Southampton Fair Trade Group

Local links

The Fair Trade Group is non-sectarian and aims to be inclusive of diversity. We co-operate in various ways with the organizations and bodies listed below. Although rooted in different perspectives (political, religious, commercial,educational) we all come together in a common concern for the principles of Fair Trade and Trade Justice.”

Southampton City Council

In 2003, when Southampton first begain aiming for Fairtrade City status, a Steering Group was set up including City Councillors, City Council Officers and members of what was then the Southampton Fairtrade City Group. A Steering Group still meets to maintain that status, and the City Council has also supported such Southampton Fair Trade Group activities as our Fair Trade Markets, the publication of the Fairtrade directory, Christmas markets in the Civic Centre, and displays about Fair Trade in City Libraries and the Civic Centre.

http://www.southampton.gov.uk/living/sustainablelife/fairtrade.aspx

The Cooperative Group

We believe in social responsibility and self help, so we want a better deal for growers and producers in developing countries. This is why we stock Fairtrade products in all our stores, in fact in more shops than anyone else. As well as being beneficial for the grower, Fairtrade products usually offer the consumer a better quality including fewer pesticides and more organic cultivation techniques.

www.co-operative.co.uk/food

The Fair Trade Shop

was set up to help promote Fair Trade in the Southampton and neighbouring areas. It provides a central place where customers can buy a large range of fairly traded products, grown and crafted by producers from around the world. We offer a popular 'Sale or Return' service for groups, churches, and special events. To learn more about us and other services we offer why not visit us at

www.thefairtradeshop.org.uk

Vandanamu Fair Trade

imports and sells textile and wood products from South East India. The focus of this enterprise is the fishing village of Chinna Mudaliar Chavadi, near Pondicherry, which was devastated by the tsunami. Here Vandanamu set up a sewing unit, Sathya Handicrafts, to provide training and livelihood for survivors. They mostly make screen-printed cotton bags, now sold in the UK, Jersey and France. Vandanamu also supports Venkateswara Wood Products, an extended-family business in the same village which makes bowls, spoons and puzzles from acacia wood. With their Fair Trade Premiums and substantial donations, these woodworkers have built a two-story workshop, which now also houses the sewing unit.

For further details see www.vandanamu.co.uk

"Vandanamu", pronounced with the stress on the "da", is a Sanskrit greeting meaning "Your arrival has brought us joy"

October Books

A not-for-profit co-operative bookshop in Portswood selling both alternative and mainstream literature, fair-trade/organic food, environmental products and greeting cards. Also has a free community board and occasionally local petitions/campaigns.

www.octoberbooks.org/fairtrade.htm

Southampton Solent University

is grateful for the assistance of the Southampton Fair Trade Group in helping them to achieve Fairtrade University status. The University is pleased to support the group in their events and activities, where possible, in order to continue the promotion of Fair Trade throughout the City.

www.solent.ac.uk/csr/fairtrade/fairtradepolicy.aspx

University of Southampton

has had Fairtrade Status since April 2006. Fairtrade products are available in all university catering outlets and the university is continually finding ways to expand its Fairtrade range. This includes Fairtrade vending machines on campus and the development of the HELO (healthy, ethical, local, organic) food range. For more details on Fairtrade at the university visit

www.catering.soton.ac.uk/fair_trade/index.html