The Solihull Fairtrade Trail gets underway this weekend, showcasing eye-catching artwork from school pupils who have worked hard to shine a light on the importance of Fairtrade on communities around the world. From Saturday 18 February to Sunday 5 March, the artwork will be on display in well-known shops in Solihull town centre. Everyone is invited to take part and complete the Fairtrade quiz which is available to download from the Council website.
This year’s theme is ‘Choose Fairtrade now to save the future of our favourite foods’. The artwork reflects the importance of supporting Fairtrade products which are increasingly being affected by the impacts of climate change.
First established in 1992, the Fairtrade Mark is a certification that aims to ensure a set of standards are met in the production and supply of a product. For farmers and workers, Fairtrade means workers’ rights, safer working conditions and fairer pay. For shoppers it means high quality, ethically produced products. Solihull was awarded Fairtrade Borough status in 2010, which was renewed in 2018.
Each year at the end of February and beginning of March, Fairtrade Fortnight takes place across the UK and several other countries. The chief aim of the event is to spread awareness of the Fairtrade movement and Fairtrade products. It encourages consumers to reflect on their own shopping choices and consider the ethical and environmental implications of the products they purchase.
The Solihull Fairtrade Trail once again is set to be one of the biggest Fairtrade awareness campaigns locally. This year there are 12 locations taking part in the town centre. Once you’ve got your trail map and question sheet, you need to visit all 12 spots and learn the answers by searching the shop windows. Everything you need to take part is available online, and question sheets will be available in the Children’s Library at the CORE during the event. Don’t forget to share your progress with the hashtag #FairtradeSolihull on social media!
Councillor Andy Mackiewicz, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, Planning and Housing, said:
“Echoing the central message from the Fairtrade Foundation, this year the Solihull Fairtrade Trail has been designed to bring home the reality that Fairtrade products such as coffee, bananas and chocolate could soon be much more difficult to buy. The threat of climate change and increasing severity of natural disasters is making crops like this harder and harder to grow. However, by choosing Fairtrade, we can give extra income, power and support to those threatened communities.
“I’d like to thank all of the school pupils who created these fantastic pieces of art, helping to vividly bring to life the topical issues surrounding Fairtrade and climate change. They can be really proud of themselves for making sure Fairtrade is visible all over Solihull town centre. Good luck to all those taking part in the Solihull Fairtrade Trail over the next couple of weeks!”
If you would like to learn more about what Solihull Council is doing to combat climate change and create a more sustainable borough, sign up to receive updates or take a look at the Your Future Solihull webpages.