Bulletin
SUGAR IS BACK
2020 POSITIVITY
CHRISTMAS TREE BROWNIES
T R A I D C R A F T S H O P. C O . U K
DEC 2020
in this issue...
2-3
INTRO PAGES
4-7
BLACK FRIDAY 2020
8-9
2020 WHAT A YEAR
10-11 LOCKDOWN AND THE CLIMATE
Christmas Delivery Dates Standard Delivery:
12-14 TRAIDCRAFT EXCHANGE UPDATE 15
TRAIDCRAFT WINTER SALE VIP PREVIEW
16-17 FAIRTRADE CHRISTMAS TREE BROWNIES RECIPE 18-19 PRODUCT UPDATE 20
CHRISTMAS WORD SEARCH
The last date to place your order is 12 noon on Friday 18th December
Express Delivery: The last date to place your order is 12 noon on Wednesday 23rd December
Traidcraft’s Letter of the Month! Dear Friends at Traidcraft, Having read of Brenda Smith’s achievement as a Fair Trader, I wondered whether you might be interested in my celebration of 40 year’s association with the Fair Trade Movement and as a voluntary Rep from the word ‘go’! I was to have joined Traidcraft’s Challenge to walk The Camino de Santiago Trail but circumstances meant I was unable to take part in the changed date – March 2021. I therefore arranged my own trek for this October but of course this was impossible with the restrictions of travel to Spain. However, feeling I needed to do something to justify everyone’s faith in sponsoring me, I decided to walk the Pilgrim’s Way from Winchester to Canterbury instead. 2
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I had a very good article in both our small town’s magazine and 2 local newspapers which gave Traidcraft good publicity! As a Rep and speaker, I have visited many schools to take workshops and assemblies and talked at many churches and to other groups spreading the word. It is disappointing not to be able to hold my usual pre-Christmas sales and stalls and know that even with orders from friends and loyal supporters, I will be unable to sell as much as usual. But here’s to a better year in 2021!
Janet Way
Friends, Firstly I want to say thank you to those of you who have taken part in our virtual open house events; from the feedback I’ve received, I sense they were a great success and perhaps something you’d like to do more of in the future. I’d happily oblige.
Competition Time!
Our friends at Zaytoun are giving you the chance to win some of their delicious dates, maftoul and za’atar, all the way from Palestine! Their competition will run from 4th – 6th December, so get in quick for your chance to win. Head over to Facebook for all the details on how to enter, as well as the competition Ts&Cs*. SEE COMPETITION DETAILS
*Please note that this competition is only hosted on social media - but we wanted to give our Bulletin readers a special heads up in advance.
Another thank you goes out to those who boycotted Black Friday with us, by purchasing a Traidcraft-branded product on the day – your transparency information is currently winging its way to you, along with your orders. We hope you find it both insightful and thought provoking. Check out page 5 to see what we got up to on the day, back at HQ. Finally, as we hurtle towards the end of 2020 (a tough year for so many), I want to extend my gratitude to you all. As a community, despite the physical distance, I feel we have become closer this year; shown strength, resilience and solidarity in the face of adversity and overcome obstacles none of us could have foreseen. You continue to amaze the Traidcraft Team and I with your kindness, support and generosity. Without you, we simply would not be here today, able to carry out the work that impacts communities around the world so positively. A sincere thank you from all of us. Stay safe and as always, happy fair trading, Matt
BLACK FRIDAY 2020 OUR WORLD FIRST. THE START OF OUR MOVEMENT. 100% TRANSPARENCY. Black Friday was a big day for us here at Traidcraft; but not big in the way you’d expect most businesses to talk about Black Friday…
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On 27th November 2020, we pioneered a world first movement. We proudly and publicly displayed the costs – shipping, packaging, VAT, ingredients, our profit – for all of our Traidcraft-branded products. We openly exposed this information to our loyal and valued customers, who purchased any Traidcraft-branded products on the day – as a VIP preview of what was to come. Thank you for being part of something massive. Now that Black Friday has passed, we are opening the invitation of 100% transparency out to everyone. If you’d like to see our 100% transparent costs, laid bare on the page, take a look here. Some of what you read may surprise you.
VIEW OUR COSTS
On the day… We’re as passionate about environmental justice as we are about transparency here at Traidcraft, which is why we downed tools on Black Friday to spruce up the gardens at our HQ. We even planted an oak tree as a symbol of hope for the future of the environment. A mature oak tree absorbs on average around 48lbs of CO2. In one year, an acre of forest can absorb twice the CO2 produced by the average car's annual mileage. Our garden isn’t complete yet, but hopefully by the summer, we’ll have somewhere beautiful and relaxing to spend our lunch breaks and enjoy a moment of calm together.
