Mayor: Put more Fairtrade items in shopping baskets
THE mayor of Uttoxeter has urged residents to support behind Fairtrade Fortnight, which runs until March 7.
A Fairtrade steering group was established in the town in 2015, which helped it secure Fairtrade Town status in 2017.
The group has ensured Uttoxeter has remained a Fairtrade town ever since, and mayor Sue Mcgarry said: “Everyone in Uttoxeter has had a very difficult year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“However it has been even more difficult for people in the developing world, who have not only had to deal with the pandemic, but also have had to cope the impact of climate change, which is making it more difficult for them to grow their crops because of extreme weather and floods.”
The theme of this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight is Fairtrade and climate change.
Councillor Mcgarry, who has been appointed patron of the Fairtrade campaign, said: “Buying Fairtrade products means that the producers get extra money to help them deal with the challenge of climate change and which can be used to provide better health care and education for their children. I want everyone in Uttoxeter to support Fairtrade and enjoy Fairtrade products.”
The chair of the Fairtrade Steering Group, the Rev Charles Dale, said the pandemic meant Fairtrade Fortnight was different this year. He said: “Face-to-face events cannot take place, so the Fairtrade Steering Group has organised an online Fairtrade Fortnight, as well as organising poster and banner displays in the town and at local supermarkets, particularly Waitrose and Tesco. We hope other supermarkets will join in as well.”
Other events include an online coffee morning and Fairtrade Quiz at 10.30am tomorrow and an online survey of people’s attitudes to Fairtrade and climate change. People can take part in this by visiting the town council website.
Mr Dale added: “We have also been in touch with JCB and they have told us how they are working to tackle climate change. What they are doing is really impressive. “Fairtrade Fortnight has to be different this year - but we think it will still make a major impact by encouraging people to buy products which display the Fairtrade symbol”.