Traidcraft Bulletin - July

Bulletin

FA I R T R A D E FA C E COVERINGS

COFFEE: A SIMPLE COMMODITY?

BLACK LIVES MATTER

T R A I D C R A F T S H O P. C O . U K

J U LY 2020

in this issue...

6

3-5 I NTRO PAGES 6

7

T RAIDCRAFT BEHIND THE SCENES: WE'RE ON THE RUN!

8-10

F AIR TRADE FACE COVERINGS T OP 5 WAYS TO REFRESH YOUR HOME FOR SUMMER 2020

8-10

11 A LETTER TO THE PM...

12-15 C OFFEE: A SIMPLE COMMODITY? 16 P RODUCT UPDATE 17-18 M ID-SEASON SALE 19 THOUGHT MENSWEAR AUTUMN PREVIEW

12-15

20-21 V ENT FOR CHANGE: SUSTAINABLE STATIONERY WITH STYLE

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22-23

T RAIDCRAFT EXCHANGE UPDATE

24

FAIR TRADE FLAPJACK RECIPE

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20-21

32 Years at Traidcraft!

If you’ve ever called up our friendly Customer Services Team, the chances are that you will have spoken to Sharon, who heads up the team here at Traidcraft HQ. This year sees a huge milestone for Sharon – as it’s her 32nd anniversary with Traidcraft. Sharon’s dedication to Traidcraft and to you, our customers, is unrivalled. Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication over the years, Sharon – when things begin to settle, we will properly celebrate this amazing achievement!

"I can’t believe it’s been 32 years since I started working here at Traidcraft. The time has gone by so quickly! Traidcraft is such a special organisation and I’ve always believed in what we do.

We’ve gone through lots of good times (and not so good times…) but I think the team we have now means we’re much stronger than ever and that we have many more good times ahead as everyone is going above and beyond to help us succeed". - Sharon

Traidcraft Podcast – Coming soon!

We’re always up for trying new things here at Traidcraft, which is why we are dipping our toes in the water of a whole new way of communicating with you – via podcast. In our very first show, Traidcraft’s Sarah, Jo and Rio chat all things vegan, in light of the Vegan Mark’s 30th birthday, as well as sharing how they’ve been staying positive in lockdown.

Welcome Hello everyone, It’s Maureen and Helen from Customer Services here. If you’ve called up this month, you’ve probably already had the chance to have a catch up with us, but if not, we hope that you are well and staying positive.

We’re very busy here, as you can imagine, with a new catalogue drop and being a few team members down, but fear not, we’re still smiling and enjoying chatting to you all on the phones and on email.

We’ve got some exciting new launches coming up this month, including an eye-catching, sustainable stationery range from VENT for Change (page 2021) and some lovely menswear pieces from Thought coming in, perfect for gifting or treating yourselves (page 19).

Our face coverings from Earth Squared are also proving to be very popular.

If you haven’t already seen them and their pretty designs, take a look at page 5. These are flying out of the warehouse as soon as they come into stock, but we are trying to keep as well stocked as possible under the current circumstances. Thanks for your patience with these!

Take care, Helen and Maureen

Keep an eye on your inboxes for the first episode dropping soon!

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FareShare’s Fight Against Hunger

Our Buy Two, Donate Two Campaign We wanted to take the opportunity to feed back on the success of our ‘Buy Two, Donate Two’ campaign with FareShare last month! On behalf of ourselves and FareShare, we’d like to say a huge thank you for your orders! Last month, we donated a total of 3,914 packets of biscuits to the organisation, who are needed now, more than ever before.

FareShare takes good quality surplus food from across the food industry and redistributes it to almost 11,000 frontline charities and community groups nationally, including older people’s lunch clubs, homeless shelters and community cafés. Every week, they provide enough food to create almost a million meals – as well as raising awareness about the work they’re doing to help society’s most vulnerable, including children, who are at risk of hunger and malnutrition.

Food Bank Project Last month, we received a note from Margaret and Bill Dykes, letting us know the progress of their Food Bank Project and the appreciation they have for the generosity of their supporters who have made donations to their cause.

