by Andrew Williams |
April 22, 2015
|
An interesting, challenging and depressing article in the Guardian this week reports on trouble at the top of the Co-operative Group. An argument has broken out between activists in the movement keen to see the Co-op take a proactive role in promoting Fairtrade, and the board, who argue that going too far will make the group unprofitable.
It's an old argument but one that seems particularly relevant in the run up to the UK General Election where we've seen a race to occupy the centre ground. Should the Co-op be driven by market forces, or should it be attempting to forge its own path through choppy economic waters? You might be unsurprised to read that I think the Co-op should take the bolder route on Fairtrade, but I also believe there are strong financial reasons for doing so.
Fundamentally, I believe that consumers respond to fairness. We've seen this in the way that the Fairtrade mark has established itself as one of the most widely recognised consumer labels, but I believe it goes deeper than that. I think there is actually a gap in the market for a supermarket to take a stand and say "We are charging a fair price for this product - will you support us?" And this doesn't have to be something that benefits only traditional Fairtrade markets like chocolate, coffee or bananas. For example, there are attempts to make the milk industry fairer, as opposed to the situation at the moment where dairy farmers are earning a pittance.
I believe that if the Co-operative took a stronger stand on this fundamental issue of fairness they could actually attract more customers. Of course some buyers will base their decisions purely on price, and that's their prerogative. But I hope and believe there would be enough conscious consumers to support a business based on fairness rather than profit - indeed, up until now, I've always though that the Co-op was that business. Let's hope the present board doesn't sacrifice their decades-old principles for short term gain.
Tagged:
cooperative group,
election 2015,
fair trade,
fairtrade
by Andrew Williams |
April 15, 2015
|
While we were in Atlanta this January meeting our friends from Mata Traders we also bumped into a new supplier - Refugee Beads. This remarkable little project helps to support the refugee community in Georgia, offering them employment as well as providing activities such as after-school clubs for children.
We loved the story but we were completely captivated by the actual products - delicate earrings alongside chunky necklaces with a sense of humour and fun. We placed an order on the spot!
We only have a small collection of Refugee Products available right now but hope to get more once we see which ones are popular. Let us know what you think! Here's Andrew with the Refugee Beads team.
Tagged:
atlanta ga,
fair trade,
fair trade jewellery,
fair trade style,
fairtrade,
Mata Traders,
refugee beads
by Andrew Williams |
April 12, 2015
|
We love rabbits. You probably know that already. And while we're not named after an actual rabbit, we are always thinking of ways to look out for our furry namesakes.
We were therefore delighted to read (via Country Living) that the Mammal Society has begun a project to map rabbits, hares and other countryside creatures via a new smart phone app. The app features clever hints and tips to allow you to recognise the different animals living in your local area, and even allows you to play clips of their calls to make your identification. The project is starting in the south east, with the aim of eventually rolling out across the country.
Mammals such as rabbits, squirrels, hedgehogs and foxes are an integral part of our ecosystem. and any change in their numbers can have a knock on effect to other animals.
If you spot any rabbits in your local area, take a snap and we'll features them on our Twitter account!
Tagged:
fair trade,
fairtrade,
mammal society,
rabbits
by Andrew Williams |
April 07, 2015
|
In exactly a month Britain will go to the polls to decide who will form our next government. Already it looks like the electoral arithmetic may take some sorting out. But how will the election affect fair trade? And what questions should we be asking our prospective candidates?
The Fairtrade Foundation have come to the rescue with this handy guide which not only summarises the current state of play but also suggests useful questions you could ask candidates at hustings events.
While "fair trade" may seem like a niche area, it's really just a part of what will probably be the biggest battleground during the election - the economy. Do we want an economy that is fairer, greener and future proof? Or one which is based on exploitation, dwindling fossil fuel reserves and a race to the bottom? That may sound like a loaded question, but the stakes couldn't be higher.
Tagged:
election 2015,
fair trade,
fairtrade
by Andrew Williams |
April 01, 2015
|
We are often asked why we are called Eighteen Rabbit, and it has been suggested to us many times in the past that we could consider selling ethical rabbit wool products. We are delighted to announce today that these dreams are soon to become a reality.
Our shop at Hay Castle is at the centre of redevelopment plans for the Castle site as a whole, and in consultation with the architects we have agreed an ambitious plan to branch out into commercial rabbit fur farming - on a strictly ethical and cruelty free basis.
Angora rabbits will be housed in special runs in the upper floors of Hay Castle, allowing them to roam "free range" around the Castle ramparts. Special feeding stations will be built into the castle walls. Current estimates are that there is sufficient space within the Castle site for us to comfortably house 120 well cared for, well fed rabbits. Each rabbit will produce approximately 2kg of pure angora wool each year, allowing us to produce ethical rabbit wool garments right here in Wales.
At the end of their working lives, the rabbits will be "retired" to the Warren to live out their days roaming free along the river bank.
Full plans for the Castle hutches will be available shortly from Rick Mather Architects. We hope to begin production of angora wool clothing - starting with "Make Trade Fair or the Bunny Gets It" Christmas jumpers - within the next six months.
One of the angora rabbits that will soon move in to Hay Castle.
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Please note this story is strictly embargoed until April 1st, 2015.
Tagged:
fair trade,
Hay Castle,
rabbits
