Ethical entertainment

Fair Trade is a venerable institution and shining proof that human beings can sometimes play nicely together, without cocking things up for everyone else

Article by Sam Eichblatt | 12 Mar 2007

We're constantly told that the world's getting smaller thanks to technology and globalised communication. This can often ring a bit hollow when the most visible example of foreign culture is the ubiquitous 'golden arches', or when telecommunications giants shunt out yet another rabidly insincere ad campaign portraying the world as a shiny, happy multicultural consumer playground brought together by its product. So why not do yourself a favour this March: ditch the weekend shopping circuit and re-establish your faith in humanity by popping into the Fair Trade Experience event at The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.

Fair Trade has been around much longer than those labelled packets of coffee in your local supermarket. With its roots in 1940s non-governmental American aid groups, it became a viable model for alternative business in the 1960s. In 1968 the slogan "Trade not Aid" was adopted by the United Nations to help increase focus on the establishment of fair trade relations with the developing world.

In 1988, the first Fairtrade labelling initiative was created in Holland - an independent certification system that quickly caught on in supermarkets throughout Europe and North America. Globally, sales have exploded over the last decade, bringing measurable benefits to farmers and workers in disadvantaged countries. In other words, Fair Trade is a venerable institution and shining proof that human beings can sometimes play nicely together, without cocking things up for everyone else.

In Glasgow there'll be live music, a Malawian photography exhibition, kids' activities, talks from farmers from St Lucia and Malawi, free tastings, and the chance to get your paws on more of those fine products – everything from food and drink to home wares, jewellery, fashion, music and sportswear made by grassroots producers. Suddenly another trip to New Look doesn't look quite so appealing, does it?

Fair Trade Experience, The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall (Strathclyde Suite), Sat 3 - Sun 4 Mar, 11-6pm both days. Free to Skinny readers - just bring your copy of the magazine!

http://www.handupmedia.co.uk/events.html, www.fairtrade.org.uk