Fairtrade in Bishopton: Who's Involved

What can I Do?

Everyone can do something to support Fairtrade, as we are all consumers. You can click on Local Shops, Groups & Businesses to find out what is happening and where Fairtrade Goods can be obtained.

You can also support Bishopton Fairtrade Events (see News page) and help Bishopton retain the honour of being the First Village in Renfrewshire to achieve Fairtrade Village Status.

Bishopton was awarded Fairtrade status in May 2007 and Paisley celebrates 5 years of being a Fairtrade Town in August, 2008 - we are required to demonstrate to the Fairtrade Foundation that we are continuing to spread the Fairtrade message and try to expand demand and supply of Fairtrade products. See News page for details of Fair in the Square.

Our neighbour, Lochwinnoch is in the process of applying for Fairtrade Village status - we wish them every success. The Renfrewshire Fairtrade Group (which is led by Renfrewshire Council and Paisley, Bishopton & Lochwinnoch Steering Groups are part) is seeking to achieve Fairtrade Zone status for the whole of Renfrewshire.

You can also :

Buy Fairtrade products. When you go for your weekly shop or make other purchases, look for brands bearing the Fairtrade Mark. Click on side menu for fairtrade outlets in Bishopton and locally.
If you’re looking for a gift with a difference – why not make a difference too and buy a Fairtrade gift. There are many attractive and original ideas for gifts available from Fairtrade shops or from mail order companies on-line.
Spread the word - tell your family and friends about Fairtrade
When cooking or baking use Fairtrade ingredients. Many common ingredients such as sugar, pasta, rice, dried fruits, coconut, chocolate, spices and herbs, honey, are available as Fairtrade. Download Fairtrade recipes fromwww.fairtrade.org.uk or buy a Fairtrade recipe book from a Fairtrade shop, or make up your own recipes!
Ask your community, social or church group to make Fairtrade refreshments available for tea/coffee breaks, or ask for Fairtrade teas/coffees and biscuits to be made available at your place of work.
Be informed about Fairtrade – find out the facts about the international trade system, about the principles of Fairtrade, what products are available as Fairtrade and where you can buy them (click links for sites on Fairtrade).
For a school, college or university project, write or give a presentation on Fairtrade. Information packs specially designed to give ideas or help with school/college/university work can be downloaded from various sites such as the Fairtrade Foundation - click Links above
If your community, social or church group is looking for a speaker, invite someone to speak on Fairtrade, or offer to speak yourself! Ideas and more in-depth information can be downloaded from the Fairtrade Foundation site, and other sites, or Rainbow Turtle charity can give assistance with information on Fairtrade. The Bishopton Fairtrade Steering Group should be able to provide a speaker on Fairtrade.
Run a sale and return Fairtrade stall at your community, social group or church, or host a coffee-morning with Fairtrade sale or return and Fairtrade refreshments. Please contact the Bishopton Fairtrade Steering Group who will pass on your requirements to the Church Groups who run Fairtrade Stalls.
Volunteer to help in a Fairtrade shop. There is one in Paisley and there are various ways in which volunteers can help. Volunteering is valuable because it enables market prices to be competitive and allows producers in developing countries to take the necessary initial steps in breaking into an international trading system that is presently weighted so heavily against them. It is one way of lending your support to ensure a fair deal for third world producers.
Support ethical finance and banking.
Support the campaign for Fairtrade by writing to your MP, MSP or MEP, or by asking your local councillor whether they support Fairtrade in council and in what way. Lend your support to nationally or locally organised campaigns for trade justice.
Make Fairtrade part of your life style, think Fairtrade when making those everyday choices about what you do. E-mail the Bishopton Fairtrade Steering Group to help spread the word within the village, by click the above link