Fairtrade Fortnight helps area retain its status
Merton is celebrating being a Fairtrade borough for the second year in a row after being re-accredited with the Fairtrade status.
It first achieved the accolade last year after many years of work and campaigning to get the borough involved in all things Fairtrade.
The Fairtrade Merton Group, made up of local people, business and council representatives have had to achieve a number of targets to reach the goal this year, such as encouraging local business to stock Fairtrade products and workplaces around the borough to use Fairtrade products.
Merton’s group reported 13 more schools, seven further faith groups and three more local businesses joined the Fairtrade campaign this year. They also reported 19 more retail outlets were stocking Fairtrade products for customers.
Residents were also asked to join in the 'Big Swap' - an initiative congratulated by the Fairtrade Foundation. As part of Fairtrade Fortnight in February, the group made a giant teapot and designed their own tea bag pledges to capture local support for Fairtrade Fortnight.
The teapot went on a tour of the borough during the special fortnight, including schools, churches, Merton Borough Council, businesses and Wimbledon shopping centre. The group collected and logged 236 pledges during the teapot's tour of the borough.
Caroline Katiyo, Chair of the Fairtrade Merton Group said: "Re-gaining Merton’s status as a Fairtrade borough is really exciting and a credit to the commitment shown by everyone involved. By working together we really can make a difference and make people think about their choices."
June 18, 2010