Beeston could become 'Fairtrade Town'
22 February, 2008
A national scheme could see Beeston declared as a Fairtrade Town, after supporters from the town and surrounding areas have joined together to plan a Fairtrade Town campaign. The announcement comes at the launch of Fairtrade Fortnight, which runs between Monday, February 25, and Sunday, March 9, 2008.
The annual event is dedicated to promoting Fairtrade products and the ideas that lie behind the Fairtrade label.
Residents, organisations and businesses
Local residents together with representatives from a variety of organisations and businesses, including Broxtowe Borough Council, the Co-operative, Tearfund, Oxfam, Sainsbury’s and a number of local churches and Eco-Teams met to discuss whether the idea could be achieved and many came away with the enthusiasm to get ‘stuck’ into the project.
Fairtrade Towns are a way of showing local support for the idea of Fairtrade and encouraging people to choose Fairtrade goods. There are currently more than 300 Fairtrade Towns across the UK, with another 250 working towards Fairtrade Town status.
Support beeston’s Bid
A number of actions are already underway to support Beeston’s bid.
Volunteers from Oxfam will be carrying out a survey in Beeston to identify where Fairtrade products can already be bought, and Sainsbury’s are planning a taster session for local businesses and schools to promote the use of Fairtrade products.
Broxtowe Borough Council is promoting Fairtrade drinks to its employees and planning a series of taster events for members of the public.
International Movement
Fairtrade is an international movement that guarantees a fair and stable price to producers in developing countries, allowing them to cover their costs and provide for their families. It also enables the producers to invest in infrastructure and facilities for their communities, such as water supplies, roads and schools.
Hundreds of different products are now available as Fairtrade goods, from familiar items such as tea, coffee, chocolate and bananas to more surprising items such as clothing, herbs and spices, ice cream, sports balls and sugar body scrubs.
More activities to promote Fairtrade in Beeston will take place during the fortnight.
For further information about Fairtrade Town status in Beeston, or to get involved in the campaign, telephone Broxtowe Borough Council on 0115 917 3654.
By editor@nottinghamng9.co.uk.
