It's no secret that the climate is changing and with it some of our favourite foods. Coffee, bananas, and even chocolate could soon be much harder to buy as climate change makes crops like these harder than ever to grow - a problem compounded by unfair trade practices. It’s so important to make more ethical purchasing decisions. And this Fairtrade Fortnight, there are plenty of small businesses you can support that care about sustainability!

What is Fairtrade fortnight?

Fairtrade Fortnight is taking place from the 27th of February to the 12th of March, activists and celebrities across the UK are coming together in support of a two-week campaign that draws attention to the harmful impact climate change has on our food. By choosing Fairtrade, people can help farmers combat rising global temperatures while also protecting their livelihoods - no matter what your budget or where you shop. Join us during this special fortnight as we raise awareness about how everyone can do their part for sustainability and secure better futures through fair trade.

Here is a list of 6 amazing fairtrade businesses that are committed to making sure their products and services are ethically sourced from empowered communities around the world:

Food & Drink

Lemonaid & ChariTea

We make soft drinks how they should be. Each bottle contains only the best organic ingredients and supports fair trade. So far, so delicious. But it’s not just the desire to slake your thirst with delicious soft drinks that drives us. We started the Lemonaid & ChariTea project to incite and shape the process of social change. With each bottle we want to make a small contribution. We want to change the world drink by drink. A little, at least. Beyond Fairtrade, every bottle purchased supports the Lemonaid & ChariTea Foundation. So far, we’ve raised more than £7,000,000 which the organisation can now put to good use for a variety of social projects in the growing regions. shop Lemonaid & ChariTea here

Abel & Cole

A one-stop shop for Fairtrade essentials  - We’re on a mission to make sustainable food shopping as easy and delicious as can be. We want to provide easy ways to help the planet. That’s why we put in all the hard work behind the scenes, from sourcing the finest, sustainable and organic food to reducing unnecessary packaging, so all you have to do is choose your sustainable, weekly shop. From supporting independent growers and makers to cutting carbon emissions, every carbon-neutral box that lands on your doorstep makes a difference. Combatting climate change is no small feat, and our work will never be done. But together, we can build a greener future for all. shop Abel & Cole

Grumpy Mule Coffee

Ever since we were founded in 2006, the mission has been to fight the blight of bad coffee. Coffee that’s throwaway, unethically sourced and tastes like an industrial accident. So we source fairly and sustainably, making sure that our growers share in our success. We roast with precision and care, making sure that we get the very best flavour from each and every bean that our growers have worked so hard to produce. And then we sell, making sure our customers see the zealous gleam in the eye. Because great coffees, truly great coffees, depend on every stage of the process being just right. That’s what drives Grumpy Mule.

Beauty & Lifestyle

Odylique

Odylique is big on doing the planet as many favours as we can. All of our distributors follow the no-testing-on-animals rule, and we go out of our way to adhere to Fair Trade standards and use responsible, sustainable packaging. Our skin is a living, breathing organ, the largest in the body. Much of what we put on our skin is absorbed into our body, a scientific principle illustrated by nicotine and hormone patches Thus, choosing certified organic body care is as important in decreasing the toxic load on the body as choosing a healthy (and organic!) Diet.

Arena Flowers

Arena Flowers is one of only two specialist UK florists to be registered with Fairtrade; Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do and extends across every part of Arena Flowers. As the industry’s leading ethical and sustainable brand, we have set tough standards, established challenging ambitions and maintained our relentless commitment to improving the lives of our people and planet. Our achievements are not only a statement of our own values, but a reflection of our customers. Together, we are building a community that is united by a commitment to responsible consumerism and sustainability.

Turtle Bags

Twenty years ago, scientists were beginning to understand how waste plastic was finding its way into our oceans, acting as a sponge for chemical pollutants, helping to carry them into fish and then on to us. Horrified by this prospect founder and ecologist, Beth Williams, wondered what she could do to raise awareness around her. How to create less waste, be mindful of our individual consumption and make small lifestyle changes to hopefully make a big impact? And so Turtle Bags was born, with a mission to raise awareness of this invisible problem and to offer alternatives to plastics which are kinder to both people and planet. Behind the brand Turtle Bags is a real passion for the planet! As long-term members of the British Association of Fair Trade (BAFTS) Turtle Bags work closely with supply partners to ensure that products share our environmental values and that there are fair conditions for those making Turtle Bags.

As a shopper, you have the power to make choices that create positive change in the world. This fairtrade fortnight, commit to supporting these amazing brands who are committed to sustainability and ethical practices. Shop with intention and be proud of the choices you make! 

Check out some more fairtrade brands we love, or see what events are happening near you during fairtrade fortnight!