Gwynedd Council is supporting a world wide cause which campaigns for fairness and a just deal for all.
Fairtrade Fortnight: Take a Step in 2012 (27 February-11 March) is aimed at spreading the message that everyone can contribute to the campaign – from changing the food and clothes we buy to those which are made by methods which treat producers fairly to talking about the campaign with friends.
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 and 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 R H 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.”