BLACK FRIDAY 2020
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BLACK FRIDAY 6
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2020 – WHAT A YEAR! As we hurtle towards the end of 2020, Team Traidcraft are reflecting upon the positives that have come out of this very strange year.
“The community spirit of my neighbours and local community, especially during the first lockdown, was unbelievable. Dark times brought people together in ways we’d never have dreamed of before. I now know all of my neighbours where I didn’t before. That’s definitely a positive to come out of 2020 for me.” – Sarah Main
“Learning the importance of selfcare and being able to demonstrate to my little girl that it’s ok to be not ok sometimes. And when you aren’t ok, how to slow down and be kind to yourself.” - Sarah Aldridge
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“Spending much more time indoors gave me more opportunity to spend time on my hobbies, new and old. I have started learning the piano and I’ve been doing illustrations of people’s pets to cheer them up during lockdown.” – Liam Ross
“I’ve really enjoyed the slower pace of life and spending time with my family during lockdown. I’m really grateful for food on the table, and everyone being in good health.” - Jo Forster
“Most of my closest friends have moved away to various parts of the country. We would normally see each other 2 or 3 times a year. However, this year since the first lockdown, we’ve been making the effort once a week to video call as a group. I see them more now than I ever did before. It’s been great for keeping our spirits up during tough times, where we’ve all felt down at some point.” - Alex Than
“This year’s lockdown made me discover a local bakery who does the best brownies I have ever tasted, I have talked so much more to my school friends on Zoom which has been wonderful, my social life moved online! I miss playing team sports, however, I have discovered running with my dog who pulled me around the virtual Great North Run this year. I have also found a new running team to keep me going during lockdown.” - Lizy White
“I’ve really enjoyed being able to explore my local beauty spots, having lived in Northumberland for the best part of 15 years, and being spoilt with Druridge Bay on my doorstep, I didn’t know quite how much there was to explore in my locality! I’ve been to Simonside, Sycamore Gap, Thrunton Woods , High Force and Ashgill Force so far – it’s prompted me to create a list of other places to visit!” - Kirsty Beare
“We’ve enjoyed exploring our local area – discovering hidden spots on foot that we’ve never visited before, despite having lived nearby for years! I’ve also found it really special to watch the changing of the seasons much more closely than ever before. We watched the leaves bud on the trees in the spring, turn into glorious green over the summer, and slowly turn golden and drop over the last weeks. Normally life is hurtling as such a pace that I don’t notice these things, but there has been a different rhythm to this year which has enabled more time to really notice nature.” - Jo Lambert
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LOCKDOWN AND THE CLIMATE THOUGHTS FROM ROBIN ROTH
If nothing else, this year has shown that when dramatic action is required, governments can act. Very few of us could have imagined our current reality, even though pandemics sweep through human societies on a regular basis and have done so for thousands of years. Our intergenerational memory is short lived and the received wisdom that “… history repeats itself; it has to because no one was listening the first time...” is as apt as ever.
Climate activists have not celebrated the lockdown despite a dramatic, if short lived, reduction in carbon emissions. Early on emissions dropped by up to 30%, but the circumstances meant that no-one could really celebrate. Too many deaths, too many lost jobs, too much new poverty and hunger, particularly amongst the most vulnerable communities both abroad and at home. This is not a model for a just transition, just destructive chaos. But there are, amidst, the many stories of loss, sadness, and loneliness a few things we learn. Firstly, we can change our lifestyles and the old normal isn’t necessarily the future. Working from home, reducing our travel patterns, consuming more local food, cherishing our friendships and “bubbles”, for many of us these have been eye-
It is possible to reduce carbon emissions without an economic crisis, as long as there is visionary leadership, proper investment and strong community engagement.
opening changes and few of us yearn actively for the old crazy, inefficient ways of working. Secondly, we have understood that resilient communities have done far better than those that are divided. Leadership built on division, rejecting evidence, and where systems are
premiums are nearly always invested in community
heavily centralised have, according to the league
health first and education second. Initially, I
tables of shame, done worse than countries
imagined the kind of clinics I saw as being far too
where consensus, decentralisation and unifying
basic, but a clinic which serves its communities
leadership is in place. Fair trade cooperatives
well, and which is trusted, can achieve remarkable
have long recognised the need for democratic,
results. To the surprise of many, Senegal’s Track
consensual management and although the crisis
and Trace system proved to be one of the best in
has hit many in very serious ways, those who have
the world, despite relatively low resource, because
invested in their systems and structures have so
trust in the system was so high.
much more resilience to tide them through.
