Residents and businesses in Bucks Beds and Herts urged to take a 'Fairtrade' pledge
The sustainability farming certifier is campaigning to encourage individuals to swap their weekly shopping items to certified products
A food sustainability organisation is urging businesses and residents in Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire to take a 'Fairtrade' pledge.
The Fairtrade Foundation is marking its annual Fairtrade Fortnight with the launch of its "Be the Change" campaign.
The campaign highlights how consumer choices impact farmers and workers around the world, urging shoppers, businesses, and policymakers to support Fairtrade products.
With nearly 5,000 Fairtrade items now available in UK supermarkets, ranging from staples like bananas, coffee, and chocolate to cotton, gold, and even flowers, the Foundation hopes to continue raising awareness of the importance of Fairtrade in improving the livelihoods of farmers in lower-income countries.
Cat Rayner, Partner Marketing Manager at Fairtrade Foundation, who is based in Hitchin, explained why Fairtrade is so crucial in the current global climate.
She said: "By choosing Fairtrade, either as part of your business or as a shopper, you can say, I want to do something positive today.
"Farmers are supported to invest in their soil and make sure that it’s going to be adaptable to the changing climate."
While the price tag of sustainable consumer products can often be heard as an argument against swapping for Fairtrade, Ms Rayner clarified that opting for Fairtrade doesn't necessarily come with a higher prices.
"Whether you’re a hairdresser, an office, or a local shop, you can offer Fairtrade to your staff and within your business at a price that's comparable to standard products," she added.
The campaign emphasises that the power of consumer choice extends beyond individuals and encourages businesses, small and large, and even MPs to take the pledge.
This engagement is crucial in encouraging large businesses to stock and promote more Fairtrade products.
In addition to encouraging shoppers and businesses, the Fairtrade Foundation is also focused on engaging younger generations.
Ms Rayner highlighted the Foundation’s work with schools across the UK, noting that children are often enthusiastic about issues of fairness.
She said: "Children in particular have a really great sense of justice, and they want to make sure that they’re doing their bit to ensure that people are being paid fairly."