One could argue that the term ‘sustainability’ mainly brings our mind to the environment and making sure resources are considered and that we’re being mindful or waste and durability. But true sustainability should also entail considerations around human factors, such as the creators of the products we use and buy. This brings us into the territory of ‘ethical’ products and the fair trade movement. But unless you’re a seasoned buyer, you might struggle when you’re looking for anything beyond coffee and chocolate that has got a Fairtrade mark.
The annual campaign Fairtrade Fortnight exists to highlight the stories behind our products and to encourage fairer production and purchases. This year’s campaign is very much focussed around breakfast – to mainly highlight ‘standard’ fair trade products such as tea, bananas and cocoa – but the world of fair trade goes way beyond your morning meal.
To continuously focus on these few products may be the right approach as they’re widely bought around the world and therefore support the idea of ensuring ‘fair trade’ is used within a relevant context. But to widen the discussion and to encourage fair purchases beyond basic groceries, highlighting fair trade within other industries is equally important.
As consumers we need to be asking questions around the origin of the products we buy, and invest a bit of time in finding brands that show transparency in terms of where their products are made.
Ending this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight, is the following edit of 14 current fair favourites – one for each day of the campaign – showcasing brands that are going the extra mile to ensure we can be more aware of where our products are from.
Loving the clean lines of this vegetable-tanned leather bag, hand made in Haiti through Tribe Alive’s social enterprise
Daisy Knight’s bohemian pieces of jewellery are hand made in the UK
The guys at Visible Clothing are (as the name suggests) transparent with their clothing production and highlight the people behind the clothes
Hand crafted purse by artisans at Made’s workshop in Kenya
Gudrun Sjödén has been creating sustainable and fair clothing since 1976 making it a true Swedish classic!
Elegantly stylish tower pendant from Made, handmade in Kenya
People Tree navy jumper in organic certified Fairtrade cotton – can’t find the trousers but want them too!
Until spring happens this knit is excellent, and fair – by Komodo
Organic and fair trainers from Veja – bring on spring!
Starting as a campaign on fairer electronics in 2010, Fairphone has sold 60,000 ethical phones and Fairphone 2 is now available to order – improving supply chain awareness and conditions
Another great shoe for spring – rose gold, vegan and handmade – by Beyond Skin
Major summer want – handmade, hand-dyed and hand-printed in Bali – gorgeous dress by Faithfull the Brand
There can never be too many stripes, especially if they’re in organic certified Fairtrade cotton – by People Tree
Throwing in a bit of Fairtrade chocolate for good measure – this salted caramel from Green&Black’s is an actual obsession at the moment
Some nice pieces of clothing there but it would be nice if they were dyed naturally too!
Agree, but I’m also trying to highlight those that are doing great things, even though they’re not perfect – yet! 😉