Fairtrade Fortnight runs from Monday 22nd February to Sunday 7th March this year with the theme ‘Big Swap’.
Fairtrade Mark Ireland is asking the nation to “swap their usual stuff for Fairtrade stuff” – your usual tea, coffee, chocolate or bananas for Fairtrade tea, coffee, chocolate or bananas. Each swap will be proof that Ireland wants developing world producers to get a better deal.
There’s lots of ways to get stuck into Fairtrade Fortnight. Big, small and medium sized – every single action counts. You could swap your sugar to Fairtrade, mix up a Fairtrade cocktail for friends, arrange a flask mob or get your entire town to swap to Fairtrade.
Each swap that you make helps raise the issues that affect farmers, workers and farming communities. It proves to companies and governments alike that Ireland wants a fairer trading system. Hold Big Swap events in your local church, school, library, club, workplace etc to raise awareness of Fairtrade.
Why not host a swap your breakfast, break, lunch or supper? You could also get your workplace, school or college to permanently swap to a Fairtrade cuppa. Also, don’t forget the option to swap to Fairtrade sugar and snacks.
How about a Pamper Swap? You can swap your body lotions and cocoa butter products for Fairtrade ones. You could also host a cotton swapping event – swap your t-shirts, undies, socks, shopping bags to Fairtrade ones.
There are many voluntary Fairtrade groups around the country. Contact Fairtrade Mark Ireland if you wish to find out if there is an active group near you. If there is not an active group in your hometown, why not consider starting one up! All you need is a few enthusiastic and dedicated individuals. See www.fairtrade.ie.
Fairtrade Mark Ireland is grateful for the continued support of Fairtrade consumers. The continuing growth of Fairtrade in Ireland, despite the recession, is a testimony to the support and dedication of thousands of Fairtrade supporters throughout the island of Ireland.
Did you know that Kit Kat bars have now gone Fairtrade? As well as Cadbury Dairy Milk bars? Now chocolate-lovers can indulge themselves with a clear conscience J