As we build back, I pray that these lessons learned
Thirdly, countries that have invested in the health
will guide us towards a more sustainable economy.
of their own citizens have done better than those
It is possible to reduce carbon emissions without
who have gone down the path of disinvestment.
an economic crisis, as long as there is visionary
On my travels to fair trade co-operatives, I have
leadership, proper investment and strong
observed, time and time again, how fair trade
community engagement. We all have a role to play. traidcraftshop.co.uk
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Merry Christmas from everyone at
It’s been a challenging year for all of us. 2020 has changed how we live and work, and this festive season might not be an easy one for us all. A lot has gone on this year, to say the least. It’s been incredibly tough for so many people – both here in the UK, and across the whole world. But despite all this, we have hope – we’ve seen the difference that people who care about our world and everyone in it can make, and at this special time of year we want to say thank you to you, our amazing supporters. We hope you have a wonderful Christmas, and spend time with the people you love the most in whatever form that takes. Here’s to a bright and happy new year! With warmest wishes, the Traidcraft Exchange team
Not this Christmas Meet Anjoli. Last year, she set up a tailoring business and paid off her debts. Coronavirus has taken all that and more.
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Photo: Anjoli and her daughter, GMB Akash/Traidcraft Exchange
After years of unpaid slave labour, working in landlord’s fields to pay off a debt, she trained as a tailor, and her life, in her own words, became a success story. Equipped with a new set of skills, and a sewing machine provided by Traidcraft Exchange, she paid off her debt and started to earn for herself and her family. But then the pandemic hit… “We had just finished repaying our entire previous loan through my tailoring work. After getting that sewing machine and training I thought that my life would change. I thought that I would not have to work anymore as a debt bonded labourer on other people's land. I had started dreaming… But the coronavirus didn't let my dream come true.” It’s not that her business is unviable – in ordinary times, tailoring provides a secure income. But when troubles come, the small luxuries are first to go. No one in her village can afford to buy new clothes right now.
With no other options to keep her family fed, Anjoli returned to the moneylender – borrowing money and rice, at extortionate interest rates. Coronavirus has forced the most vulnerable people backwards – back into slavery, debt and hopelessness. For Anjoli, the last few months have been humiliating. “Last month the moneylender came and forcibly removed the gold wedding ring from my husband’s hand given to him by my father.” We can’t let coronavirus take any more from the world’s most vulnerable communities. This Christmas, we need to take action. Anjoli has skills, determination and a future full of potential – she’s paid off her debts once before and she can do it again. But she needs a little help this Christmas – the support to get through this year, and get back on her feet. Together, we can prevent coronavirus from forcing people like Anjoli back into slavery. DONATE traidcraftshop.co.uk
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So how do people end up in modern slavery in 2020? Bonded labour has existed for hundreds of years. After the transatlantic slave trade was abolished, debt bondage was used as a means of trapping people into a new form of slavery on plantations in Africa, the Caribbean and South-East Asia. Today over 8 million people like Anjoli are trapped in debt bondage across the world. Together, we can change this.
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Christmas is a time for hope – a chance to make the world anew. And what better way to celebrate this year, than by giving gifts which really matter? You can still order from our range of life changing charity gifts on the Traidcraft plc website. Your donation will go directly towards supporting some of the world’s most vulnerable people. A Charity Gift card may not seem much to unwrap – but it’s a gift of hope, and optimism. A gift which says, ‘Let’s build a brighter future next year’. And after this year, what’s not to like about that? If you’re avoiding paper cards this year, we’ve gone digital too – you can now buy e-cards of each lovely charity card for a paperless present!
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Poverty and desperation
For people born into the Santal, Dalit and Adivasi communities, who are largely landless and marginalised, life is often a struggle to survive. There are few opportunities for work except on other people’s land as day labourers.
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Last chance to buy!
But when crises happen, such as illness, the current pandemic, or the destruction of a house in floods, people are forced to make impossible choices – borrow money in exchange for their future labour, or watch their loved ones suffer. For many, it’s no choice at all.
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SHOP E-CARDS
The cycle continues As the interest rates are so high, there’s no hope of paying back the debt. Families are forced to enlist children or other relatives to help pay back the loan. Further crises – like the Coronavirus lockdowns – force people to borrow more, and the cycle continues. The debt passes from generation to generation, accumulating more interest.
HOW DO PEOPLE BECOME SLAVES IN 2020?
A crisis which needs cash
SHOP GIFT CARDS
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Unpaid slave labour
For these isolated communities, there are no options about where to borrow £ £ money from – the local landowner £ has the monopoly on loans. For people in desperate circumstances, there’s no negotiating rates or the amount of time owed.
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TRAIDCRAFT
UP T O
Winter Sale
4O0FF%!
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas... and we're celebrating by launching some of our winter sale lines early! As always, our producers and everyone throughout the supply chain have been paid in full - these discounts are on us. More lines added soon, keep an eye on your inboxes...
