Islington Council's Executive Member for Environment Cllr Lucy Watt is calling on Islington's consumers to "Make the switch" in their shopping habits and help get a better deal for producers in the developing world. <br><br>Cllr Watt said: "Sometimes it's hard to imagine how the products we choose to buy in the supermarket here can have a big impact on communities overseas. But if you buy goods marked with the Fairtrade logo, you can guarantee producers will be getting a better deal."<br><br>Fairtrade Fortnight's (26/2 - 11/3/07) theme this year is 'Change Today - Buy Fairtrade'. It encourages people to make the switch to buying Fairtrade products - giving thousands of producers in developing countries the chance to build a better future and to compete in global markets. <br><br>To celebrate Islington's Fairtrade status and make it even easier for Islington's shoppers to buy Fairtrade products, a market will be held at the N1 Centre, Angel, on Saturday 10 March from 9am - 4pm. <br><br>There's a chance to buy Fairtrade-marked produce from stall holders, find out more about Fairtrade products and how to get involved. <br><br>Islington became the 200th Fairtrade town in the UK in July 2006, following work by Islington Council's Fairtrade Steering Group to get local shops to stock Fairtrade goods and inform people about what they can buy.<br><br>Cllr Watt commented: "We are working hard to retain our Fairtrade town status by ensuring Fairtrade goods are stocked by local shops and encouraging residents to buying them. <br><br>"Most people think of tea and coffee when they think of Fairtrade, but actually there is a huge range of products available, from bananas to roses to biscuits. Supporting these products in our local shops helps to create stronger communities in the producer countries."<br><br>To become a Fairtrade town, Islington Council had to achieve five goals:<br><br>*To pass a council resolution to ensure Fairtrade tea, coffee and other products are used<br>*A range of Fairtrade products must be available in local shops<br>*Fairtrade products must be used by a number of local work places<br>*To attract support for the campaign<br>*To set up a local Fairtrade Steering Group to ensure ongoing commitment<br><br>Find out more about where you can buy Fairtrade products in Islington by going to: www.islington.gov.uk/fairtrade<br><br>Ends
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009