Well that’s it, my ‘Fairtrade Fortnight, Fair Trade Wedding Challenge’ is finished, and it’s almost time to move away from my laptop and relax…
I have to say the last 14 days have been extremely full, but I have been truly amazed by the wonderful array of fair trade items available, more especially those suitable for weddings. I can smile a little now (with hindsight) at how I approached most of the challenges with some trepidation, not knowing if I’d be at all successful - who’d have thought you could buy:
Fair Trade Accessories (scarves, jewellery, bags, belts, and shoes)
Fair Trade Relaxing and Pampering Goodies
Fair trade Photo Albums/Frames
and of course this list is not exhaustive. There’s all the fair trade produce waiting to be developed into a ‘Fair Trade Wedding Feast,’ and what about Fair Trade Finance Initiatives: ‘‘What a wonderful wedding gift it would be if someone opened for you an account with Shared Interest a leading provider of finance for Fair Trade organisations’’
Hopefully however, this challenge has helped to inspire… high on my agenda for completing this challenge was to encourage:
- Wedding Couples to consider purchasing fair trade goods as part of their celebrations - even if it’s just one thing…
- Suppliers to specifically advertise their fair trade products to wedding couples – many couples have said that they’ve experienced difficulties sourcing fair trade items for their wedding…
- You to find out more about the issues surrounding fair trade – for starters why not take a look at the: Fairtrade Foundation; British Association for Fair Trade Shops; International Fair Trade Association; World Fair Trade Day; News; and the Trade Justice Movement
“Wouldn’t it be Loverly” if fair trade products became such a normal part of our everyday lives, that we automatically included them in our wedding celebrations? I am aware however, that during the course of this challenge I’ve ignored a number of issues about purchasing fair trade goods. Not least the cost in financial, and environmental terms. I’m very much hoping that these, and other related topics can be discussed soon on the Ethical Weddings Open Forum or as a ‘Hot Topic’ on the main Ethical Weddings website.
To end, and before I have a celebratory glass of my favourite Fairtrade Chilean Red Wine, I’d like to say an enormous thank you to everyone who has emailed me over the fortnight, with feedback about this challenge. If I’ve not responded yet, I will - soon! Also later this week we’ll be looking at some of the suppliers you’ve told us about.
See you here for next year’s Fairtrade Fortnight’s Challenge…?
Alex
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