"Naturally Italian", the Fairtrade and organic food shop that is opening soon has sparked important conversation concerning ethical consumption.

Fairtrade International is the most widely-recognised ethical label in the world. The label signifies the product’s ingredients have been produced by marginalised farming organisations that meet Fairtrade's social, economic and environmental standards. These include protection of the environment, workers’ rights and the payment of the Fairtrade Minimum Price and an additional Fairtrade Premium to invest in business or community projects.

With our very own Fairtrade store opening on our doorstep, should we divert our business away from large corporations and instead support Fairtrade and local stores? The answer is, of course!

Large corporations all over the world disregard their social and moral responsibility to the larger society or community. Often violating child labour, environmental and workers' rights laws, they prioritize profit over planet and consequently cause immeasurable damage to society. Just 100 companies have been the source of more than 70% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions since 1988, a new study by the Carbon Majors report. 

Local business's such as this 'Naturally Italian' store promote environmental health because they often have a smaller carbon footprint than larger companies. As well as this, your support for local business' are reinvested back into your communities.

One local resident weighs in on the opening of the store: "I'm elated. Ethical consumption is made a lot easier when local stores adopt these Fairtrade principles. As a conscientious consumer, I'm always aware that my money should be supporting social, moral and environmental prosperity."

Purchasing products that are Fairtrade certified can reduce poverty, encourage environmentally friendly production methods and safeguard humane working conditions. 

Though it isn’t always the easiest or most convenient option to visit a local independent business rather than a large national chain that might be down the street, it is important to always be aware of where your money is being reinvested and the social and environmental impact this may have.                                                                           

So whenever and whevever you can, keep an eye out for local or Fairtrade business' you can support!