“Unfair distribution of wealth is threatening world peace, but buying fair trade can help to counter act this”
– Ken from Trade Aid
Fair Trade Wellington – Why Wellington is a Fair Trade City Wellington Fair Trade
So as I have mentioned before, it is Fair Trade Fortnight at the moment and for this reason I have put some much needed energy into learning something about the status of Fair Trade in New Zealand. You might not know, but Wellington became the first fair trade city in the southern hemisphere in 2009. This sounds amazing, but what does this mean? I learnt all the inside at the launch of Fair Trade Fortnight in at the Wellington Chocolate Factory and have decided to share a little of what I learnt, here on the blog.W ellington Fair Trade
I’m feeling proud to be living in a fair trade city and I think it says a lot about the type of place Wellington is. Bravo!
What is Fair Trade?
The basic principal behind fair trade is that there are a set of principles that the goods must abide by. The production of these foods must be free of forced labor or poor working conditions. All crops must be raised in a sustainable and un-genetically modified way in order to be fair trade certified. And the most important factor of all is that participating in production of fair trade crops can result in a huge and fair benefit for the farmers, usually in less economically developed countries.
Often the goods most associated with fair trade production are cocoa, coffee, bananas, tea, coffee and cotton. When consumers purchase products with the Fair Trade Mark, they are supporting farmers and workers as they work to improve their livelihoods and provide better support to their communities.
Why is Wellington a Fair Trade City?
Wellington became the first Fair Trade city in 2009. But what does this mean?
Wellington City Council made a resolution to achieve the required goals for becoming a Fair Trade City. These goals included setting up a community steering group, fair trade products being widely available and the council pledging to support fair trade and use fair trade products itself.
Wellington became officially fair trade back in 2009, and since then, even more has being done. Many Wellington companies have a fair trade status and the certification is becoming more widely recognized.
Why should we care?
With Fair trade you have the power to change the world every day. With simple shopping choices you can get farmers a better deal. And that means they can make their own decisions, control their futures and lead the dignified life everyone deserves. Fair trade advocates for better working conditions and improved terms of trade for farmers and workers in developing countries.
It is important for us to encourage the use of fair trade production by showing our support for those companies using it wherever we can.
Which companies in Wellington are Fair Trade?
Wellington has more than 100 fair trade retailers and supporters, below are some that you may have heard of. You can rest easy that you are benefiting the people of this planet when you buy these brands in the future:
Clothing + Beauty
Little Yellow Bird – Fair Trade and Ethical Uniforms and Clothing
Kowtow – Beautiful designer clothing
Lush – Handmade Fair Trade beauty products
Food + Drink
Peoples – Lovely coffee. With a cafe in Newtown and also multiple outlets using their beans all over the city.
L’Affaire – Established in Wellington in 1990, L’affare is a pioneer of New Zealand’s celebrated café and coffee culture.
Wellington Chocolate Factory – Artisan chocolate bean to bar in Wellington
Whittakers – Potentially the most famous chocolate from Wellington.
Commonsense Organics – Organic and Fair Trade whole foods store
Homewares
Sustainability Trust-Solutions for sustainable living
Trade Aid –Fair Trade and Ethical homewares, jewellery, beauty products and food.
Do you know of any fair trade companies that I have missed? Let me know in the comments.
For more info on Fair Trade Australia / New Zealand check out the Fair Trade NZ website: www.fairtrade.org.nz
If you are interested in this, you might also be interested in my post: Where to shop Organic/Fair Trade/Sustainable in Wellington
Thanks for reading and come back soon!
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Josie x