Traidcraft Bulletin - August 2021

TRAIDCRAFT'S HUGE SUMMER SALE

SUMMER H O L I D AY ACTIVITIES FOR THE KIDS

ORGANIC, FA I R T R A D E MILK IN OUR C H O C O L AT E

T R A I D C R A F T S H O P. C O . U K

AUGUST 2021

IN THIS ISSUE...

2-3 INTRO PAGES 4-5 6

T RAIDCRAFT'S HUGE SUMMER SALE

S UMMER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

7-9 P RODUCT UPDATE 10-11 FIGHTING INJUSTICE FOR ALMOST FOUR DECADES JENNY MEDHURT'S STORY 12-13 O RGANIC, FAIR TRADE MILK IN OUR CHOCOLATE 14-15 T RAIDCRAFT EXCHANGE UPDATE

BEST ECO TOILET PAPER 2021 Country Living have been putting ecotoilet paper through its paces over the past few months, and Traidcraft’s bestselling loo roll came out on top!

They put each toilet paper through a series of tests examining how well the tissues tear along their perforations, how absorbent they are, and how strong they remain when wet. Spoiler alert: ours scored very well in the absorbency stakes!

They also took into account what the loo rolls are made of, how they are packaged and where they are manufactured.

Finally, they consulted with a panel of testers to get their verdicts on how soft the toilet paper is, their likes, dislikes and whether they’d buy it or recommend it.

FAIRTRADE IN SCHOOLS St Michael's Primary School learning about the importance of Fairtrade!

Thanks for sharing your photos with us!

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Why not read their full review below.

READ FULL REVIEW

CARBON-FREE DPD!

We are proud to work with DPD. As you probably already know, for any of your orders which exceed 2kg, they are our courier of choice. Apart from their flexible, user-friendly service for both shippers and shoppers, we choose to work with DPD as their green policies are very much aligned with our own.

Double Olympic and nine times world champion track cyclist, Victoria Pendleton, has officially opened DPD's new eco-depot, in Bicester, Oxfordshire - the most sustainable facility in the firm's UK network to-date.

On her visit to the eco-depot, Victoria was given a tour of the new 60,000sq ft, low energy and zero carbon design building which will, when operational, deliver a 40% reduction in carbon emissions. There are 517 solar panels and air source heat pumps - in fact, it’s the greenest and most sustainable depot in the entire DPD network.

Earlier this year, DPD announced the launch of its 25-25-25 strategy that will see DPD deliver only using all-electric vehicles in 25 cities based throughout the UK by 2025. 10 of those were achieved this year, with Oxford being one.

Just another reason we love working with DPD! If you’d like to know more about Traidcraft’s commitment to the planet, you can do so here.

Friends, I hope you are having a wonderful summer full of sunshine, family and fair trade.

To celebrate, we will be hosting a BBQ themed end of summer Zoom Party for all Fairtraders. I will be throwing some meat and veggies on the BBQ, donning some loud shorts and maybe sip a glass or two of lemonade and hope you will be able to join me. We will have a prize for the best-looking burger on call, a summer quiz, hear the latest from PLC and TX and chance to catch up with other Fairtraders across the country. There are two opportunities to join in the fun. To sign up for this Zoom experience, click on one of the links below.

Friday 20th August 2021 6:30pm – 8pm

SIGN UP Saturday 21st August 2021 10am – 12pm

SIGN UP Look forward to seeing you all then.

Happy fair trading, Matt

TRAIDCRAFT’S ECO-CREDENTIALS traidcraftshop.co.uk

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If you haven’t already shopped our sale, now is the time!

With reductions of up to 75%, you really do not want to miss out on your ethical favourites.

SHOP SALE FASHION

SHOP SALE HOME & GARDEN

SHOP SALE GIFTS

As always, our supply chains have been paid in full.

These discounts are completely on us.

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SHOP SALE CHRISTMAS

See our website for further reductions!

10353

10279

10320

10261

55826

63440

56242

10235

10267

REMEMBER, WE'VE REDUCED OUR MINIMUM ORDER VALUE FOR FREE DELIVERY OFFER ENDS AUGUST 31 st - T&C'S APPLY

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Activities SUMMER HOLIDAY

Psst, we’re downloadable and 100% free!

