Just as there were successful campaigners and reformers in Scottish history, there are those today who campaign to change attitudes and introduce better systems. A Fair Trade movement has grown and Scotland is a Fair Trade Nation.
Fairtrade Cotton
Fairtrade cotton has been available in the UK since 2005. There are hundreds of cotton products licensed as Fairtrade on sale on the High Street and online. This number is growing.
Fairtrade cotton addresses the economic challenges faced by cotton farmers. The farmers at the very start of the supply chain receive a guaranteed price for their crop that always covers the cost of sustainable production. It is a safety net in a volatile market. By encouraging co-operatives Fairtrade gives small scale farmers the opportunity to trade globally. It helps with financing, which is key when credit is hard to get. The stable conditions it provides allow long term commitment and sustainability.
Fairtrade bans the use of child or forced labour and empowers workers by upholding their rights. The Fairtrade premium allows communities to develop projects to improve things. It is truly changing lives, and in some cases saving lives, for example where hospitals and medical centres are built.
Sustainable
Fairtrade environmental standards encourage sustainable farming techniques. They restrict the use of damaging pesticides and allow farmers to reuse seeds. Waste is managed, materials are recycled and areas are regenerated. Steps are taken to avoid soil erosion and water pollution.
Fairtrade’s focus is on the farmer, and not the supply chain. However, Fairtrade does require that all companies involved in the manufacturing of Fairtrade certified cotton products submit documentation of decent working conditions.
Organic Cotton
Organic farming sets strict standards. No synthetic chemical pesticides or fertilizers are used. As with Fairtrade cotton, seeds are GM-free and farmers can command a higher price for their crop. Fairtrade certified cotton can be, but is not necessarily, organic.
The truth about cotton is that we can do something to keep it clean. Fairtrade and organic offer cotton a fair future.
Additional references for Fair Future:
- Better Cotton Initiative
- Clean Clothes Campaign
- Cotton Made in Africa
- Fairtrade Foundation
- Fairtrade International
- GOTS – Global Organic Textile Standard
- Labour Behind the Label
- List of Fairtrade Cotton Schoolwear Suppliers
- National Geographic – sustainable farming
- Responsible Sourcing Network
- SFTF’s Fairtrade Cotton Schoolwear Campaign
- Soil Association 1
- Soil Association 2
- Traidcraft
- Fairtrade Foundation: 36 major brands pledge to achieve sustainable cotton by 2025
- Fashion Revolution: The role of cotton in social and economic development
Further Educational Resources