedd and I hope that Gwynedd Council’s support can give the local campaign a boost.”
Fairtrade Fortnight is held between 22 February and 7 March. For more information go to www.fairtradewales.com or www.fairtrade.org.uk
