Fair Trade
A series of articles which appeared during 2005
Look Out For The Certificate..,
The Church Council recently discussed our support for Fairtrade and concluded to progress this further we should now apply for Fairtrade Church status. Two weeks ago in early March, and appropriately during Fairtrade fortnight, Certificates (in triplicate) arrived plus a cheering letter congratulating us for our work in this sphere. This official recognition means we have committed to three pledges;
- to use Fairtrade tea and coffee for all meeting for which we are responsible
- to move forward on using other Fairtrade products (possibly sugar, biscuits and fruit)
- to promote Fairtrade during the annual fortnight in early March - and through other activities whenever possible.
Perhaps the total of fairly traded goods we use might seem like a drop in the ocean, but consider the people passing along our corridors, maybe pausing for tea or coffee in the courtyard. Clearly we have a marvelous chance to publicize Fairtrade and encourage more people to take this option on their supermarket run.
Official recognition entities us to regular updates and action mailings with information on progress nationally. We shall now be better able to support Woking Fairtrade Action Network, led by people from Woking churches and action groups.
So look out for the Certificate(s) and for more information on the increasing range of products, ways in which you can help, and the world wide benefits of this campaign.
John Craig
Fairtrade Update
For 18 months Woking Fairtrade Action Network has been pushing towards the target of turning Woking into a Fairtrade Town. With 4 of the 5 requirements achieved, only one goal remains. This is to prove 18 local shops sell at least 2 FT items; currently 17 are listed! So it's just a case of one more shop.
As you'll know the local supermarkets, the Co-op and several independents stock a range of fairly traded items from muesli to drinking chocolate, plus of course tea, coffee and bananas. Outlets the Network would now like us to target include Spar and Tesco Express.
If you'd like to help to reach this final goal, just ask for a fairly traded item, this is especially important if none is visible on the shelf! After all, shops only change their stock when the demand is proven. Similarly in local cares, asking for FT tea or coffee shows your preference. Stocks of 'Order Up' cards, supplied in the East Entrance, help explain to the retailer how they can find out about Fairtrade.
Countrywide Fairtrade sales in 2004 topped £140 million, showing a 51% increase over 2003. Not only are more people recognising the Fairtrade mark, and opting to buy FT items, but there's now a range of 850 items carrying this mark.
If you want to find out more either locally or nationally, visit www.wokingfairtrade.orq.uk and www.fairtrade.org.uk or look for 'FAIR COMMENT' on the courtyard shelves.
Margot Craig
Woking becomes a Fairtrade Town
The Woking Fairtrade Action Network (WFAN) is delighted to announce that Woking officially became a Fairtrade Borough on October 1st, 2005. A reception at Trinity celebrated this success, with the Mayor attending plus local Councillors, representatives from shops and café's selling fairly traded goods, churches and community groups using Fairtrade products and supporters from across the Borough.
You may be surprised to know that 20 shops here (including the big 4 supermarkets) sell at least 2 Fairtrade products, another 6 sell one, and 13 cafés across the town offer fairly traded tea and coffee. You can even buy Fairtrade footballs, at Hendersons Sports in Knaphill.
Fairtrade Town status reflects two years of hard campaigning by members of WFAN plus tremendous support shown by many local residents who choose to put Fairtrade products in their shopping baskets week-by-week. Together they have proved to local retailers that there is a strong demand for products carrying the Fairtrade Mark. This mark is the only independent consumer label to guarantee a better deal for disadvantaged farmers, estate workers and their families across 49 developing countries.
What next? WFAN plan to produce a directory listing all the outlets where you can find Fairtrade products in Woking. In the meantime please continue to ask for Fairtrade whenever you shop, or when you visit a coffee shop. Our choice to buy Fairtrade, directly determines how many farmers and workers can benefit from a fair deal for their goods.
For more details see the Autumn edition of 'Fair Comment' in the courtyard at Trinity, or look at www.fairtrade.org.uk
Margot Craig