The Harrogate District Action for the Environment Group is inviting members of the public to come to a talk on Fair Trade at their meeting at 7.30 pm Tuesday 7 June 2005 at the Council Offices in Harrogate.

 

Carmen Sawers, Manager of the Harrogate Fair Trade shop, will be giving a talk entitled 'Fair Trade and the Environment - how Fair Trade is good for people and the planet.'

 

This is the first step in a campaign aiming to gain Harrogate Fair Trade Town status which recognises a local commitment to Fair Trade products.

 

The Fair Trade principle ensures that farmers and other producers in poorer countries are paid a fair price for their products and a decent wage.  In 1994, when the Fair Trade Mark was introduced in the UK, the value of products sold was £2.7m. In 2004 the total value was over £140m in the UK, and around £500m worldwide, helping to improve the lives of some 5 million workers in 49 countries.

 

John Scullion, Chairman of the Action for the Environment Group said:  "Fair Trade products are becoming more widespread and many people are realising that Fair Trade helps get third world producers a fair deal.  This public meeting is a chance for people to find out more about Fair Trade and the benefits it has for individuals and the environment.  By becoming a Fair Trade town, Harrogate could help promote this fast growing concept in which the UK is the world leader."

 

Members of the public are invited to stay throughout the discussion on Fair Trade, which is expected to last about an hour.  ENDS

 

 

 

The aim of the Action for the Environment Group is to stimulate new projects and promote environmental issues particularly focusing on waste and recycling, energy, water waste, transport and the local environment. The group consists of representatives from local businesses, community groups, voluntary organisations, environmental interest groups and public sector organisations covering the Harrogate District