Fair Trade, Who Cares?
Melbourne based organization, Moral Fairground, is running its sixth annual Fair@Square festival in early December. The festival was designed by Melbourne banker, Susanna Bevilacqua, to promote Fair Trade, conscious consumerism and corporate social responsibility. But who cares?
“Consumers increasingly demand to know the footprint behind the products they are purchasing. Many businesses have accepted this growing trend and now ethical enterprises in Australia are booming, with conservative figures placing the number of social enterprises at around 20,000”, said Bevilacqua, CEO of Moral Fairground. ‘So clearly, many Australians care.’
Bevilacqua launched Moral Fairground in 2009 after visiting some of the poorest countries in South East Asia and witnessing the working conditions in the factories of mass consumer products.
“The Fair@Square festival will provide opportunities for the thousands of people attending to learn about the positive impact they can make based on their purchase choices. Ethical shopping is no longer a niche market; there are now a large variety of conscious businesses which provide consumers with more choice.”
Better choices make a better world
Lara Shannon, Founder of Ecochick.com and Ambassador of Moral Fairground, believes the Fair@Square festival is a perfect reminder for consumers to be conscious of their purchasing choices. “Every purchase choice matters. Choosing conscious products, who we buy from and where materials are sourced contributes towards a better and fairer society.”
Shannon went on to say “It’s (Fair@Square festival) a timely event too, being just weeks before Christmas, consumers will have the opportunity to choose sustainable purchases that provide meaning or purpose.”
Noelene Marchwicki, 2013 Masterchef contestant, is also a proud Ambassador for Moral Fairground. “Being an ambassador for Moral Fairground has given me an extra voice to encourage everyone in their endeavours to use fresh produce, to know what you are buying, cook simply, and support your local producers and industries. During this year I have met and spoken to so many wonderful people operating home industries, but they need our support to sustain their businesses. Visit regional areas, enjoy the natural beauty of the area, travel the food trails, purchase the beautiful fabrics, stop and smell the roses in the public and private gardens. Sustainability is all about helping and supporting each other, and that is what The Moral Fairground does best.”
“The festival will be an event to remember, there will be live cooking shows, markets, fashion shows, seminars, live music, art exhibition, delicious food, and activities for the kids,” says Bevilacqua.
Transitions Film Festival will be featuring ‘Who Cares’ at Fair@Square 2014. This powerful film is about the growing social entrepreneur movement that is taking off across the planet. It shows how anyone can be a change maker; all you need is a vision for society and the desire to improve the lives of others.
When and where?
The Fair@Square festival will be held on December 6-7, 2014. Show that you care by joining in on the festivities.
Festival supporters
The City of Melbourne is proud to support the event. Chair of Marketing Melbourne, Councillor Beverley Pinder-Mortimer, said the City of Melbourne supported local fair trade initiatives, and took a proactive approach to social, economic and environmental sustainability. “I encourage Melburnians to attend the Fair@Square Festival, and commend the event for raising awareness about making informed choices which have a positive impact on the environment.”
Ethical businesses Australian Ethical, Ecostore and One Water are proud supporters of the event.
Fair@Square Festival Details
The Fair@Square Festival is free to the public and demonstrates how Australians can take action to create a sustainable future and make a difference.
The festival showcases goods and services provided by conscious enterprises and offers workshops, talks, market stalls, music, fashion and art.
The festival takes place from December 6 – 7, 2014 at Federation Square, Melbourne from 11.00am to 6.00pm each day
80,000 people are expected to attend the event this year over the two days.
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