Cambridge Anima is the first part of this new movement. We aim to do stuff in the Cambridge area - look out for us!
The Fairtrade people are asking people to swap items that they buy for a Fairtade ones. Have a look at the Big Swap site here : http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/thebigswap/
This is how the official Fairtrade Foundation describes Fairtrade:
“Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world. By requiring companies to pay sustainable prices (which must never fall lower than the market price), Fairtrade addresses the injustices of conventional trade, which traditionally discriminates against the poorest, weakest producers. It enables them to improve their position and have more control over their lives.”
AnimaTrade
We at Anima hope to extend this idea further, to be about making the most 'fair' use of money possible.
Why not:
- 'Swap' for eco friendly products,
- Non-animal tested and vegan products
- Support a local co-operative (e.g. Arjuna, yay!) rather than a chain store (e.g. Tesco, boo!)
We get this isn't always affordable but maybe you could just buy one product different and it doesn't always cost more.
Or, for the more 'radical', you could try skipping some stuff if you're totally broke. Then, at least, you don't have to hand over your cash to a place you hate. Or some 'church approved' shoplifting...just kidding cops!