Fairtrade Fortnight 2011
February 28th – March 13th
Tomorrow is the beginning of Fairtrade fortnight! It was held for the first time in 1995, when a cocoa farmer from Belize toured the country during the first Fairtrade Fortnight. Nowadays, it is an annual celebration of ethical trading and subsequently a promotion for fairer economic opportunities for producers in third world countries.
During this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight, there is special attention for the production of cotton. Unfortunately, conventional cotton in Europe and the US are highly subsidized, driving down prices and leading to overproduction. This mechanism is also known as the Great Cotton Stitch-Up, which creates poverty for producers in developing countries. As a result, many try to support their livelihoods with only $2 a day.
Fairtrade cotton, which we sell in One boutique, provides a much better alternative. The Fairtrade minimum price ensures that producers are paid sufficiently and the Fairtrade premium provides funds to help build up communities. This provides resources for investments ranging from education and health care to the construction of a well for drinking water. By choosing for Fairtrade products, you not only counteract negative market mechanisms such as the Great Cotton Stitch-Up, you also support the well being of producers in third world countries.
Fairtrade Fortnight is a perfect time to consume more consciously! Feel free to come and browse our lovely
collection of clothing. Some of our new spring and summer looks have already arrived (see pictures below), while our sale is also still ongoing.
spring/summer 2011
spring/summer 2011