In its 7th week, they delivered £540’s worth of Traidcraftsourced goods to Chilton Food Bank and Restore Hope Latimer, bringing their total donations to date to almost £5,000. They delivered pasta and rice, cook-in sauces, toiletries, cleaning materials, dried fruit, jams and spreads, coffee, tea, tinned fish, biscuits, juices, breakfast cereals, cakes and for the children, small chocolate bars.

They told us that both of the organisations they support continue to be amazed the ongoing generosity, which is helping them carry out this essential work, supporting those most in need at this difficult time.

A massive well done to all involved! What a fantastic idea to support your local community in this way.

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Calm amidst chaos Members of the Ludlow Fairtrade Town Group have put together this virtual garden tour which we are certain you will enjoy.

The time that the members of this group have spent at home during the recent lockdown has given them time both to enjoy our gardens, and to reflect on those who are less fortunate than us. Why not take a look at some of the spectacular gardens on display?

The Ludlo w Fairtrad Town Flo wer Bed e

SEE THE GARDENS HERE dow

Liz's Luxu

ry

ea Molly's M

Tie Dye For! A Colourful Birthday!

Edith Walker has sent us a photograph of her delicious rainbow birthday cake, baked by her daughter using our summer catalogue recipe.

We hope you had a wonderful birthday, Edith!

A special shout out this month goes to Linda Leggett’s talented daughter, Lauren, who has transformed her Traidcraft 40th anniversary tea towel into a tie dye work of art. Thanks for sending your picture in, Linda!

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TRAIDCRAFT BEHIND THE SCENES

We’re on the Run! Here at Traidcraft, we’re a small team who work closely together every day and enjoy doing things socially together, too. Before lockdown was announced, a group of us signed up to the Great North Run, as well as the Great North Run 10k in preparation.

We often run Parkruns together and had planned to train as a team for both events, but unfortunately, this hasn’t been possible due to Government restrictions of the past few months.

However, this hasn’t stopped us lacing up our trainers on Sunday 28th (when the GNR10k would have been) and taking part in a remote Great North 10k – well done to all who took part!

Kirsty Young

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Lizy White

58:54

55:45

63:05

Sarah Main

Jo Forster

Liam Ross

61:39

64:00

58:52

Jude Allen

Robin Roth

Alex Than

52:35 6

Alex Urban

71:12

68:22

NEW!

Fair Trade Face Coverings We are super excited to share with you our brand-new face mask range!

Whether you’re travelling on public transport, popping to the supermarket, pharmacy or Post Office, or simply want added protection whilst you’re out and about – these reusable face coverings are just the job!

These washable face coverings are made from 100% fair trade cotton and come in various different designs – to let your personality shine through, even when your face is covered.

Coming from our BAFTS accredited (British Association of Fair Trade Shops and Suppliers) friends at Earth Squared, you can rest assured that these products are high-quality musthaves for anyone following Government guidelines and helping to reduce the spread of viruses.

As these face coverings are machine washable at 60 degrees, they’re a much more sustainable way to protect

yourselves than a disposable mask or unsustainable alternative.

They’re made from a premium, soft cotton which fits over the mouth and nose, attached to your face by elasticated rubber covered in polyester as ear straps. For the highest safety precautions, ensure that you remove from your face using the ear loops and clean any surfaces the covering may have touched.

We advise that you wash hands before putting on, as well as after use, and avoid touching the front of the covering where possible.

Please be aware that these face coverings are intended to provide some level of protection against the transmission of viruses to people within a close proximity. They do not protect the wearer, nor are PPE in terms of the relevant legislation.

SHOP NOW

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TOP 5

WAYS TO REFRESH YOUR HOME FOR SUMMER 2020 We’re all spending more time in our homes than we would ordinarily, but that doesn’t have to be a bad thing! If you’re looking to spruce up your home this season, have a look at our top picks for 2020’s sustainable homeware. Which will you choose?

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LET THERE BE LIGHT

Lighting is a really great way to significantly transform any room, creating a totally new mood and ambiance, as well as opening up smaller spaces. For instance, a few tasteful tealights or pillar candles flickering on a table, mantelpiece or even side of the bath, can convert any run-of-the-mill room into a restful sanctuary – because who doesn’t need a moment of calm at the moment? Our top pick for creating this sort of vibe is our damask candle range. Smelling subtly of peony and sweet pea, these 8

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Handmade & Recycled

Traidcraft Top Tip: Hang up outside to impress your guests at any socially distanced garden party!

candles have been designed with traditional damask in mind. Originally designed and perfected in the 12th century, damask is an ornamental silk fabric with an elaborate woven pattern, reflecting the light and changing as the observer moves position – a trait which has been carried through to these stunning candles.

