If you look closely when you’re walking through Ludlow town centre, you’ll notice that some of the shop windows are displaying a sticker depicting what looks a bit like a green, black and blue yin and yang. You’ll also notice that one of the flowerbeds in Castle Green is planted in the shape of this symbol. In fact, you’ll spot this little logo everywhere — on packaging, in churches, schools, coffee shops as well as retail outlets.
The Fairtrade logo in Ludlow’s Castle Gardens
Some of you may have seen this symbol before, and may wonder why it’s so important, particularly in a small, rural town like Ludlow.
First, a little bit about the Fairtrade Foundation. It is an international not-for-profit organisation and certification body that changes the way trade works through better prices, decent working conditions, environmental sustainability and a fairer deal for farmers and workers in developing countries. The Fairtrade logo is the only certification which explicitly guarantees all of these things — so when you choose products with the Fairtrade logo, you know you are contributing towards a fairer, more sustainable world.
Ludlow is a Fairtrade town, which means that as a town we’re committed to promoting Fairtrade and living out its values. Ludlow has its own dedicated Fairtrade Town Steering Group. In fact, it was the hard work of the group’s members that led to our town being awarded Fairtrade Town status in 2003. The Group is supported by the town council, schools, churches and local businesses.
Wesley’s Café at Ludlow Methodist Church supporting Fairtrade
The group also focuses attention on the wider issues of unfair international trade, joining with national campaigns working to change the rules that govern world trade in favour of, rather than against, poor people in the developing world.
Fairtrade is more than a passing fad, it’s a worldwide movement which has been officially in existence for 25 years, with values that have been a central part of society for millennia. We need everyone — including you — to help create a fairer world for everyone.
The great news is that you can start right here in Ludlow. Here’s how you can get involved:
- Look out for Ludlow’s Fairtrade shopping guide, which you can find in shops that stock Fairtrade goods, and support the businesses that are featured. There are over 20 years in Ludlow – Myriad, The Broad Bean, La Jewellery, Kaboodle to name a few. There are also a number of cafes serving fair trade beverages. These can be identified by the window sticker that I mentioned earlier.
- Ask local businesses to support Fairtrade
- If you own a business, think about how you can support Fairtrade through your service. You could sell Fairtrade products, use Fairtrade ingredients, promote Fairtrade in social spaces, advertisements and social media, or donate some of your profits to the cause.
- Volunteer to help staff Fairtrade and Traidcraft stalls and get involved in events and campaigns such as Fairtrade Fortnight
- Join the steering group, we always welcome new members and ideas
- Follow us on Twitter and Facebook – @FairtradeLudlow