DOWNLOAD NOW

If you’re looking for something to keep little ones entertained this summer, why not make use of some of our fun, fair traderelated resources.

From colouring in sheets, to nature bingo and even some fair trade facts they can take back to school with them – get them involved here. Check out our website for more.

DOWNLOAD NOW

H E FORTNIG FA I R T R A D

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HANG C L IM A T E C 1

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E E D IT IO N

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Don’t forget your coloured pencils!

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1. This is

DOWNLOAD NOW

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Answers

Keep them out of mischief by getting them to complete this climate change crossword!

Why not make it interesting by having fair trade prizes for the quickest to fill it in.

10 fair trade facts you might not have known.

See how many your little ones can remember!

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n g mountai AC RO SS , shrinkin d changes in sea levels an 4. Rising icecaps melting es are all glaciers, plant blooming tim d flower an 6) what? (7, rces to results of ed resou d replenish t, wind, an naturally as sunligh energy? (9) ch 8. Using su of ergy, create en own as what sort kn water, is bon es, 3. Car ouse Gas l, 2. Greenh 5. Neutra 1. Coal, Change, 4. Climate ewable Dioxide, fuel, 8. Ren nt, 7. Bio 6. Footpri

sil fuel. (4) ple of a fos er an exam r and oth the ter vapo thane, wa radiation to enter xide, me dio solar n (10,5) ow rbo all 2. Ca se gases? e gases the ad ll ca n-m we huma this . What do of ere re ph mo ding atmos we are ad (6,7) as CO2. sil fuels, rning fos ere. Also known 3. By bu 2 is atmosph se of CO try into the net relea no coun is or re y an the _. A comp like planting ss where 5. A proce being carbon ___ setting, off as n n rbo ow ca kn ve this by can achie r own as ou trees. (7) emit is kn rbon we ount of ca 6. The am es, _? (9) ical sourc d log carbon ___ bio able, ne, an m renew sugar ca derived fro ch as maize and 7. A fuel su crops including ste. (7) ms of wa some for

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Product Update from Kirsty & Lizy THOUGHT CLOTHING NEW STOCK IN NOW! Here are just a small selection of the new fashion, now in stock and available to buy! Has anything caught your eye?

Thought Children's Bamboo and Organic Cotton Blend Rainbow Socks in Gift Box Pack of Seven £29.95 Size 2-3 Years 10682 Size 4-6 Years 10683 Size 7-9 Years 10684

Thought Bamboo and Organic Cotton Blend Zambaco Patterned Leggings £29.95 Thought Women's Organic Cotton Mid Wash Blue Straight Jeans £89.95 Size 10 10586 Size 12 10587

Size 10 10610 Size 12 10611

Size 14 10612 Size 16 10613

Thought Fairtrade and 100% Organic Cotton Atlantic Blue T-Shirt £32.95 Size 10 10594 Size 12 10595

Size 14 10596 Size 16 10597

Size 14 10588 Size 16 10589

One Pair of mass-produced, non-sustainable jeans: uses approximately 25 litres of water in its production. 1 Pair of Thought jeans: uses approximately 8 litres of water in its production.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg…

See our autumn/winter catalogue for all the information you could possibly need, on why these jeans are the most sustainable option you could wish for in your wardrobe!

Thought 100% Recycled Zambaco Patterned Umbrella 10622 £17.95

Thought 100% Recycled Zambaco Patterned Shopper Bag 10623 £9.95 traidcraftshop.co.uk

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Product Update from Kirsty & Lizy

Thought Bamboo and Organic Cotton Blend Dashka Slacks £44.95 Small 10590 Medium 10591

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Thought Bamboo and Organic Cotton Blend Zambaco Patterned Tunic Dress £49.95

Size 10 10598 Size 12 10599

Size 10 10606 Size 12 10607

Size 14 10600 Size 16 10601

Size 14 10608 Size 16 10609

Large 10592 XL 10593

Thought Organic Cotton Blend Leggings £27.95 Size 10 10614 Size 12 10615

Thought Bamboo and Organic Cotton Blend Isobel Batwing Sleeve Striped Top £39.95

Size 14 10616 Size 16 10617

Thought 100% ECOVERO™ Drawing Scarf in Gift Box 10624 £24.95

Thought Women's Organic Cotton Blend Rainbow Socks 10630 £6.95

Thought Women's Bamboo and Organic Cotton Blend Velma Bicycle Socks in Gift Bag 10626 £12.95