Another way you can play with the lighting in your home is to add statement pieces to plain walls and backdrops, such as our attractive, handmade star light. Coming in velvet teal, this recycled light feature is a real impact piece, as well as being crafted from sustainable fabrics.

Velvet Recycled Star Light with LED Lights 55602 £17.95

Great

GIFT IDEA

Peony & Sweet Pea Damask Leaf Candle 10cm Hurricane 54314 £19.99 Peony & Sweet Pea Damask Leaf Candle - 10cm 54440 £30.00

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DUVET DAYS WITH A DIFFERENCE!

Ahh, new bedding day, isn’t it just the best? Whether you like your bedding to be minimalistic, crisp and white, or prefer a busy pattern as a real focal point in your bedroom, mixing up your bedding is a fail-safe way to freshen up your room!

For those who love patterned bedding, Namaste’s beautiful offering is a great place to start. For more information on Namaste and their work, see here. Block-printed in India by hand, we have three of Namaste’s cosy duvet and pillowcase sets has, created by harnessing traditional artisanal skills, which have been passed down from generation to generation.

Mass production and the forces of globalisation threaten artisan producers and their communities across the world, who struggle to compete with huge, industrial competitors.

It’s so important for knowledge and skills of artisans to be passed down through families, particularly within the same community.

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AFTER THE RAIN… COMES THE RAINBOW! Hand-painted in Thailand

Hand block-printed By purchasing items that celebrate traditional craftsmanship, Namaste is contributing to the preservation of these amazing, traditional skills and indigenous cultural heritage. So, each and every time you snuggle up in your 100% cotton bedding set, you can sleep easy knowing that you’re benefitting others around the world by investing in it.

SHOP BEDDING & BEDSPREADS

We’ve always loved rainbows (even if we never did find that pot of gold…) but as a whole global movement, we are embracing the rainbow colours more than ever right now. So, why not bring all the colours of the rainbow into your home this summer? From teapots and mugs, to egg cups and toast racks, if rainbow crockery is your thing… we’ve got it!

This collection is one of our best-selling ever, and it’s no surprise why. Made from high quality ceramic in Thailand, and hand-painted with care, these rainbow items will not only brighten your day every time you use them, but will last you season after season, too.

SHOP THE RANGE

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2

MAKE A SUSTAINABLE STATEMENT

For a show-stopping centrepiece or an eye-catching statement to add to your mantelpiece, this vase is one of a kind.

Literally. Sustainably crafted from recycled glass and teak wood, each piece is completely unique.

The recycled glass has been melted over the reclaimed wood and formed into a beautiful, thin, flute-shaped vase, leaving a Salvador Dali-esque creation. Measuring around 22-25cm, it’s ideal for adding your favourite flowers, or leaving empty as a piece of art that talks for itself.

Great

GIFT IDEA

Recycled Glass Vase with Teak Root Stand

50990 £19.99

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ONE FOR THE BOOKWORMS

The chances are that in the current climate, you’re dipping into your book collection much more than you would have previously, which is a wonderful thing to be able to do – embrace it! If you’d like to make a real feature of your reading material, we recommend investing in some sturdy, sustainable bookends.

Mango Wood Owl Bookends

62160 £22.50

For the nature lovers of you out there, we’ve got some beautiful owl-shaped bookends, hand-carved from mango wood by artisans in India. Suitable for desktops and shelves of adults and children alike, these are a really simple way to organise your book collection and make them eye-catching, too.

If you’ve got any new and inventive ways that you’ve switched up your homewares this season, please get in touch and let us know at social@traidcraft.co.uk – we know you’re an extremely innovative lot, so can’t wait to see what you’ve been up to!

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Feeling Inspired?

