‘Fairtrade Town’- Authority-run, community-supported March 13, 2010

After chasing up many different people about Birmingham’s ‘Fairtrade Town‘ title, it became apparent that the designated authorities, i.e. the Council and the Fairtrade Association Birmingham (the ill-fittingly abreviated FAB), didn’t have much to say for themselves.

Those who did seem to care about Birmingham’s green credentials were dedicated businesses and local shop owners. I spoke with George Howell of Indigo Wholefoods in Moseley and Kate Stafford of the Shared Earth shop on New St.- both very passionate individuals who had plenty to say about Fairtrade and its vast ranging benefits.

I was suprised to hear that FAB doesn’t actively approach businesses to persuade them to go Fairtrade. The merit lies entirely with the owners themselves.

Thankfully, Birmingham has plenty of Fairtrade supporters; otherwise I doubt dwellers would have even heard the term ‘Fairtrade Town’…

Birmingham’s Fairtrade status- Is it safe? March 11, 2010

Birmingham currently holds the title of being a ‘Fairtrade Town’ (well, city) and has done since November 2005.

According to the Fairtrade Towns scheme,

“A Fairtrade Town is any community that:
• supports Fairtrade and deepens understanding of the benefits Fairtrade brings
• takes action by choosing Fairtrade products whenever possible and encourages others to do likewise
• achieves and continues to take action on the five Fairtrade Town goals set by the Fairtrade Foundation.”

There are 5 criterion to fulfill in order to become a Fairtrade Town. These are:

1. Local council passes a resolution supporting Fairtrade, and agrees to serve Fairtrade products (for example, in meetings, offices and canteens).

2. A range of (at least two) Fairtrade products are readily available in the area’s retail outlets (shops, supermarkets, newsagents, petrol stations) and served in local catering outlets (cafés, restaurants, pubs).

3. Local workplaces and community organisations (places of worship, schools,universities, colleges and other communityorganisations) support Fairtrade and use Fairtrade products whenever possible. Populations over 100,000 will also need a flagship employer.

4. Media coverage and events raise awareness and understanding of Fairtrade across the community.

5. A local Fairtrade steering group is convened to ensure the Fairtrade Town campaign continues to develop and gain new support.

Birmingham’s Fairtrade campaign group is the Fairtrade Association Birmingham (FAB), which is supported by the city council.

I have contacted a few of the relevant authorities as I aim to find out how much Birmingham is doing to hold onto its green credentials.

For more info on ‘Fairtrade Towns’ see the guide published by the movement.

Can Birmingham stay 'green'?

Hoorah for Fairtrade! February 25, 2010

In light of Fairtrade fortnight, my university has decided to do its bit by encouraging students to buy Fairtrade products in its canteens rather than the alternatives. This is being done through a bit of shameless bribary with the hope of winning a competition, but its a start nonetheless!

A sucker for a competition myself (what can I say? I like the chance of getting something for nothing!) I purchased a Fairtrade coffee this morning rather than the usual ‘Costa’ brand ones.

I found the Fairtrade coffee machine tucked away round the back of the sandwich counter and also further down the queue than the Costa machine- meaning most people opt for the chain’s coffees first.

Quel surprise! My Fairtrade coffee was a good deal cheaper and just as satisfying!

It’s a shame that it takes shameless promotion to get Fairtrade products flying off the shelves but maybe the cafe could do more to make this stuff more prominent.

I mean, there’s a Costa coffee literally feet away, why even host the machine at all? I say replace it with another Fairtrade machine! If customers want a Costa coffee then they can go there to get one!