by Michael Smith (Veshengro)
The national event, running from 28 February to 13 March, aims to raise awareness of the difference that buying Fairtrade products can make to small scale farmers. Sutton is one of 21 Fairtrade London Boroughs, which means that it is even easier to find ethically traded products.
The focus of this year's event is on Fairtrade cotton and as well as running events like bake sales, fashion shows and school displays, groups are being urged to get creative and decorate a piece cotton bunting. After displaying their handiwork, participants will send the flags off to be stitched together into what organizers hope will become the world's longest piece of bunting.
Councilor Simon Wales, Executive Member for Communities, Transport and the Voluntary Sector, said: “100 million households worldwide rely on cotton as their main source of income, but many cotton farmers in the developing world have to survive on less than $2 a day.
“Buying Fairtrade is an easy step that we can take to help make sure that these small farmers get a fairer deal. All sorts of Fairtrade products are stocked in shops across Sutton, so why not look out for the Fairtrade mark next time you're out shopping, or organize your school, work or community group to raise awareness through a Fairtrade Fortnight event?”
To get involved in year round Fairtrade events in Sutton, the Sutton Fairtrade steering group meets once every six weeks to plan events and campaigns and welcomes new members. The next meeting will take place 13 April at the Tariro Cafe in the Salvation Army building in Benhill Avenue, Sutton.
The group will be running a stall stocking Fairtrade products in the St Nicholas Center on 12 March, where shoppers will be given the chance to try Fairtrade produce, as well as to find out more about ethical trading.
It is such a shame that so many other London borough and also and especially neighboring boroughs of the counties of Surrey, Kent, etc. are missing in this scheme.
For more information visit www.fairtrade.insutton.org, or www.fairtrade.org.uk
© 2011