SEE ALL HOMEWARE

A LETTER TO THE PM… At Traidcraft, we work tirelessly for fair conditions for workers throughout our supply chains, but also for our staff here at Traidcraft HQ. In our in-house charter, one of our core pillars is celebrating success and rewarding staff – with that in mind…

A few weeks ago, a number of members of the team raised a ‘tension’ in one of our holacracy meetings, about how we could treat all staff fairly, especially those who have been working non-stop for weeks and who, it seems, will struggle to work down their annualised hours.

We have been asking each other for suggestions and have collected a wonderful pool of – ones we’re happy to share with you once we’ve collated them into some sort of order (watch this space!).

One that really stuck out to Robin, our Mission and Transparency Lead, was a suggestion that ‘you write to Boris and ask that all key workers who worked throughout lockdown have the tax they paid reimbursed’.

Robin agreed to take this on immediately, and the letter has been sent, co-signed by many members of the team here at Traidcraft. We’ll let you know when/if we hear back.

Traidcraft Plc Kingsway, Gateshead, NE11 0NE, UK T +44 (0)191 491 0591 F +44 (0)191 497 6562 www.traidcraft.co.uk

The Right Honourable Boris Johnson MP Prime Minister of the United Kingdom House of Commons London SW1A 0AA

04 June 2020

Dear Prime Minister, My colleagues at Traidcraft have worked through the current pandemic supplying food, cleaning materials, drinks and – in times of dire need – toilet paper to thousands of consumers, many isolated and unable to leave their homes to go shopping.

When you called for a lockdown for all but essential workers, I asked everyone if they felt prepared to continue working despite the evident risks. Every single colleague who was not personally at risk with pre-existing conditions, shielding or unable to come to the building for child-care purposes agreed to carry on as normal.

There are many citizens across the country who similarly got on with their work to secure essential services that kept this nation moving, fed, supplied and cared for. These are often not well-paid jobs.

We have been discussing what is a fair way of rewarding each other and whilst there are many things that we will do for each other to recognise our achievements, I was asked to forward the following request to you for your consideration, namely that key workers receive some form of tax rebate in recognition for their focus and selflessness.

We appreciate that the coming recession and the consequences of the pandemic will leave an enormous hole in the public finances. We are also aware that our current income tax system is sadly deficient in taxing wealth, and that this country is amongst the most unequal in the developed world. The Institute of Public Policy released a report in September of 2019 calling for wealth to be taxed at the same level as work. The potential tax gain is calculated at £90bn over 5 years. https://www.ippr.org/research/publications/just-tax

Traidcraft Plc – Registered in England 1333367 Registered office at Kingsway, Gateshead NE11 0NE UK

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COFFEE:

A simple commodity?

A review of Traidcraft’s coffee range by Remy Harman.

C

offee has become a sacred ritual for many. First thing in the morning, on the way to the office or grabbing a cup to go. A habit that has been proven to increase focus, problem solving skills and working memory. But with the complete shutdown of office spaces and hospitality in March, we’re ultimately left with a void. Our favourite roasters and baristas are serving their families at home, but our home brews are often unable to quench our thirst in the same way.

SO WHAT MAKES A GREAT CUP OF COFFEE? Unfortunately, your regular barista will have undergone many hours of study to be able to produce you with your perfect coffee every time.

The uniqueness of balancing coffee’s complexities can be a challenge and other than using your favourite mug, you might be struggling to find the same 12 traidcraftshop.co.uk

consistency as your local coffee shop. The number one variable for taste is the beans you use.

The key to a successful cup of coffee is at the source.

Sustainability and environmental responsibility have become increasingly more important for consumers since Traidcraft was founded.

The way we purchase, receive and manufacture products

Remy’s Bio: Currently based in the South West, I have a keen interest in environmentally friendly, sustainable and conservation-conscious practices. I’m a coffee addict who loves to experiment and have served many coffee enthusiasts too. My dream is to build a self-sufficient, offgrid van to explore the UK’s remote areas of beauty.

is ever changing to support workers and improve social and environmental standards.

WHAT’S CHANGING IN THE WORLD OF COFFEE AND HOW DOES IT AFFECT WHAT WE TASTE? With over one million hectares of land worldwide being used to grow coffee, the region of growing plays a massive role in taste. Central American beans are regarded as most rounded.

Not too acidic or bitter and with a chocolatey smoothness.

Whereas South American will be sweeter like caramel or maple syrup. With Colombia producing the most amount of coffee, this is what most of our palates are used to.