Thought Women's Bamboo and Organic Cotton Blend Delphie Afternoon Tea Socks - Pack of Two 10627 £12.95

SHOP ALL NEW FASHION

BIO-D PRICE INCREASE Unfortunately, we are having to increase the prices of our Bio-D range. The price increase is due to our suppliers at Bio-D increasing the amount we pay for their products.

Bio-D have done this as their ethical, raw materials have increased in price due to the changes in importing requirements following Brexit, as well as their packaging costs increasing, with demand outstripping supply. The price increases on the products range from 1% to a maximum of 11%. We hope you understand and that this does not deter you from shopping their trustworthy, eco-friendly and hypoallergenic range.

SHOP BIO-D

JUST5 UPDATE Just5 bars are soon to go up in price (from £0.90 to £1.25 for singles), and the case size is changing from 24 to 18. This is due to a supplier increase, with supplier informing us that it was unfortunately no longer cost effective for them to sell at the price they have been. We still have limited numbers of 24 pack cases remaining, so if you want to stock up whilst they’re still at their lower price, now is the time.

SHOP JUST5 traidcraftshop.co.uk

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Image via Darlington & Stockton Times, Jenny pictured far right.

F IG HT I NG INJU STICE FOR OVE R F OU R DE C ADES : JENNY MEDHURST’S STORY

This month’s shout out has to go to Jenny Medhurst, an inspirational woman, passionately part of the fair trade movement. A fighter for justice and equality for all, Jenny has done so much good for Traidcraft over the years. Her involvement with fair trade spans over four decades, and it is our privilege to share just some of her many highlights with you.

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While studying for her PGCE, Jenny taught in Nigeria and joined the World Development Movement (WDM), which campaigns for global justice.

After two years with the Voluntary Service Overseas teaching in Malaysia, Jenny returned to a teaching job in Middlesbrough, becoming a member of the Ashram community, a Christian group which commits to putting faith into action.

“Fairtrade is such a simple and powerful way to change lives. It brings dignity, self esteem and empowerment, especially for women and just by swapping what we shop!”

"Traidcraft has shown that it is possible to make trade work for the poor, and Traidcraft Exchange campaigns to transform the way UK trade works and for better business practices."

“Farmers don't want charity – just to be paid a fair price for what they grow, and surely there's no question of doing any other?

And it's critical now that they are on the frontline of the climate crisis, so that they can adapt and protect themselves and the planet – our shared home.”

A visit to the Middlesbrough Ashram House in 1978 by Konathu John, a 'Dalith missionary in reverse' from India, inspired Jenny to visit him in Kerala and see how landless labourers were being helped to understand their rights, improve their income and take more control of their lives. She came back to Britain with screwpine fibre placemats they had made, just at the time that Traidcraft started and became one of the first reps – number 007.

Jenny met her husband, Frank, through WDM tea. They asked for goats and sewing machines for Kerala for wedding presents and visited Konathu John and the WDM tea estate in Sri Lanka on their honeymoon.

From 2002 to 2005, Jenny helped to run an Ashram House for homeless asylum seekers in Stockton. She shared their heart-breaking stories, which countered the misinformation which she said many local people believed.

Each Christmas, Jenny ran her fair trade shop in a different location – 33 in 33 years! She still supplies church stalls, individual customers and runs stalls at community and regional events around the fair trade message.

You can read more about Jenny’s journey in the Darlington and Stockton Times piece, here.

READ JENNY’S STORY traidcraftshop.co.uk

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Organic

FAIR TRADE MILK IN OUR CHOCOLATE

At the end of last month, we celebrated national milk chocolate day (any excuse for a few squares of chocolate and we’re there…). To continue this theme, we thought we’d shine the spotlight on the fair trade and Organic milk that goes into our Traidcraft Milk Chocolate.

The specialist, award-winning milk in our Organic Milk Chocolate is sourced from the Molkerei Berchtesgadener Land Dairy, whose farms line the beautiful Alpine ridge, between the Watzmann and Zugspitze mountains.

