Cadburys commits to going Fairtrade

At last!  The news I’ve been waiting for! Cadburys have announced that they plan to achieve Fairtrade certification by the end of Summer 2009 fo their Cadbury’s Dairy Milk.  You can read all about it here, on the Fairtrade Foundation’s website.  This is such great news! Now I can grab a bar of chocolate when I fancy it without the associated guilt I usually feel because it isn’t Fairtrade!

Fairtrade Fortnight 2009

I know, I know. We’ve only just seen of Christmas and the New Year celebrations but thoughts are now turning to Fairtrade Fortnight, which runs from the 23rd February to 8th March.

Fairtrade Fortnight is an annual campaign to raise awareness and promote products that hold the FAIRTRADE Mark. You can find out about events that are taking place throughout the UK by visting the Fairtrade Foundation’s website.

Organic Cocoa – the perfect winter warmer!

With the cold weather making its presence known, I don’t think there is anything more comforting than hot chocolate.  Green & Black’s Organic Cocoa, not only tastes fantastic but also holds the FAIRTRADE Mark, so why not treat yourself?

Ten for £10!

With Christmas starting to creep around the corner, now is the time to start thinking about what gifts to buy for family and friends. As well as having to choose the appropriate gift, more people are now questionning the ethical credentials behind them. If you’re having to watch the pennies this Christmas, it doesn’t mean you can’t still buy lovely presents.

With a wide range of affordable, fair trade gifts, Only Fair are here to help you find the ideal gift. All of our items are fairly traded or hold the FAIRTRADE Mark, meaning you can grab a bargain whilst knowing it wasn’t produced in a sweat shop. Not only that but with out easy to use order process, quick delivery and a flat shipping rate of £2.95, we aim to make your shopping experience a stress free and pleasant experience, without the baying crowds of shoppers.

If you need some gift inspiration, here’s our top ten gifts for under £10:-

1. Children will love this adorable Cat Rucksack. Made from 100% cotton and at £9.49.

2. Candles are great in winter. Pop a tealight in this chunky People Soapstone Tealight Holder at £7.49.

3. This fair trade Travel Journal is the ideal gift for someone who likes to record their thoughts at £7.99.

4. Ceramic Piggy Bank - an old fashioned favourite with a fair trade twist, at £9.95.

5. This bright and fun Rooster Shopping Bag is ideal to brighten up dull shopping trips. £8.95.

6. Know someone who thinks they’re an entertainer? See how they cope with these crochet juggling balls at £8.85.

7. Add a touch of sparkle with this pretty Metal Beaded Cuff at £4.95.

8. This Sheesham Wood Star Puzzle is not only beautifully crafted but is a great brain teaser! £6.49.

9. Share your wisdom with our engraved Soapstone Pebbles - an ideal stocking filler at £1.30.

10. Still not sure what to buy or just looking for a stocking filler? Play it safe with Divine Milk Chocolate. £1.29 for a 100g bar, free from artificial flavourings, colourings and preservatives.

Fairtrade Sugar

During this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight, Tate & Lyle announced that they were converting all of their sugar to Fairtrade. To be honest, I’d been meaning to write about it but with so much going on, it completely slipped my mind, so it was a nice surprise when I went to make a drink today and saw it there on the packet.

Tate & Lyle source their cane sugar from Belize and have done so for over 35 years. They have been working closely with the Fairtrade Foundation, Belize Sugar Industries and the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association throughout the process.

The sugar industry is very important in Belize, both to the farmers that grow the sugar canes and others that are employed in the industry, such as in the productions areas where the cane is processed.

It’s really fantastic to see a mainstream brand taking such a postive step to support Fairtrade and I’m keeping my fingers firmly crossed that more brands will decide to follow suit.

You can read more about Tate & Lyle here. The Fairtrade Foundation have a real-life story of a farmer here which shows the opportunities that Fairtrade brings.