WITHIN TRAIDCRAFT’S SIGNATURE COFFEE SELECTION, EVERYONE IS LIKELY TO FIND THEIR

perfect balance in taste.

Traidcraft Rich Roast​is the best-seller in the range and it’s understandable. At a strength of 4 and caramel colour, this deep roast boasts an even balance of bitterness and acidity. It’s written as bold and intense on the packet and there's no denying this. Its rich and vivid flavouring leaves a savoury, dry aftertaste. With a combination of Peruvian, Tanzanian and Nicaraguan beans, you’re experiencing a full body balanced from the American and Eastern African regions.

Similarly, T ​ raidcraft Decaf Organic​is uncompromised in taste for the extended process the beans have been through. An organic, toxic solvent free process is used to extract caffeine from the Arabican beans. No residue is left and the brightness from the hand-picked African beans shines through. Delicately sweet, this easy and smooth blend loses nothing for being decaffeinated.

New to the range is T ​ raidcraft Organic Congo Minova​.

From the Muungano Cooperative, which translates as ‘togetherness’ in Swahili.

Located near the shores of Lake Kivu, this co-operative currently has over 4,300 farmers to its name. Members live in communities which have been divided by civil war but combine their strengths to build futures for all communities, together.

A single origin blend in the range, at a medium strength, it has a syrup like depth. A mild sweetness complements the toasted warmth. With a likeness to caramel, this careful roast is the perfect balance for the first cup of the day, the midmorning, the lunchtime, the afternoon, or the evening. No

matter when, this will provide an all-round good, consistent, pleasing cup of coffee.

Another new edition is ​ Traidcraft Burundi Kayanza​.

Another single origin blend, this has the most unique flavour.

When described as sweet and fruity its characteristic taste can be likened to red berries.

Grown in East Africa, the expectation is to experience a higher acidity. However, there's little bitterness, it remains palatably rich and has a chocolatey texture. At the lowest strength, you won’t believe it. There is nothing weak about this blend and out of all the coffees, it tastes advanced in how it balances all of its complexities. traidcraftshop.co.uk

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As many of us are aware, grinding your coffee at home will give you the freshest flavour. Traidcraft Burundi Kayanza ​and​ Cafédirect Organic Machu Picchu ​both come as beans. When coffee is ground it begins to oxidise, which can cause a bitter or stale taste. Being able to grind your coffee just before you drink it will achieve the freshest taste - and will potentially taste a little more like your barista’s style!

THE TRANSPARENCY THROUGHOUT MAKES EACH CUP EVEN MORE

pleasurable.

Cafédirect Organic Machu Picchu ​is undeniably chocolatey. It’s velvety smooth and luxurious. Roasted to perfection, each sip is exceptionally balanced and easily enjoyable. Unique to Cafédirect they use a single origin blend from Peru. Grown at extreme altitudes in the Andes near the sacred site of Machu Picchu, the taste is reminiscent of the care and nurture that has gone into growing these beans. Sweet, nutty and deep cocoa tastes, it’s richly indulgent.

Transparent Honduras and Sumatra Organic ​ hit headlines when it was released. The first coffee to tell its consumers exactly how much farmers are being paid for their beans by having it written on their label. This shows Traidcraft paying twice the amount for beans than on the New York coffee exchange.

The Transparency Pledge was signed by Traidcraft in 2019 and the prices for other blends in their range is also available. By being so honest about the sustainability of this coffee and by confidently showing the prices, this coffee had a lot to live up to.

As a combination of Central American and Western Indonesian Arabica beans, it was expected to be earthy and sweet. At a strength of 4, this coffee didn’t disappoint.

Roasty and tobacco-esque, its density left a sweetened syrup aftertaste. A richness like treacle with a perfect balance of acidity to bring the floral delicacy it describes.

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The Verdict In personal preference, T ​ raidcraft Organic Congo Minova ​ comes top with C ​ afédirect Organic Machu Picchu​. This is closely followed by T ​ ransparent Honduras and Sumatra Organic.

Choosing amongst all of these coffees was incredibly difficult.

As a keen americano drinker, these all had exceptionally deep roasted flavours. I loved the caramel essence of C ​ ongo Minova and the velvet cocoa taste of the M ​ achu Picchu​.

