Open 9:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Saturday
THE FAIR TRADE SHOP
Trading for a fairer world
20A Upper Brook Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 1EB
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Supermarkets Drop Fairtrade
Sainsburys and Tesco have both recently announced that they are dropping the internationally recognised, independent certification scheme Fairtrade in favour of their own internal “fairly traded” scheme. There has been wide criticism in the press for this move which is seen as a self serving measure in pursuit of cost saving and nothing to do with helping third world producers. Major charities - Oxfam, CAFOD, Christian Aid and others - have criticised Sainsburys over this move and there are a number of on-line petitions calling on Sainsburys to stick to Fairtrade. These recent moves follow hot on the heels from Mondelez, Cadbury’s parent company, announcing late last year that it would be abandoning Fairtrade certification in favour of its own internal scheme Cocoa Life.
Plastic Awareness - Use Less Plastic
Responding to a growing consumer awareness and demand, the Ipswich Fair Trade Shop is increasing its range of environmentally friendly products in addition to its traditional Fair Trade products. Its not too long ago that “refill” was standard practice - milk bottles, beer bottles, fizzy drinks were all returned to the retailer and a deposit refund was given. Since then, plastic took over and refill fell out of practice. In more recent times, and partly in response to programmes like Blue Planet, there is a growing awareness of plastic pollution and in a move to encourage re-use and reduce the consumption of plastic, we are pleased to have increased our stock of products that can now be purchased in our shop for you to take home in your own containers. Our range now includes liquid cleaner, shampoo, conditioner, antic-bac handwash, body wash, washing up liquid, laundry liquid (both bio and non-bio), fabric conditioner and hand soap. All these products are sold by capacity to refill your own containers. Simply bring your own empty plastic bottle into the shop rather than bin it and we will refill it for you. Our newest supplier, SESI (Sustainable Ethical Supplies Initiative) is a social enterprise supplier which specialises in refillable and reusable products. You can read more about SESI on our suppliers page. Click here for our current refill price list.
We have also extended our range of Eco products to include beeswax food wrap as a re-usable and ecologically friendly alternative to cling film, plastic food bags and aluminium foil, allowing you to reduce your use of one time plastic and reduce your consumption of energy-intensive and emissions-heavy foil.
These wraps are hand made in Suffolk and are available in a variety of pretty colours, designs and sizes. Why not pop in and have a look?
The FAIRTRADE Mark on products means that international Fairtrade Standards have been met. Choosing products with this Mark supports marginalised farmers and workers to build a better future for themselves through trade.
For further information visit fairtrade.org.uk or click on the adjacent Mark.
For all those interested in genuine, internationally certified and recognised Fairtrade products, please be assured that the Ipswich Fair Trade Shop will continue to support the third world developers by stocking and selling certified products. Our wide range of certified foodstuffs can be inspected at our shop in Upper Brook Street - teas, coffee, chocolate, sugar and much more available in store. Why not visit us to make the purchases that you would previously have made at the supermarket?
Nestle and Fair Trade Cocoa
KitKat has severed its ties with Fairtrade, despite the organisation behind the scheme warning that thousands of farmers would be hit by the move. The boss of Fairtrade said Nestle’s decision to cut its 10-year association with the non-profit organisation was “profoundly disappointing”. The Swiss-owned food giant said it would now source its cocoa for KitKat bars from farms on Rainforest Alliance terms instead of those working with Fairtrade accreditation. Nestle, which already uses Rainforest Alliance-certified farmers on other bars such as Aero and Yorkie, said it would start the new partnership for KitKat from October. The Fairtrade label guarantees that the farmers behind a product get a set minimum price as well as a financial bonus, and is seen a on a wide range of products including chocolate, coffee and bananas.
Copyright © 2022 The Fair Trade Shop Ipswich Limited
Company Registration Number 02630236
Fairtrade Foundation Annual Report
On September 22nd, the Fair Trade Foundation published its annual report and financial statements for the year to 31st December 2021.
In closing his foreword to the annual report, the Fair Trade Foundation CEO, Michael Gidney, wrote:
“The FAIRTRADE Mark gives consumers the reassurance that farmers and workers in low-income countries are not being exploited. Through the unique combination of the Fairtrade Minimum Price and Premium producers have the means to invest in their land and the knowledge to farm both sustainably and profitably. We believe paying someone a decent return for a day’s work is more than just fairness, it should be a human right. So if you agree, join us in showing your support to producers around the globe with Fairtrade.” Read more…..
This comment succinctly sums up the ethos of the Ipswich Fair Trade Shop and we are proud to contribute to the overall success of the fair trade movement.
If you haven't popped in recently, now is a great time to come by. We have new stock almost weekly and with Christmas fast approaching, there is plenty to choose from to treat your friends and family whilst at the same time helping those in this world who are less fortunate than ourselves.
