Faith

BBC Radio Cleveland's Mark Turnbull

Fairtrade is becoming more of a habit than a buzzword.

I don't know if you've caught it yet, but, you are in danger of becoming a minority soon if you don't take your conscience shopping as well as your wallet.

I have to admit I haven't become as obsessive as some; but I have started to think more about what I buy, where it comes from, and how it got to me.

I am not just talking about tea, coffee and chocolate which was the staple diet of the fair-trade radical a few years ago; clothing, jewellery, lovely little gifts and even wine are now embraced in a movement which bears the hallmark of a moral tsunami.

If I understand the arguments right then when we talk of fair trade we are talking a language of fairness for all - maybe for a few pennies more, but, if you think it through, the difference it makes can't really carry a price-tag.

All around the world Co-operatives have been established, communities have been transformed and change has been brought about.

A fair price is being paid to those who do the planting, picking and packing; the middle man is removed, and; wow; the difference has been brought about.

Oh yes, there's a lot more to do; but the building-bricks are well and truly in place.

The challenge for us as consumers must surely be to have a thought; and, if you haven't tried some of the stuff, or have nasty memories of well-travelled and unappetising dried-fruit and sub-standard tea or coffee, give it another go.

Look out for the mark which shows its fairly traded, and, see if you can acquire the taste for making a difference.