Fairtrade

Our Fairtrade Steering Committee works to promote Fairtrade throughout the district.

We aim to increase the number of outlets that provide Fairtrade options locally, and to encourage more and more people to choose Fairtrade when shopping, or visiting cafes and restaurants.

How To Become A Fairtrade School

Many schools include Fairtrade in work they do for the ‘Global Perspectives’ topic of the Eco Schools Programme.  

Schools can visit either: www.fairtrade.org.uk or www.fairtrade.ie and find out how to register and what needs to be done to become a Fairtrade School.  Both sites provide free online resources.

Fairtrade UK has a dedicated schools web site www.schools.fairtrade.org.uk with a three stage Fairtrade Schools Awards scheme

The Council plan to promote Fairtrade in the future, both internally with our own staff, and also throughout the district, by encouraging participation in the annual Fairtrade Fortnight initiative.

Fairtrade Fornight 2023

Fairtrade fortnight took place from Monday 27 February to Sunday 12 March 2023. To coincide with this our Chairperson, Councillor Michael Savage lit up Newry Town Hall and Downpatrick Leisure Centre in the blue and green colours of the Fairtrade logo.

Our Sustainability team also visited local schools during FairTrade Fortnight to raise awareness about Fairtrade and its positive impact on the environment and communities around the world. During the visit, the team discussed the benefits of Fairtrade and Fairtrade products highlighting how we can all support communities in developing countries that benefit both people and the environment. Many schools study Fairtrade as part of the Eco-Schools Programme. St Brigid’s Primary School, Drumilly made their own  pottery versions of the Fairtrade logo

While St Oliver Plunkett’s Primary School, Forkhill’s eco committee held a Fairtrade breakfast morning for the teachers in their staff room.

The Council has recently demonstrated its commitment to promoting Fairtrade by beginning the process of adding the phrase “A Fairtrade District” to its 21 boundary signs.

Contact Details:
E: besustainable@nmandd.org