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Fair Trade & Ethical Shopping
Fairtrade trading partnerships seek greater equality in international trade. This helps contribute to more sustainable development of industry and communities. Fairtrade organisations actively engage in the support of growers, traders, raise awareness and campaign for reform of conventional international trade.
Fairtrade gives growers and producers more power and offers them fair prices for their good. Buying fair-trade products gives the consumer the power to make a choice to support growers and ensure that those involved in the production of goods are payed fairly.
The fair trade program helps farmers by:
- Making sure they are paid a fair price for their produce
- Providing more stable and secure incomes
- Improving their working conditions
- Enhancing investment in quality and local environmental sustainability
- Improving the local economy to increase investment in healthcare and education
- A product must meet international fair trade standards before they can include the fair trade brand on their packaging.
For more information on Fair Trade, visit www.fairtrade.com.au
Ethical Shopping
Shopping ethically takes into consideration many factors. Thinking about the human rights record, corporate accountability, farming methods, distance the product has travelled to your supermarket, what is paid for the raw produce and much more.
By buying products that you believe are produced ethically you can support companies that demonstrate ethical practices. There is no right or wrong way to shop ethically. If you consider the use of animals as unethical then you can choose to avoid products that do this. Others may consider human rights records of companies more important and shop accordingly.
There are five principles used in ethical shopping:
- Ask yourself 'Do I need it?'
- Remember that your choice can make a difference
- Don't be overwhelmed. Do your research and learn about issues behind shopping.
- Go for the best buy. There are many products available but it doesn't mean you'll always find the one you want. It's ok to take the best available at the time
- Make it a habit to pick ethical products every time you shop. Even if its just one product from your whole shopping list
The Ethical Consumer Guide (published by the Ethical Consumer Group) provides useful information on the environmental and social record of companies behind the brand names of common supermarket products. The information is based on assessment gathered from organisations such as Greenpeace, Choose Cruelty Free, Corporate Monitor, Reputex, Responsible Shopper and Sustainability Victoria.
Whitehorse Fair Trade Fortnight
SHOPPING WITH A CONSCIENCE WORKSHOP AND TOUR
Tuesday 8 May, 6pm-8.30pm
Vermont South Library, Pavey Place (off Livingstone Road), Vermont South
The Ethical Consumer Group will conduct a workshop and shopping tour providing information and advice on how to recognise products that are produced in an ethical and sustainable manner. Bookings are essential.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT AND FAIR TRADE STORYTELLING TIME
Friday 18 May, 10am-2pm (information stall and taste testing) or 11am-11.45am (story time)
Box Hill Library, 1040 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill
Sample a free fair trade coffee, tea or hot chocolate from the fair trade taste testing and information stall. Pre-school children will enjoy a special story time with a fair trade message.
Fair Trade Schools
Entries close Friday 18 May
Primary schools in Whitehorse will have the opportunity to showcase their fair trade efforts to the community. Each entrant will receive a Fairtrade pack and a prize will be awarded to the most outstanding school. Visit www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/fairtrade.html
Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea
Thursday 24 May, 10.30am-12 noon
Box Hill Community Arts Centre, 470 Station Street, Box Hill
The annual Biggest Morning Tea event will help raise funds for Cancer Council Victoria while promoting fair trade products. Entry is by donation. To book your place, phone 9895 8888 by 17 May.
For more information, visit www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au
Alternatively, pick up a Whitehorse fair trade booklet at Whitehorse’s Customer Service Centres in Nunawading, Forest Hill and Box Hill during Fairtrade Fortnight or from events held during this period.
For all bookings and registrations, email greenercity@whitehorse.vic.gov.au or phone 9262 6452. For details on fair trade initiatives around Australia, visit www.fairtrade.com.au