Fairtrade Fortnight: Dancing celebrities and coffee with a conscience in Birmingham
This Fairtrade Fortnight (27 Feb – 11 Mar 2012), playing on the theme of taking an ethical step, Fairtrade has come up with the idea of using dancing celebrities to promote the cause.
The series of wacky videos feature a few rather famous faces shedding their dignity in public places such as the supermarket – all in the name of Fairtrade:
[words by Ahmed Ahmed]
In a nutshell, the ethical trading movement aims to guarantee a fair deal for growers and producers in the developing world, ensuring that our daily snacks, clothes and comforts don't come at the price of exploitation.
If you don't feel quite ready to declare your support by breaking into dance, why not buy your next coffee from an ethical supplier? It's easier than you might think. These four independent cafes in Birmingham recognise that trading fairly ensures a sweet deal all round:
Yumm Cafe | Digbeth, Birmingham | map
Located in lively Gibb Street, Yumm Cafe serves up a range of snacks, hot foods and tempting confectionery, catering to the creative professionals working in and around The Custard Factory. And any coffee you buy at Yumm will be made from Fairtrade beans.
Urban Coffee Company | Colmore, Jewellery Quarter | map
Urban Coffee Company has two branches in Birmingham, one on Church Street in the Colmore Business District, and one in the Jewellery Quarter. The cosy ambience and good quality coffee make it a favourite for both business lunches and social appointments. They source coffee beans directly from the farmers, as they believe this is the best way to guarantee fairness and quality.
Kitchen Garden Cafe | King's Heath, Birmingham | map
Part garden centre, part coffee shop, part restaurant; the Kitchen Garden Cafe is a charming and quirky spot for a tea or a light lunch. Hidden away behind King's Heath High Street, this leafy venue offers evening dining and daytime snacks, with all coffee and hot chocolate sourced from Fairtrade.
Six Eight Kafé | Temple Row, Birmingham | map
While Six Eight puts on regular art and photography exhibitions, as well as live music events, the coffee is at the core of this creative cafe. Sourced from a range of renowned coffee-growing nations including Brazil and Guatemala, the blend varies seasonally, relying on the buyer's expertise and on-the-ground contacts to ensure both an optimum blend and a fair deal for the growers.
Author: ahmed
