Fairtrade Fortnight aims to bring people together from a variety of backgrounds - including shop owners, customers and farmers - to promote awareness and sales of fairtrade products. Fairtrade products provide better prices, working conditions, and fairer trade to producers who work in developing countries. Often, choosing fairtrade products means helping these farmers, manufacturers or factory workers start a sustainable lifestyle and improve their economic and social position.



Organisers of Fairtrade Fortnight ask people from communities around the UK to promote fairtrade ideals to neighbours, family members and colleagues. Fairtrade Fortnight takes place annually between February and March, with a series of kick-off events in cities and towns normally planned.

Those hoping to delve into Fairtrade Fortnight are sure to find plenty of options available to them. Fairtrade products are often associated with food, and there are plenty of dishes and drinks that taste delicious and contain ingredients that are ethical. Cook up a delicious meal containing one of the thousands of fairtrade food products available, including chocolate, coffee, tea, spices and fruit. Those looking to buy their favourite tipple can even join in, as many beers, wines and liquors meet fairtrade standards.

And people are catching on - recent numbers from the Fairtrade Foundation have shown the value of fairtrade bananas sold in 2007 was ?150m, while coffee sold ?117m in that same time.

It's not only food that's deemed fairtrade. It's possible to find almost anything in fairtrade options, including flowers, clothing and even footballs. Since many fairtrade products are also good for the environment, you won't have to balance between eco friendly products and fairtrade ideals.

When it comes to fashion with a conscience, there are plenty of options to buy shirts, trousers and accessories made of organic, fairtrade cotton. Organic clothes are one great way to make a statement, and they're increasing in popularity. In 2007, fairtrade cotton saw ?34.8m in retail sales, making it a big player in the fairtrade economy.

What's more, consumers looking for fairtrade quality and standards should look for the Fairtrade Foundation logo on packaging and labels when shopping. Customers are also encouraged to ask shops to stock their favourite fairtrade and if they're not available. The Fairtrade Fortnight proves a beneficiary occasion for spreading the word of eco products, whilst further encouraging global change.

Daniel Collins writes on a number of topics on behalf of a digital marketing agency and a variety of clients. As such, this article is to be considered a professional piece with business interests in mind.