Eco vs Fairtrade

Gayle · 29-02-2008, 21:34

I'm in a bit of a pickle about this one!

I like to think I'm fairly eco friendly - I recycle and I try my best not to use things that have a big carbon footprint.

But - I also like the idea of Fairtrade, in that people in underdeveloped countries get a fair wage.

Underdeveloped countries are clearly a long way away - which means that anything that is Fairtrade has a big carbon footprint and therefore not eco friendly.

So what should I do? Stick to my eco ethics or eat the Fairtrade chocolate?

andrewb · 29-02-2008, 22:07

Well if you take fairtrade coffee doesn't it need to come a long way anyway?

cashman · 29-02-2008, 22:31

well if the people in underveloped countries got a fair wage,maybe,just maybe some industry would return to the U.K. n that would never do.

garinda · 29-02-2008, 23:53

The Adam Smith Institute published a report this week, claiming that Fairtrade is really just a marketing ploy, with most of the profit still going to the retailer, and that in some parts of the world Freetrade is actually helping keep people in poverty.

Fairtrade fails to tackle poverty, report says - Telegraph

Not saying I agree, but thought it an intersting slant.

garinda · 01-03-2008, 00:14

Since the harvest of coffee and cocoa beans in Lancashire is never too good, I think whatever chocolate you decide to buy, it is going to increase your carbon footprint.

Better to just lay back, and enjoy a Flake moment.

grannyclaret · 01-03-2008, 00:23

Marks & Sparks , fair trade coffee is excellent..never had any chocolate

pipinfort · 01-03-2008, 07:44

Why not mix and match the both, buy eco friendly cleaning products for example and buy fairtrade tea, coffee and obviously chocolate etc....thats what we try to do.

steeljack · 01-03-2008, 07:55

my problem with fair trade is seeing fish for sale marked as 'product of Zimbabwee' and its cheaper than the local supply when the folks in Zimbabwee don't have the proverbial pot to **** in ........somethings wrong somewhere.

onlyme · 01-03-2008, 08:09

I prefer to out my money into something where i know where its going, I sponsor a cambodian orphan, and for quite a small monthly amount, I can ensure she goes to school, has adequate food and has a roof over her head and clothes to wear. Hopefully it will also mean she manages to avoid the appauling sex trade that is rife over there.

She is able to write to me and send photos, and i can send additional things over to her (toiletries, clothes toys etc) and she is also monitored by French Charity workers to make sure she is ok.

Yes, it in only one person I am helping, but I have the security of knowing that my money is not being used in the wrong manner

entwisi · 01-03-2008, 09:37

Ipointed this out myself. We had a "Fairtrade Fortnight" where they came in with samples and to increase the knowledge of fairtrade. The coffee was harvested in Kenya, shipped to belgium for roasting and back to S Africa for packing before being brought to teh UK for sale.

When I pointed out the farmer got tuppence ha'penny more but its done more miles than my Volvo

WillowTheWhisp · 01-03-2008, 14:21

I'm a bit dubious about Fair Trade too when the stuff has to travel hither and yon before it reaches us, but for things that would do that anyway we might as well opt for the fair trade version. I go for eco friendly with washing products etc.

I know this is slightly off on a tangent but a couple of months ago we got to hear about an organisation called Kiva which is a sort of charity with a difference. When you donate money you can choose which individual you wish to help, but the money is only loaned to them and they pay it back into your Kiva account so you can then use it over and over again to help different people. It sounds llike a great idea and even a small amount can help because it gets pooled together with other 'donations'.

Neil · 01-03-2008, 14:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by garinda

Better to just lay back, and enjoy a Flake moment.

Who are you suggesting flakes it?

grannyclaret · 01-03-2008, 14:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by onlyme

I prefer to out my money into something where i know where its going, I sponsor a cambodian orphan, and for quite a small monthly amount, I can ensure she goes to school, has adequate food and has a roof over her head and clothes to wear. Hopefully it will also mean she manages to avoid the appauling sex trade that is rife over there.

She is able to write to me and send photos, and i can send additional things over to her (toiletries, clothes toys etc) and she is also monitored by French Charity workers to make sure she is ok.

Yes, it in only one person I am helping, but I have the security of knowing that my money is not being used in the wrong manner

That sounds like a great idea, My son sponcers two guide dogs for the blind, and he really feels like his money is going where he can see it being used

onlyme · 02-03-2008, 15:36

well for 16.50 a month, which is the equivalent of a mans average wage over there, it doesnt really make a huge difference to me, but a hell of a major one to her!

keetah992000 · 02-03-2008, 16:46

the fairtrade 70% cocoa chocalate is lovely - still that really dark taste but without the lasting bitterness - quite addictive ( i bought it for baking but it never made it to the top of the cheesecake lol)