Increasing demand from consumers to know the footprint behind products they buy, and a desire to purchase products with purpose, has seen the Melbourne based event, Fair@Square, grow in popularity.
The annual event, this year to be held on December 2-4 at Melbourne’s Federation Square, was started three years ago by Susanna Bevilacqua, a Melbourne banker determined to make the world a fairer place.
She and fellow banker Boby Vosinthavong, launched Fair@Square after they visited South East Asia and witnessed the working conditions and environmental impact of mass consumerism.
By launching the event they aim to build awareness and educate people about ethical and socially responsible businesses.
“We are determined to create events which educate about the importance of fair-trade and ethical products and help drive industry change.”
Ms Bevilacqua says the Fair@Square event aims to not only nurture consumer interest but build on it, educating about why it’s so important to move to a more ethical way of life.
“It’s about not just doing what’s right by the environment, but doing what’s right by those who are sourcing the materials used, and ensuring people are treated fairly for the work they do, regardless where they live, she added.
Fair@Square has now become Australia’s largest fair-trade and ethical festival and although in its infancy, has secured sponsorship from some of Australia’s most renowned brands including Oxfam, Cadbury, and Lush.
In its first year more than 40 Australian businesses took part in the event, which attracted more than 20,000 visitors.
This year, the figure has been doubled, with more than 80 businesses involved and visitor numbers predicted to hit more than 75,000
The event “offers a great opportunity for people to see the range of fair-trade products on display and meet with the growing number of social entrepreneurs who work directly with the producers, to ensure quality products that are made sustainably,” says Cheryl Kernot, Chair of the Fair Trade Association of Australia and New Zealand, which also supports the event.
She says fair-trade labelled products were only launched in Australia in 2005 and last year had already reached $120 million.
The Fair@Square event held at Federation Square is also supported by the City of Melbourne.
Melbourne City councillor Dr Cathy Oke, who has more than 15 years experience in the sustainability sector, says it’s fantastic to see Melbourne leading the way in educating about, and promoting, fair-trade and ethical products.
“It’s a timely event too, just weeks before Christmas, and will encourage sustainable purchases when more often these days people want to give gifts with meaning or purpose.”
The event features an ethical fashion show, discussions about ethical and sustainable issues, an indulgence tent with live cooking demonstrations using fair and local produce, as well as more than 80 stall holders selling an extensive range of ethical and fair trade products.
