 17.5.05
Machynlleth shopkeepers are doing their bit to save lives in India.
Ann and Phil Wheeler have announced a pioneering scheme at the Machynlleth and District Chamber
of Trade's April meeting.
Their shop, Fabrics Ltd, is to stock organic fair trade cotton products and has set up a web site to promote it: organic fair trade cotton.
"At least 20,000 people in India die every year as a direct result of pesticides and working conditions within the cotton growing industry," says Phil.
"And tens of thousands more have long-term health and reproductive problems. Buying organic fair trade cotton direct from growers protects workers because their conditions are much safer.
"It also creates opportunities for small scale growers to work their way out of poverty and depend less on aid."
Fabrics Ltd is currently able to source clothing cottons and basic bedding, and they hope to do more in the future: "The aim for the industry is to get 10% of all cottons organically produced by 2010," explains Phil.
"It's a very high target, but when you consider the effects on the people that produce our cotton, and what the effects might be on us, it is definitely something we should strive for."
Nicola Ruck, Secretary of the Dyfi Valley for Fair Trade group, and Teresa Walters, Sustainable Tourism Officer for the local regeneration company, ecodyfi, were invited to the meeting to discuss the local benefits to retailers and tourism businesses of stocking fair trade products, which include food, drinks and household goods.
The Dyfi Valley, explained Nicola, "is Britain's first FAIRTRADE Valley. That's something to be proud of."
"It's also very good for business," added Teresa, "and something that helps to attract our visitors too.
"Ethical and environmental tourism are part of what makes the Dyfi Valley special for them."
They urged members to join the 1,100 individuals and 12 businesses in the Dyfi Valley who have made a commitment to using at least one fair trade product and also congratulated the Wheelers on their innovative project.
Organic fair trade cotton is on sale from Fabrics Ltd from June 2005.
Businesses wanting supplies of other fair trade products or to get involved with the local group should
contact Nicola Ruck, of Dyfi Valley for Fair Trade, on 01654 703428.
Further information:
Nicola Ruck, Secretary of Dyfi Valley for Fair Trade 01654 703428
Teresa Walters, teresa.walters@ecodyfi.co.uk. ecodyfi's
Sustainable Tourism Officer 01654 703965
Our Fair Trade pages
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