Similarly, the T ​ ransparent​Coffee has a completely different syrup texture and is sweet in a unique way.

Traidcraft Burundi Kayanza ​ is considered the best in the range for making cold brews.

With the rising heat we’re currently experiencing, if you’re looking for a new, refreshing experience at home, this is an easy and simple method for a cool caffeine kick.

1. Create a coarse grind from the beans and submerge them in filtered water.

2. Once left for 24 hours strain the mixture through a muslin cloth and repeat this process until there is no residue of the grounds.

A dominating factor for purchasing coffee should be environmental responsibility. Sustainable practices are incredibly important. The transparency throughout makes each cup even more pleasurable.

Knowing that every individual involved is getting their fair share, securing their future and ensuring these habitats remain viable. The quality of these products rely on this, ultimately affecting what we taste. Authenticity is the way forward and anyone can feel confident in this when supporting Traidcraft.

3. To achieve your traditional cold brew, use a ratio of 1:8. If you’re looking for something a little more substantial create a cold brew concentrate with a 1:4 ratio. Both blend seamlessly with milk, but the concentrate works especially well if you're more of an ice latte fan.

Due to the process of this brew, it is of a high caffeine content compared with a normal cup of coffee. The perfect pick-me-up on a sunny afternoon. traidcraftshop.co.uk

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Product Update

from Kirsty A note from Kirsty:

Please remember that we are reducing our spring/ summer lines in preparation for the autumn stock coming in. So, if you’ve had your eye on something and it’s been hovering in your basket, now’s the time to invest as it may not be around for much longer!

VENT for Change Stationery This range has caused quite a stir in our office – and for good reason too! We are delighted to announce the launch of VENT stationery, which will be available to purchase from mid-July. See more about VENT on page 20-21.

Malawi Coffee Update

Gifts for Life Our partner charity, Traidcraft Exchange, have launched an exciting new range of gifts for life. Starting at just £5, they’re a must for people who gift with a conscience.

We have now roasted, ground, packed and sold all of the Malawi coffee beans we are sorry, this will not be coming back into stock.

SEE ALL GIFTS FOR LIFE

Bio-D Pumps

Our 500g coffee is now in stock!

Traidcraft Organic Medium Freeze Dried Coffee 67924 (500g) £22 67722 (6x500g) £118.80 Traidcraft Organic Medium Freeze Dried Decaf Coffee 47070 (500g) £24.50 47688 (6 x 500g) £132.00 16 traidcraftshop.co.uk

A note from Bio-D: We hoped we wouldn’t have to, but unfortunately, we will be producing our hand soaps using disk top caps over the next three weeks. Please don’t be alarmed if you receive one of these bottles. We hope this is only a short-term fix, but please continue to save your pumps in the meantime.

Psst! Look out for our Big Summer Sale in next month's Bulletin!

Mid-Season

SAL E

Treat yourself to a bargain in our mid-season sale.

We’ve slashed the prices of some of our best-selling stock, to make way for our new season products coming into our warehouse.

If there was ever a time to bag a bargain, it’s now!

Divine Milk Chocolate Gingerbread Crisp Bar 37482 (35g) £1.10 NOW £0.71 This smooth and creamy milk chocolate bar from Divine is studded with crunchy cookie pieces and a blend of warming spices. A sprinkling of sweetness has come from sugar from Kasinthula, a Fairtrade cooperative in Malawi, and a touch of vanilla, grown by Fairtrade farmers in Madagascar.

Traidcraft 40th Anniversary Natural Tote Bag 56242 £9.95 NOW £7.46 Traidcraft 40th Anniversary Natural Tea Towel 56522 £6.95 NOW £5.21 Whether you want to get creative and tie dye your tea towel like we saw earlier in this issue, or simply want to invest in a piece of fair trade history, our limited edition 40th anniversary piece is well worth the investment.

Around 200,000 plastic bags are dumped into landfill every hour and even more end up in our oceans.

Unfortunately, the bags don't break down completely, but instead photo-degrade, becoming microplastics that absorb toxins and pollute the planet. Get your groceries the sustainable way, with a reusable tote.

