Monday 19 January 2009

Drink with a clear conscience


Committed to a Fairtrade cuppa
The congregation of All Saints, Old Buckenham have, as a part of the diocesan mission Committed to Growth, decided to become a Fairtrade Church. All tea, coffee, sugar and even biscuits and cookies provided after the services are now fair-trade.
The Committed to Growth plan is a way of parishes looking at the ways in which they can grow in discipleship, service and numbers. Under the umbrella of service it was decided that a real commitment could be made to those less fortunate particularly those in developing countries who routinely provide the produce for the weekly cuppa after church.
Fairtrade products for the church are sourced through Traidcraft which was established in 1979 as a Christian response to poverty. They look to fight poverty through trade. Buying products with the official fair-trade symbol ensures:
· A fair price which covers the cost of sustainable production;
· An extra premium to invest in community projects;
· Defined standards for the health, and social and economic welfare of producers;
· Defined standards for the protection of the environment.
In addition the Traidcraft organisation seeks to go further by, amongst other things, lobbying governments on the behalf of workers, demonstrating ethical business practices, helping with business innovation and looking to support poor and small scale producer groups. The next Traidcraft stall will be on Sunday 8 February after the Parish Eucharist at All Saints. Here you can stock your cupboards with not only delicious tea, coffee and cookies but a whole range of foodie products including cereals for breakfast and lunch box goodies. The Traidcraft catalogue will also be available which contains a huge range of products from clothing and food to gift ideas.

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