Fairtrade and Sustainable Development
Globally, trends like climate breakdown with its furious impacts particularly for the vulnerable; persistent poverty for tens of millions of farmers caused by consistently low prices for commodities; the grossest abuses of human rights such as slavery being at historically high levels, all sit uncomfortably side by side with increasing opportunities and choices for ourselves and hundreds of millions of others.
The contrasting lives, between the haves and have nots, are ever more visible to us all. “Fairtrade’s goals are deeply intertwined with the sustainable development goals. In Ireland we are focusing on 5 Goals, by supporting Fairtrade you and your organisation are making a strong commitment at a local level and at a global level, Fairtrade works with governments, NGOs, commercial partners and other actors on key areas including living income and living wage, climate change, and human rights. Fairtrade is also extending the way it engages with companies that are increasingly working towards sustainable supply chains.
Read More about Fairtrade and Sustainable Development Goals
Progress with Fairtrade
Fairtrade has combined a social movement with a business proposition to help the world’s poorest farmers achieve sustainable livelihoods. Fairtrade brings together thousands of communities and millions of consumers who are committed to buying sustainably from Fairtrade sources, improving the lives of farmers and workers alike. In Fairtrade we are making a small but growing contribution to help improve the circumstances of over 1.7 million people around the world.
Globally, the extra money earned by farmers and workers in producing countries grew by 19% in 2017 to reach €178 million.
Locally, through the support of Irish companies and people, the value of Fairtrade sales in 2017 increased by 26% – the highest growth rate in the world!
And Personally, that consumer spending in Ireland amounted to €342 million in 2017.Thanks to millions of people, in Ireland and internationally, Fairtrade is making real differences for people, the environment and the planet.
The United Nations and Sustainable Development
On a far larger scale, the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent humanities best ambition to address the issues of persistent poverty, environmental degradation and out of control climate change. And all of us will be required to make significant changes in our behaviours and in our choices if we are to succeed in reaching the Goals by 2030.
Read More Here https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/
Fairtrade and SDGs in Ireland
Create Fairtrade – invites us all to use our imagination so as to contribute to a just transition in the achievement of the SDGs. In Ireland we are focussing on the Fairtrade Five SDGs that ask us to:
SGD 1. Leave no one behind and eradicate poverty by 2030.
SGD 5. Respond to the very deep gender discrimination that continues to impair women and girls lives.
SGD 8. Do this with sustainable economic development, providing decent work for all.
SGD 12. Recognise that responsible production and consumption is the only trading model that can ensure adequate respect for people and the environment.
SGD 13. Incorporate the dramatic carbon reductions required to ensure we keep global warming within manageable levels.
Support Sustainability In Practice
In these links, you will find some practical ways to Create Fairtrade –
With the Irish Government because they are one of the biggest spenders in Ireland and by asking them for a Fair and Green Procurement Policy
https://www.fairtrade.ie/get-involved/current-campaigns/
With Irish retailers – because only 9% of bananas sold in Ireland are Fairtrade
https://www.fairtrade.ie/get-involved/current-campaigns/
In Schools Join The Fairtrade Five and Support the Sustainable Development Goals
https://www.fairtrade.ie/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/CPSE-Create-Fairtrade-Guide.pdf
In Colleges – by making your campus a Fairtrade College
https://www.fairtrade.ie/get-involved/fairtrade-colleges/
In our Workplaces – because it’s a great way to increase the volume of Fairtrade coffee, tea and other products that are sold
https://www.fairtrade.ie/get-involved/fairtrade-at-work/how-to-become-a-fairtrade-workplace/