Decorative Globe 65722 £19.99 NOW £11.99 If you’re still home-schooling, why not give the little ones a 3D geography lesson that they’ll remember for a long time to come? Plus, once you’re done, this wouldn’t look out of place on a table or mantelpiece either!

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Jordunn Scarf 61248 £34.90 NOW £29.67

Mid-Season

SA L E

We’ve heard a lot of our customers are putting the extra time at home to good use – and have already started their Christmas shopping! You are an organised bunch! If you’re one of those people, we commend you – do you know someone who would love to receive this super soft, 60% wool and 40% organic cotton scarf this year?

Unisex Wash Bag 69504 £11.99 NOW £8.39 Red Messenger Bag 69242 £33.99 NOW £23.79 Mariko Coat 46682 £120.00 NOW £72.00 If you’ve got friends over for a socially distanced garden party, don’t let the night end just because the sun’s gone down! Pop this 100% wool, fleece lined jacket on, or throw it over your shoulders for an effortless day to night look.

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Make a statement every time you step out of the door with this messenger bag. The pillarbox red bag has a main compartment for your purse, phone and other daily essentials, and also boasts a zipped front pouch for those smaller bits and bobs you need to carry around with you.

You might not be travelling anywhere at the moment, but that’s still no excuse to have your toiletries lying all over the bathroom. Store everything from shampoo and shower gel, to lipstick and sanitary items in this fantastic geometric-print wash bag – your bathroom has never looked so tidy!

SEE ALL SALE

Throught Menswear

A U T U MN P R E VI EW E XPE CT E D L A N D D ATE L ATE - J U LY

Your sneak peek into next season’s menswear launch…

Whether you’re investing in a sustainable wardrobe this season, or treating a special man in your life, keep an eye out for these transitional menswear pieces, landing soon!

Domenico Shirt – Steel Blue 100% hemp

Men’s Manuel Top – Demin White 55% hemp, 45% Organic cotton

Men’s Fairtrade Organic Cotton Tee Carries the Fairtrade label and is 100% Organic cotton

Men’s Ezra Jacket 100% Organic cotton twill traidcraftshop.co.uk

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SUSTAINABLE STATIONERY WITH STYLE VENT for Change is a Bristol-based stationery brand that supports children’s education projects worldwide, as well as having sustainability at the heart of every product they produce.

EXPECTED LATE-JULY

HOW IT ALL BEGAN…

B

ack in 2014, environmental entrepreneur, Evan Lewis, purchased a run-down, ageing facility which made pencils from recycled CD cases. After a year and a half or making improvements to this facility, Evan and his team were producing an additional million pencils per year.

At the same time, there was a string of devastating natural and man-made disasters effecting children worldwide, their educations in particular.

“Pencils are the most iconic educational tool going back centuries and I wanted to do something with them, something inspirational.”

Evan Lewis, Founder of VENT for Change.

Proceeds from every single VENT product sold, go towards global education projects getting children back into school.

It was at this moment, Evan had his lightbulb moment – realising he had a potential one million spare pencils being produced each year. The sale of these pencils could go towards rebuilding schools, paying teachers and providing essential materials. Evan decided to sell his pencils and other stationery here in the UK, and from the proceeds, support existing education projects around the world, ensuring that children’s futures are brighter, and that they receive the education they deserve.

Evan also launched Share a Pencil Day, a global education awareness day for UK school children.

His Ambassador for Change programme also provides free pencils to charities and volunteers working overseas. Pencils to be given out free to those that need them most.

“Pencils are the most iconic educational tool going back centuries and I wanted to do something with them, something inspirational".

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MAKE A MARK. MAKE A CHANGE. VENT’s motto is ‘sustainable stationery with style’; not only are they benefitting children’s educational projects around the world, but you can trust them to deliver highquality, beautifully designed notebooks, sketchpads, pens and pencils, with the needs of the environment at the heart of every single product they produce.

Made from 100% Recycled card

VENT constantly strive to create stylish stationery you'll love, that positively impacts people and the planet. Which pieces will you be investing in?

Made from Recycled card and sustainable paper

Made from Recycled CD cases traidcraftshop.co.uk

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Staying Apart, Surviving Together Traidcraft Exchange’s Recovery Appeal launched last week – to support vulnerable farmers and artisans through the coronavirus crisis and beyond. For many, the economic and political aftershock of the coronavirus could be more damaging than the disease itself.

