 Heartfelt took part in the Bourn Fair (on 9th May) in support of World Faitrade Day 2010. And what a lot of fun it was! Organised by Wendy Slade from Abuntu People for Fairtrade, it took place in the Village of Bourn about 20 minutes outside of Cambridge in the UK. Heartfelt had a little stand there and also set up a 'Fun with Felt' area for kiddies - to make their own heartfelt cards (but we think their mums had the most fun). Home-made Fairtrade cake and coffee/tea were available all day and it really was a celebration of fairtrade.
So what is Fair Trade you ask?
Consuming with a conscience. A better deal for small-scale producers in poor countries. Fairtrade guarantees:
• Farmers’ organisations a fair and stable price for their product
• Extra income for farmers and plantation workers to improve their lives
• Greater respect for the environment
• Small-scale farmers a stronger position in world markets
• A closer link between consumers and producers
So, What is a Fair Price? This will depend on the circumstances, but broadly it is one which ensures that the producer not only covers the cost of production, but also makes a profit in order to have a reasonable life (so like our heartfelt products, they might be made of felt like many other products, but sold at the correct price they have the ability to change someone's life). Sometimes it might simply be a better wage. In other situations, a fair trade premium may fund developments for the producers or their community. It is always critical that companies buy from organisations which ensure that benefits reach the original producers. These can be co-ops, women’s organisations, development projects or simply businesses, of various sizes – as long as there is a clear benefit to the producer.
What are the Benefits of Fair Trade? Wherever possible, products come from groups which:
• Are organised primarily for the benefit of their members and the community
• Pay fair wages and provide working conditions that are better than average for the locality
• Encourage and enable workers’ participation in ownership and decision-making
Fair trade makes a real difference to the lives of the producers. Improvements in health care, housing and education, along with safer water supplies and a better diet, are among the tangible benefits that fair trade can bring. So in a nutshell, please buy fairtrade where possible it's amazing how easy it can be to change the lives of hundreds of people.
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