With the launch of the Fairtrade Foundation’s ‘I Do’ campaign encouraging brides and grooms to choose Fairtrade gold rings this year, there has never been a better time to make Fairtrade a part of your big day.
Here are their top tips on how to have an ethical wedding:
Say ‘I do’ with a Fairtrade gold ring
Fairtrade gold is as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside. Choosing wedding or engagement rings made with Fairtrade gold can mean a lifeline for millions of miners, their families and communities in developing countries. Since becoming certified in 2010, Fairtrade mining organisations in Peru have invested in vital healthcare, education and improved equipment. For inspiration and to find your local Fairtrade jeweller, visit fairtrade.org.uk/IDo.
Raise your glass of Fairtrade wine
More than 50 manufacturers and plantations work with Fairtrade to make quality wine that makes a difference to people’s lives. Two Fairtrade wines were chosen as official wines of the 2012 Olympics – a Chenin Blanc and a rosé made from Pinotage, Shiraz and Merlot from South Africa’s largest certified Fairtrade wine estate, Stellenrust. In fact, the UK is the top seller of Fairtrade wine in the world. As well as the mainstream supermarkets, Smithfield Wine and Traidcraft also stock Fairtrade wine.
Treat your guests to a Fairtrade wedding cake
Fairtrade bakery ingredients are becoming increasingly available. Waitrose’s entire range of own label speciality baking sugar is now Fairtrade, benefiting small scale sugar cane farmers in Mauritius, whilst Steenberg Organic and Traidcraft stock a whole selection of bakery ingredients and dried fruit.
After dinner
Choose Fairtrade tea, coffee and chocolate as an after dinner treat. With a wide range of fine scented and blended teas, organic and premium coffees, and chocolate bars and pralines made with the finest cocoa – all now widely available in the UK, you and your guests are bound to have a time to remember!
Consider Fairtrade flowers
If you organise your wedding during winter months, do consider choosing Fairtrade flowers. They are both beautiful and ethical. Fairtrade works with farmers in countries including Kenya, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe and Ecuador, ensuring fair prices and good working conditions. Many of the major supermarkets and stockists offer not just Roses and Lilies, but also Ranunculus, Eryngium, Calla Lilies, Carnations, Sunflowers, Gerberas and Alstroemeria, so you can really let your creative side out to play!
To find out more about Fairtrade’s ‘I Do’ campaign, head to their website.
