Interest in Fairtrade gold grows in 2015 In The UK
Editors note: Here’s the press release from Fair Trade International about their “I Do” campaign. The US is unfortunately years behind this type of campaign because, with the exception of Hoover and Strong, all the big suppliers really care about is creating the appearance of doing something (recycled metals… big deal) to hide the fact that the only thing they care about is the bottom line. Marc Choyt, FJA USA
March 2015: Enough gold to make over 3700 Fairtrade gold wedding rings has arrived in the UK this month.
The shipment, weighing 15 kg, was received by CRED jewellery and marks the third month of the Fairtrade Foundation’s ‘I Do’ campaign which is designed to encourage UK couples getting married to choose Fairtrade gold when they buy their wedding rings.
The Fairtrade Foundation hopes that if 50,000 couples buy 100,000 Fairtrade gold rings, an estimated $1 million in Fairtrade Premium could be generated, improving education, healthcare and livelihoods for some of the poorest mining communities across the world.
It is estimated that around 262,000 UK couples will get married this year, creating an opportunity for over 500,000 Fairtrade gold wedding rings to be bought. Couples-to-be can go to a specially created online hub at www.fairtrade.org.uk/Ido to find a jeweller near them selling Fairtrade gold wedding rings.
Since the campaign launched in January, another 33 UK goldsmiths have signed up to sell Fairtrade gold jewellery.
Victoria Waugh, Global Business Development Manager at Fairtrade International said: “Choosing gold wedding bands shows a commitment not only to each other, but can also be a strong statement about your values around people and planet. There are so many beautiful styles that couples can now choose from.”
CRED CEO Alan Frampton said: “Fairtrade gold is getting real traction now as more and more people are asking where their gold comes from. Knowing that the lives of the miners are enhanced by the Fairtrade premium makes it the best gold in the world.”
