Bristol- A Fairtrade City

With Fairtrade Fortnight around the corner, 27th February- 11th March 2012, the Bristol Fairtrade Network is asking everyone to take one step for Fairtrade. However, before we move forward lets take a step back and remind ourselves why Bristol is such a great Fairtrade city....

Bristol is currently one of the leading Fairtrade cities in the world. We have been trading fairly with nearly five million workers in 58 million developing countries and are even looking to do more.

Last year, Bristol won an Outstanding Achievement award for the exciting and innovative range of events taking place around the city during Fairtrade Fortnight. The popularity of the Fairwear Fashion show and Cotton On, the Fairtrade Purchasing Guide, means that such ideas are being replicated by other Fairtrade groups around the world.

Bristol has gained praise for their efforts from far and wide, notably Harriet Lamb, the Executive Director of the Fairtrade Foundation, congratulated Bristol on getting the award. 'They throughly deserve this award as they are a wonderful example of how people coming together to show their support for trade justice can make a real difference in the communities where they live'.

Bristol is consistently voted one of the best places to live, and the Bristol Fairtrade Network significantly contributes to the sense of the community felt all over the city. Everywhere you go, there is evidence of the Fairtrade mission. There are currently four Fairtrade schools and fifteen more are working towards achieving it. Both universities in the city are also committed to Fairtrade, selling and using Fairtrade products as far as then can.

Jenny Foster, Bristol Fairtrade Co-ordinator, is delighted by the influence of Fairtrade in the community. 'Our events are successful because we partner with so many different organisations and companies around the city. Fairtrade is becoming embedded into Bristol schools, businesses and community groups because it is not only ethical and sustainable but makes good sense. People in Bristol want to trade fairly and to see the difference their purchasing choices can make'.

Bristol is truly a Fairtrade city but there is still more work to be done. The great achievements last year means that we are all wondering what Bristol will do for Fairtrade Fortnight 2012. Watch this space to find out how you can get involved!