63864 Thinking of You at Christmas
65116 Festive Friends Gift Wrap
64052 Christmas Whiskers
61546 Nativity in a Cart
41048 Nativity in a Bottle
52776, 24988 Traidcraft Ginger Christmas Tree Biscuits
63310 It's Cold Outside!
65136 Christmas Tree & Bauble Gift Wrap
63774 The Christmas Story
62982 The Night of our Saviour's Birth
SHOP SALE
63440 Christmas Collage 63454 The Reverence
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DOWNLOAD PRINT-FRIENDLY VERSION
FAIR TRADE CHRISTMAS TREE BROWNIES
Recipe
No matter your age, brownies are a real crowd pleaser. Whether you’re leaving a treat out for Santa or enjoying with a cuppa whilst wrapping presents, these fair trade Christmas tree brownies are sure to get you into the festive spirit!
What You’ll Need:
150g Traidcraft dark chocolate, roughly chopped 150g unsalted butter 3 large eggs, locally sourced if possible 125g Traidcraft caster sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract Zest and juice of 1 clementine ¼ tsp ground cinnamon Pinch of ground cloves Grated nutmeg 100g plain flour ¼ tsp baking powder ½ tsp salt
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How to Make:
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (fan 160°C) and line the base and sides of a 23cm baking tin. 2. Melt the chocolate and butter in a bowl and stir until smooth. Remove from the heat and allow to cool for 15 minutes. 3. Beat the eggs, caster sugar and vanilla extract in a bowl with a wooden spoon. Then add the clementine zest and juice, and spices to the mixture until just combined. 4. In a separate bowl sift the flour, baking powder and ½ teaspoon salt. Pour the cooled chocolate mixture into the egg mixture and mix until combined, then fold in the flour mix until just combined. 5. Pour the mixture into the lined tin. Transfer to the oven and bake for 20-30 minutes until you can see it’s set on top, but still a little gooey inside (yum!). Leave to cool completely in the tin. 6. Cut the cooled brownie cake into 12 triangular treeshaped wedges. 7. Decorate as you wish – have fun and get creative!
Say No to Food Waste: Undecorated brownies can be frozen and enjoyed later!
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Product Update From Lizy & Kirsty Sweet Relief Traidcraft Demerara Sugar 56222 (500g) £1.65 30068 (6x500g) £8.70 Traidcraft Dark Muscovado Sugar 25620 (500g) £1.65 62342 (6x500g) £8.70 Traidcraft Golden Caster Sugar 55132 (500g) £1.65 63166 (6x500g) £8.70 Traidcraft Light Brown Caster Sugar 24440 (500g) £1.65 26642 (6x500g) £8.70 Traidcraft Raw Cane Sugar 69670 (500g) £1.60 32518 (6x500g) £8.40 Traidcraft White Granulated Sugar 28074 (500g) £1.60 66634 (6x500g) £8.40
SHOP SUGAR
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Available from next week! w/ c 7th De
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It’s the news you’ve all been waiting for… our highly-coveted sugar is back!
... And as if that wasn’t enough, our mouth-watering pear drops and slab cakes are also back in the building and available to order in time for Christmas.
BACK IN STOCK!
BACK IN STOCK! Traidcraft Rich Iced Fruit Slab Cake 33872 (470g) £4.95 | 33598 (4x470g) £26.70
100%
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Zaytoun Raw Oil Coming in January! BEST
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57986 (150g) £1.55
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Traidcraft Pear Drops
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Oops!
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Unfiltered Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the exciting new launch Available from our friends at January Zaytoun. This product is BEST T E I D limited edition, so if it’s IM O R G A NI caught your eye, make RE N I D R SE sureN you get yours right LLE STOCK away. Please note that the olive oil is naturally Our Eswatini Spicy Trio Gift set was listed in our cloudy, retaining all the Christmas Catalogue and on our website as goodness of freshly coming with hot mango chutney, Swazi fire and pressed olives. Coming lime pickle. We’re sorry, our mistake, the set does in an eye-catching bottle, this would make a not contain lime pickle, but a medium curry sauce great gift or addition to your own kitchen. instead. The other two sauces are correct. We’ve corrected this on our website now, but please be Zaytoun Raw Oil Single 10369 £14.50 aware that the catalogue is incorrect – sorry! Zaytoun Raw Oil Case 10370 £78.30 ED
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DOWNLOAD PRINT-FRIENDLY VERSION
TRAIDCRAFT’S
Christmas
WORDSEARCH
Can you find the 10 Traidcraft-related words in the wordsearch below? Why not get the little ones involved and explain to them what each word means once they find it? Good luck!
ORGANIC FAIRTRADE ENVIRONMENT RECYCLED SUSTAINABLE HANDMADE JUSTICE TRAIDCRAFT FAIRPALM TRANSPARENT ARTISAN COMPOSTABLE
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Get to know us better...
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