City keeps up its Fairtrade support
MANCHESTER has recently renewed its status as a Fairtrade City, a title which was first awarded in 2005.
During this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight, which starts today, Manchester city council, alongside partner organisations in the city, will be voicing its support for and will be renewing its commitment to Fairtrade.
With the backing of the Co-op – who have supported Fairtrade for 25 years – the council will be championing Fairtrade in the city, promoting its benefits and encouraging retailers and customers to choose and support Fairtrade products, as well as supporting other fair and ethical trade movements.
Fairtrade is a global movement with the ultimate objective of helping producers in developing countries achieve better trading conditions.
In achieving Fairtrade city status, Manchester has committed to encourage further pledges from the city’s residents and businesses to take action in supporting Fairtrade.
Manchester city council’s executive member for environment, planning and transport, Coun Angeliki Stogia, said: “Manchester has supported Fairtrade over many years and we’ll be renewing our commitment in this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight.
“Supporting Fairtrade helps support some of the world’s poorest people to take control of their own futures and lead the dignified lives they deserve.
“Let’s celebrate the difference we can all make to struggling lives and communities by choosing Fairtrade’s healthy, tasty, sustainable and ethical food and products.
“Manchester city council is committed to fair and ethical trade movements, which entails purchasing through suppliers and contractors who are continuously working at improving labour and environmental standards in their supply chains. And the council will be encouraging more businesses in the city to follow suit.”
Sustainable sourcing and Fairtrade manager at the Co-op, Sarah Wakefield, said: “Fairtrade lies at the heart of our values at the Co-op and we’re proud to be pioneers, championing what we believe is right.
“This Fairtrade Fortnight, we are encouraging our customers and members to make a pledge and swap just one product they purchase a week, to being a Fairtrade product. By making this one switch, we together can make a big difference to the lives of millions.”