The Fairtrade flag is flying at the Civic Centre in Motherwell to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight, which runs from 21 September to 4 October.
This year’s campaign aims to ensure producers are paid a fair price for their goods, enabling them to improve their living standards, invest in their communities and businesses, and protect the environment.
North Lanarkshire first gained Fairtrade Zone status in 2020 and again in May this year, with Wishaw also receiving community status in May.
The Lanternhouse Cinema at Cumbernauld Theatre will screen the two short films made by the New College Lanarkshire supported learning students on Fairtrade "An Equal Chance" and the Cocoa film through Fairtrade fortnight from Thursday 24th Sept.
There are also localised zones and town status in Airdrie, Motherwell and Wishaw, with work underway to gain the status in Croy and Kilsyth.
Provost Kenneth Duffy backed the campaign saying: “I would encourage local residents to support Fairtrade where they can and help us expand the initiative across more communities in North Lanarkshire.”
Fairtrade coffee, tea and other products are available in the council’s cafes, leisure and community facilities. Local schools support the Fairtrade Fortnight campaign, and the council has created a bespoke online education platform with resources to support learning in primary schools.
New College Lanarkshire has incorporated Fairtrade themes into Global Citizenship studies for supported learning students who also run a shop on the Motherwell campus selling a range of products.
Anyone wishing to publicise their events or wishes to be actively involved in our North Lanarkshire Fairtrade Steering Group can get in touch at Fairtrade@northlan.gov.uk
For more information, visit Fair Trade (northlanarkshire.gov.uk) www.fairtrade.org.uk/ or www.scottishfairtradeforum.org.uk/