Welcome to Kingston Fairtrade Group
WHY A FAIRTRADE BOROUGH?
Despite our increasing prosperity the gap between rich and poor countries is unacceptable, with many African countries actually becoming poorer. A child dies through poverty every 3 seconds. In the longer term fair trade, with sustainable use of resources, is the only way that this gap can be closed.
The world trading system is constructed and controlled to give rich countries a continuing trading advantage. This must change. A great international movement is now growing from awareness of the hypocrisy and injustice inherent in the present situation. Campaigns like Make Poverty History are trying to change the conditions of world trade.
Whilst that battle goes on, Fairtrade (one word, capital F) has several purposes. We can use it as a 'plaster' on the wound of injustice to alleviate some of the damage by giving producers an opportunity to improve their circumstances. It also encourages retailers etc to take more note of ethical and environmental issues, as well as raising awareness of the importance of trade to poor countries. The Fairtrade Mark (top left) on products is the only independent consumer guarantee that producers in poor countries get a better deal. See What is Fairtrade?
Here in Kingston the local Peace and Justice Network (see About the Kingston group) decided in the Spring of 2004 to mobilise to try and make Kingston a Fairtrade Borough (achieved in March 2005, see News), and thereby make many more people aware of Fairtrade products and of the injustices of the present trading system.
What you will find on this website, and from its links, we hope will inform and inspire YOU to play a part in this important international movement.
Important links
Kingston upon Thames Fairtrade Directory
We hope that this directory will help you to find Fairtrade products in the borough of Kingston. The four areas of the borough used by Kingston Council for its neighbourhood committees are used here to give a general location, with a fuller address to the right.
This directory is regularly updated so we would be grateful if you would let us know about any new products you notice in shops or catering outlets in your area of Kingston. To do this, or for more information, please contact us.
NB: Not all brands or products may be available at all times. Information supplied by stores and shoppers.