Buying fairly traded goods such as tea, coffee, sugar and other products is the simplest way. By doing so it sends a message to the producers and shows that we care. It also means that we act locally and think globally. Even a small purchase can make the difference; regular support can help people work their way out of poverty.
Find out where you can get Fairtrade goods in Ipswich.
The Ipswich Fairtrade Town steering group is a voluntary group and would not be able to keep the campaign active without the dedication and help of volunteers. We welcome new people to join from all sections of the community so if you would like to join or to get involved and help make Ipswich a great Fairtrade Town please email us on fairtrade@ipswich.gov.uk
If you are a Retailer
If you are a retailer currently stocking and selling Fairtrade products in the Ipswich area please get in touch with us and we will add your shop or business on to the list. Promote the fact that Fairtrade goods are for sale. Please email your details and the products supplied to fairtrade@ipswich.gov.uk.
If you are thinking of stocking Fairtrade goods we can point you in the right direction. For more information please email your details to fairtrade@ipswich.gov.uk or log onto www.fairtrade.org.uk (opens in a new window).
If you are a consumer
Buying Fairtrade goods is the simplest action that you can take. Even a small purchase can begin to make a difference. If your usual shop, stockist, coffee bar or restaurant does not stock Fairtrade products ask the manager if they would do so. Write to their head office if necessary.
Encourage your friends and family to include Fairtrade goods on the shopping list. Invite them to taste food and drinks with the Fairtrade Mark.
Arrange a Fairtrade coffee or tea break in your place of work, community group or church. Ask your company to support Fairtrade in the workplace and highlight Fairtrade fortnight on your notice board.
Sign up for the Fairtrade free newsletter at www.fairtrade.org.uk (opens in a new window). If you are planning a Fairtrade activity make sure the local Press knows and let the Ipswich Fairtrade Town steering group know too. You can post details to Fairtrade Ipswich, 1st Floor West, Grafton House, Ipswich IP1 2DE.
At school, ask teachers if you can organise a talk on Fairtrade or run a Fairtrade Friday event. Ask the school to agree to serve Fairtrade tea and coffee and other products at school functions. You can order a Schools Action Guide - Make Your School Fairtrade Friendly from the Co-op Member Education Centre, 11 Fore Street, Ipswich. Tel: 01473 280316.
Download further information at www.fairtrade.org.uk (opens in a new window). You can also get information on Fairtrade by visiting the East of England Co-op website (opens in a new window).
Jane Cornish, one of the Directors of the Fairtrade Shop in Ipswich, said she was "amazed how the product of one small coffee bean could arouse such emotion in people. With over 32 billion cups of coffee drunk worldwide and with coffee produced in over 40 different countries drinking Fairtrade coffee was no longer a sacrifice, Fairtrade was worth getting passionate about."