A farm where three generations share the work has almost become a curiosity. This is the case of De Zwaluw in Lovendegem, which also combines innovation and long-term vision with a fair and ecological way of working. A dream partner for the organic food wholesaler Biosano, which produces fair trade milk and milk chocolate under the Biodia label.
A communication agency specially dedicated to fair trade that offers on-demand photos, videos, advice and marketing training, with a special focus on social networks? We had to think about it. Ronny Hermosa did it.
Five years ago, Nancy De Poorter opened a gift shop with an online shop in Zammel, near Geel. It was during her work as a volunteer in the Wereldwinkel in Westerlo, which is more focused on food, that she discovered a passion for fairly produced gifts. Meer dan Mooi has developed from a shop selling fair trade gifts and home decoration items to a fair trade clothing shop where the organic aspect is also important.
Although KrisKras VZW is only a small actor in the Flemish tour operator sector, it is a successful organisation. Moreover, this year it is celebrating its twentieth anniversary. From CO2 offsetting to more responsible water consumption: coordinator Nele Decoodt tells us about the vision and values of this unique tour operator.
There is a lot of potential for high quality and uniquely designed fashion accessories and artifacts in both Kenya and Tanzania. With the rise in demand for these products among the locals due to the growth of the middle class, special emphasis needs to be put to target this group.
A major obstacle for organisations promoting ethical products is the lack of market information. This is why The Trade for Development Centre (TDC – a programme of the Belgian Development Agency, decided to have market research conducted on ethical, sustainable products in different developing countries within the framework of its Producer Support Programme.
TDC wanted to carry out a qualitative and quantitative opinion poll with the general objective of understanding the relationship between the personal values of Belgian residents and their attitudes and behaviours in the field of tourism. In addition, they wanted to define their level of knowledge, their understanding and their perceptions of “responsible tourism”.
Cotton is one of the most widely cultivated crops worldwide. The cotton sector is subject to very unstable prices. This is especially to the disadvantage of African producer countries where cotton is often the only source of revenue for millions of farmers and workers. Moreover, the cotton sector is subject to serious environmental and health risks. To deal with these, African cotton growers must look for credible alternatives such as fairtrade and/or organic cotton.
The demand for timber and timber products is increasing worldwide. 20 to 40% of all timber imported into Europe is derived from illegal logging. The European Union could no longer remain unaware of these market-disturbing practices. After long deliberations the European Parliament and the Council approved a Regulation in 2010 that prohibits the importation of illegally-logged timber. The EU Timber Regulation enters into force on 3 March 2013.
A mobile phone, smartphone, PC, laptop or tablet: few of us can do without them. But who considers the genuine cost of a phone conversation or an e-mail sent? Who thinks about the raw materials, the working conditions and the ecological impact behind modern electronics?