But together, we can make things better. We know these communities are full of capable, determined people who can build a brighter future. Right now, they need support to take those first steps - to adapt and recover.

Together, we are helping people to survive this crisis, and restore lost livelihoods.

The last few months here in the UK have seen us stay in our homes and avoid contact with others wherever possible. But social distancing is a privilege – made possible by financial stability and government support. For many people across the world, it’s simply not possible.

It’s why setting up associations and farmers groups is an integral part of how we will recover from this crisis – because we know people are stronger when they unite. The practical side of this may look a little different – smaller numbers, no physical contact, and outdoor meetings – but the aims remain the same.

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When you live in poverty, the reality is that you survive by working together in communities, not by retreating into isolation.

In isolation, farmers and artisans are vulnerable to exploitation. They can’t access government help, or take collective action. This, sadly, is still the case for thousands of people in the communities we have yet to reach.

But when farmers and artisans come together, they can demand fair prices, buy and sell collectively, and build up savings. And it’s these savings schemes which are helping people not just to survive this crisis, but to begin the long road to recovery.

We’ve seen time and time again that a group savings scheme is a safety net – not a quick fix, but an insurance policy.

Right now, they are the difference between surviving... or not.

Modhumita is proof of this.

She joined a farmers group in Bangladesh and has been relying on her group throughout lockdown. She told us: “We can survive with the money from our farmers group. We will survive somehow.”

But these groups can help with more than basic survival. We’ve seen the amazing work done by more established groups in areas where our team has worked for some time.

In Bangladesh, several of these more established groups we work alongside, unable to sell their vegetables at markets or meet together for training, have distributed their harvests to the very poorest - offering a lifeline of support to their neighbours.

Julekha, a group president, explained: ‘Because of the [Traidcraft Exchange] project, we are now financially strong and we got the idea to help the poor.

This was a decision we all took together.’

The need for social distancing during this crisis doesn’t mean

facing things alone. In fact, it has underlined how much we all depend on one another - and shown us that when we work together, we can change things for the better.

Joint savings schemes and established associations mean people not only have a safety net in times of crisis, but they can invest in more resilient futures – buying new seeds to diversify their crops, or better farming equipment which they otherwise couldn't afford.

Longer term, coming together in a formal group empowers people – to take charge of their own fate, challenge unfair structures or exploitative prices, and support others around them.

With your help, vulnerable farmers and artisans can work together to recover from this crisis - and in turn, help others in their communities to build a brighter future.

Because together, we are stronger and more resilient - no matter how far physically apart we stay.

Donate to the appeal and learn more about our work during this crisis

DONATE HERE

Charity Gifts Buying a Charity Gift Card today will not only help you put a smile on the faces of your loved ones but will also help us support some of the world’s most vulnerable people during this crisis.

You’ll receive a lovely gift card in the post to personalise with your own message and send to that special person and with 11 different designs to choose from, you can support people whatever your budget.

NEW! Prefer to send virtually? You can choose to send any of our beautiful designs instantly by email - simply by clicking the link below.

SHOP HERE

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DOWNLOAD PRINT-FRIENDLY VERSION

Fair Trade FLAPJACK RECIPE

If you’re after a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for children and adults alike, try food blogger Sarah’s fair trade flapjack recipe. Accompany with a breakfast blend cuppa for maximum indulgence!

INGREDIENTS 100g Traidcraft Fruit and Nut Muesli 230g oats 130g eclairs sweets 150g hard butter 120g Traidcraft Organic Mexican Blossom Clear Honey 90g dark brown sugar METHOD 1. In a large bowl add muesli, oats, chopped Eclairs and mix.

2. In a small pan, add butter, honey and brown sugar. Melt until combined.

3. Stir into the dry mix and mix until well combined.

4. Spoon out and press into a 20x20cm lined baking tray and bake in the oven at 170°C for 25-30 minutes.

INFLUENCER BIO: My name is Sarah. I’m a food and lifestyle blogger - I’m currently at university and create recipes that are super easy and simple on a student budget! You can follow me over on my Instagram @sarahfoodieuk

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Enjoy!

Got a recipe you'd like to share with us? Get in touch at social@traidcraft.co.uk.

We’d love to hear from you!