Did you know, Lincoln has Fairtrade City status?
The city council has a Fairtrade policy to raise awareness and encourage the promotion and procurement of Fairtrade products. A Fairtrade working group meets regularly.
The Lincoln Food Partnership is about tackling poverty and promoting sustainability, as is Fairtrade.
Councillor Gary Hewson, Fairtrade spokesperson for the City of Lincoln Council, said:
“One of our priorities is to reduce inequality in the city and we want to extend that to reach the vision of a world where justice and sustainable development are at the heart of trade structures and practices.”
Fairtrade increases standards of living and reduces risk and vulnerability for farmers and workers.
Fairtrade standards protect workers’ rights, which include a safe working environment and the right to join a trade union and negotiate with their employer, thus prohibiting discrimination and forced or illegal child labour.
Environmental protection is key. Fairtrade standards require smallholder farmer and larger hired labour production set ups to comply in areas such as: energy and greenhouse gas emission reduction; soil and water quality; pest management; and biodiversity protection.
Over 50 per cent of all Fairtrade-certified producers are also certified as organic.
Fairtrade standards also prohibit certain agrochemicals that harm the environment and health. They ensure that protective equipment is used and that farms are free from hazardous waste.
Farmers are advised on environmentally friendly practices, such as developing nutrient-rich soils and encouraging wildlife to help control pests and diseases – all good for environmentally sustainable food production.
It’s not just Fairtrade tea and coffee that you can buy, as there is also Fairtrade jewellery and cotton. So, when you are shopping, be sure to look out for the Fairtrade logo and ask for Fairtrade products.
Get more information by visiting fairtrade.org.uk and lincolnfairtrade.com
How is Lincoln supporting global food justice through Fair Trade?
Tweet
Can kids keep bees?
They’re not exactly the most usual school pet, requiring considerable knowledge and skills, some specialist equipment, not to mention the careful handling – but the learning opportunities are as bountiful and delectable as the honey! Wyberton Primary Academy near Boston shows us how it’s done, with a little help from Willoughby Road Allotment Association. The… Continue reading Can kids keep bees?
Mrs Smith: a Low Waste Inspiration
Lincolnshire resident, Mrs Smith (1892-94) can teach us a huge amount about sustainable living, local food and minimising waste.
More about Mrs Smith’s life and home, by Sally Bird, Learning and Development Officer at Mrs Smith’s Cottage.
Four things I’ve learnt – and a question
1. Getting your hands dirty is transformative
2. The good food economy is a shared endeavour
3. Intergenerational friendship matters
4. Solidarity is on the rise
A question: What would we do differently if we no longer needed foodbanks?
