What is Fairtrade?
On 20th February 2008, Dublin became a Fairtrade City. Dublin City achieved this title by attaining 6 goals:
- Setting up a local Fairtrade steering group to ensure continued commitment to Fairtrade City status.
- Commitment from Dublin City Council to serve Fairtrade coffee and tea at its meetings, in its offices and canteens.
- The availability of a range of Fairtrade mark products in 120 Dublin City retail stockists and served in 64 local cafes/ catering outlets.
- The setting up of a Fairtrade flagship business in Trinity College Dublin.
- The establishment of 'Fairtrade Schools' in Dublin City.
- Sufficient media coverage for the campaign.
Fairtrade Dublin Steering Group
A Fairtrade Steering Committee drove the initiative to make Dublin a Fairtrade Capital City. The Steering Committee consists of Dublin City Council Councillors and staff in addition to community organisations in Dublin City Council’s five administrative area offices who promoted the initiative in their communities.
Fairtrade Flagship Business
At the launch of the Dublin City Fairtrade, Peter Gaynor, the Executive Director with Fairtrade Mark announced Trinity College as the flagship business for Fairtrade in Dublin City. This marked a significant success for the initiative as over 20,000 people pass through the college daily.
Fairtrade Fortnight
Since 2007, a Fairtrade fortnight is held each year to promote Fairtrade. A series of flags and banners along the River Liffey publicise and promote Fairtrade fortnight, and events are held throughout the city to mark it.
Fairtrade Schools
Fairtrade schools organise events during Fairtrade Fortnight, serve Fairtrade coffee/tea in the canteen and sell Fairtrade snacks in the tuck shop.
Fairtrade In Local Schools
Fairtrade Poster Competition in Classmate
Classmate, a Dublin City Council magazine for children, runs a Fairtrade poster competition. Posters are displayed in Civic Offices during Fairtrade Fortnight.
Fairtrade Information Pack
Fairtrade Information Packs are sent to all secondary schools in the five Dublin City Areas.
Fairtrade Fortnight in Local Schools
During the Fairtrade Fortnights 2007 and 2008 a number of educational events were organised with various primary/secondary schools. At these events, a talk was given on Fairtrade by producers from Africa, Central America and Asia.