People across the diocese are making a conscious effort to make a positive change across the world through their shopping baskets.

This Creationtide, and beyond, there are many ways to help cherish creation and all that live in it.  One way of doing this is to shop ethically – such as buying products supported by Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance and Transformation Trade. But what are the differences between them and what do they represent?

Here is a brief guide, but more information can be found on the links provided in this piece.

 

FAIRTRADE FOUNDATIONA green and blue logo on a black background which makes it look like a person waving in a circle.

Fairtrade is a movement which helps disadvantaged farmers and workers in parts of the developing world get a better deal for their produce. Some of the items with the Fairtrade mark include bananas, coffee, sugar, tea, chocolate, flowers and wine.

A number of companies support Fairtrade including Aldi, Lidl, Coop, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Greggs, National Trust and Diocese of Truro.

Camborne, Truro and Falmouth have Fairtrade Town status.

Churches and its congregations who do their best to use Fairtrade items, wherever and whenever possible, is also one of the fulfilments of becoming an Eco Church.

 

TRANSFORMATION TRADE

Traidcraft sells products to ‘promote fairness in trade in supply chains which can’t yet access the Fairtrade mark’ including tea and greeting cards.

It is the trading side of Transform Trade, a charity which supports traders across the globe and is working ‘towards a world where all trade is fair’.

 

RAINFOREST ALLIANCE

Rainforest Alliance  is there to help both the producers and the climate.  Farms are given the accreditation by meeting the criteria such as using less pesticides, treating workers fairly and doing their bit to fight climate change.