Positive changes through sustainable, fair consumption ...
What do the ducks in the BabyCenter, the orange juice in the nursing home and the chocolate tasting for city employees have in common? These are examples of how Fairtrade Towns are gradually converting their consumption to fair trade and "seducing" their population to sustainable consumption. Take part. It always starts with one person...
... in the textile industry | Due to an initiative of Swiss Fair Trade, Fashion Revolution Switzerland and ecos, representatives of labels, manufacturers, NGOs, consulting firms and the state meet twice a year in the Lihn Hotel on the Kerenzerberg to discuss and implement measures and solutions for more sustainability in the textile industry. This year the "Kerenzerberg Charter on Sustainable Textiles" was adopted, which is a call for responsible and conscious action with the goal of a sustainable Swiss textile and clothing industry. It consists of three general principles (transparency, circular economy, demand promotion) and includes points on three sustainability dimensions (environment, social affairs, economy).
Read here the Kerenzerberg Charter on Sustainable Textiles
... in Swiss cities and towns | With a focus on fair trade, municipalities and towns can be awarded "Fair Trade Town" status. For this they must meet 5 criteria, whereby local businesses, restaurants, cafés, schools and institutions are involved and the population is sensitised. In Switzerland there are already 10 Fair Trade Towns and 13 more are on their way there. Anyone can give the first impetus, decide for fair trade products and improve the living conditions of the producers.
What has changed in Gossau? | In addition to the fact that numerous plants in Gossau meet the basic requirements of the FTTG, a lot has changed as a result of local involvement in the organisations. The city administration, as well as the retirement homes Espel and Schwalbe can now do without PET bottles and the Gymnasium Friedberg only serves tap water in the cafeteria. The PHSG also dispenses entirely with plastic cups and has purchased an electric car for the courier services. But not only public institutions and schools are taking part, Haustechnik AG is also saving 17 tons of paper thanks to targeted catalog shipping and Bistro Witenwis shows that the catering trade can also function without food waste. These examples show how the initial commitment of an individual can ultimately lead to many positive and decisive changes, which affirm our commitment to sustainable and fair consumption.
What is fair consumption? | By consuming Fair Trade products you support a trade partnership that is based on dialogue, transparency and respect and strives for more justice in international trade. In other words, it is about long-term trade relations based on partnership, fair and transparent prices to ensure existence, compliance with environmental and social standards and regular review of these requirements. This is to ensure, among other things, that you do not support human rights violations or environmental pollution when purchasing Fair Trade products.
Lesen Sie mehr zur Wirkung von Fair Trade.
What you can do | With the Fair Trade Town award, the commitment of a city or municipality to fair trade becomes visible. Each individual can make a contribution:
- Inquire at your favourite restaurant whether Fair Trade products are used and wear it hier in the profile of your municipality.
- Introduce Fair Trade coffee and tea in the office and tell your colleagues about the importance of Fair Trade products. You can also register your company on the website.
- Directly contact representatives of politics. For example, ask a friend who is active in politics and motivate him to submit a motion to Fair Trade Town.
- Subscribe to Newsletter from Fair Trade Town to be informed about Fair Trade news.