This pioneering dairy operates as a cooperative, and since their origins in 1927, have been committed to responsible business with respect to cattle, nature and consumers.

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Let’s take a little look at how it all began… in 1927, 54 farmers established the cooperative, with respect, sustainability and fairness at their heart. In those days, they processed 700kg of milk a day. This was equivalent to 0.1% of today’s amount. At that time, they could only dream of the developments ahead.

DID YOU KNOW? We take particular care when it comes to the finer details of our products; which is why even the milk in our Traidcraft Organic Milk Chocolate is fair trade.

FAST FORWARD ALMOST 100 YEARS, THE DAIRY: Utilises modern technology to save water and reduce fuel consumption.

Supports small-scale farmers as they make the transition to organic farming.

Never uses genetically engineered feed or glyphosate. Farmers manage their farms using natural, sustainable methods.

Always pay farmers above the average milk price.

Put even more emphasis on animal wellbeing; offering farmers training on animal care, alternative medicine, exercise and feed.

Minimises waste by using the heat omitted from production facilities to heat buildings and tap water.

Supports projects protect insects and healthy soil – including the maintenance of two bee colonies on their premises!

Uses environmentally responsible packaging to transport their milk.

DID YOU KNOW? Some items, such as fish and milk, cannot be certified by the Fairtrade Foundation as there are no set standards, and therefore cannot carry the Fairtrade Mark. The milk we use here is fair trade – looking after the welfare of people, as well as the needs of the planet.

SHOP ORGANIC MILK CHOCOLATE

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A story of strength in crisis in Bangladesh A few months ago, we reported that the Coronavirus Delta variant was spreading into communities that we have worked with for years. Villages that were once isolated and protected from the virus last year have now been severely affected.

labour meant that, even where it was available, smallholder farmers across Bangladesh simply couldn’t afford to pay those rates.

The situation was bleak – a season’s worth of hard work facing potential ruin.

Official data could never capture the full picture of what these communities have been going through. Testing centres are often many miles away and stretched far beyond their capacity. Even when farmers can reach them, there is no guarantee of a successful test.

For the villagers of Pashchim Taldgighi – a community that has worked with Traidcraft Exchange for many years – things were different. They had a simple, but ingenious solution that took advantage of one thing the pandemic couldn’t dent: their togetherness.

In normal harvest seasons, farmers hire labourers who travel from neighbouring districts to harvest their paddy. But with the pandemic restricting travel, hiring labourers was not an option. The shortage in availability of

They took the decision that every group member would work on everyone’s land, harvesting the paddy in turns.

They started harvesting on 5th May and were finished within 3 days.

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Add your voice to the #FashionWatchdog campaign Grassroots self-help groups participating in our projects have also been able to distribute £55,000 in emergency loans to date to their poorest members – with no fixed repayment period or interest charged.

They made announcements via loudspeaker to raise awareness of safety measures to reduce the spread of Covid-19. The associations also disinfected offices and market areas and distributed health and hygiene leaflets amongst the district’s villages.

For most of this period, our official work was paused because of the restrictions – but that meant that solutions could rise up from the grassroots networks that we’ve helped develop. It’s so encouraging to see the strength of local communities coming to the fore and solving problems in a time of crisis.

This is the sort of potential that your support helps to unlock: long-lasting, resilient and powerful grassroots communities, supporting each other in times of difficulty.

Click below to read a full blog post on the impact of the Delta variant READ THE BLOG POST

Over 8,600 supporters have added their signatures to our petition calling on the government to set up a #FashionWatchdog.

The #FashionWatchdog aims to change how clothing retailers do business and help improve the lives of millions of garment workers around the world.

Too many fashion retailers cut corners to squeeze out profits, at the expense of the people who make our clothes.

Unfortunately, UK retailers are some of the worst offenders. Click below to watch our video and take action today.

WATCH THE VIDEO

Leave a legacy Anyone considering leaving a gift in their will to Traidcraft Exchange is invited to contact Heather Thompson (heather.thompson@traidcraft.org) to arrange an informal and no-obligation chat about the difference such gifts make in our work. traidcraftshop.co.uk

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