The popularity of Fairtrade raises paradoxes:
- Is it a victory for Fairtrade campaigners when companies generally known as being extremely exploitative produce their own brand Fairtrade products? Or does it greenwash and divert attention away from general exploitative practices?
- Is the consumption of “ethical” luxury goods a solution to poverty or a dangerous distraction?
- What about climate change? 29% of UK CO₂ emissions come from consumer goods - should the carbon footprint of what we buy be our main focus?
As a network campaigning to eradicate poverty, we need to tackle these issues head-on.
Take part in the online discussion
In the run up to Fairtrade Fortnight, we will be running a series of thought provoking debates. Join in and express your opinion!
* People OR Planet? Do consumers face a dilemma?
* Corporate take-over? Is the involvement of large exploitative corporations in Fairtrade necessary for our success or undermining the objectives of the Fairtrade movement?
* Trading our way out of injustice? Can Fairtrade make the world economic system work for poor people?
Take part in an online reading group!
Read and share your own book reviews online. In April 2007, Giles Bolton’s Poor Story promised to uncover “How Globalisation and Good Intentions Have Failed the World’s Poor”. Publisher Ebury Press kindly donated copies for students attending P&P’s Summer Gathering 2007. Read their reviews
Debate in your group
Why not arrange a series of debates or discussions in your group?
The New Internationalist issue “Ethical Shopping — a magic bullet to save the world?” is truly inspiring and thought-provoking - a good starting point for discussion. People & Planet can send your group a FREE copy if you email tradejustice@peopleandplanet.org