We’re all familiar with the Fairtrade logo, certifying that producers in developing countries have been paid a living wage. But what about things that don’t have a Fairtrade logo? Presumably those are all ‘Unfairtrade’ products.
Why do we get to shout when we treat people decently, and keep silent when we treat them badly? How come we get to feel virtuous about buying Fairtrade, but don’t ask questions of everything else?
To make sure consumers have all the information, Make Wealth History is proud to present the Unfairtrade logo. We expect to see it rolled out on products across the country very soon, as we write and invite companies to participate.
We’ve started with Starbucks, since we need to start somewhere and we just wrote about them. Here’s the letter we’ve sent. We’ll let you know if and when they reply. In the meantime, join our Why isn’t there an “unfairtrade” logo? group on Facebook, and spread the word about this big consumer oversight.
Dear Starbucks,
As sometime quaffers of your fine beverages, both hot and cold, we hope you don’t mind our writing you about your product labelling.
It has been our observation that evidence of fair‐trade practice is all around your premises generally, on posters and flyers, murals and the like. Highly commendable. However, when it comes to buying drinks, the labelling is noticeably unspecific in the detail.
This may lead customers to the obviously false impression that either all your drinks are fair‐trade and they needn’t ask, or that none of your drinks are fairly traded, unless specifically requested.
To help clear up any potential misunderstandings, might we suggest that you use more specific labelling on the big board above the counter, marking both fair and unfair traded items. You may wish to place either a fair‐trade or an unfair‐trade logo as appropriate, so that customers can make a more informed selection. We realise that as yet there isn’t a recognised ‘unfair‐trade’ logo, so we have taken the liberty of devising one. Do let us know if you would find it useful.
Many thanks for your time.
Jeremy and Paul Williams
‘I’m lovin’ it!’