Fairtrade municipality

Tytsjerksteradiel has been a proud Fairtrade Town since 2011. Together with residents, shops, and businesses, we are actively committed to fair trade. We encourage the use and sale of Fairtrade products so that farmers and producers in developing countries receive a fair price for their work.

The title of Fairtrade Municipality recognizes our collective commitment to sustainability and fairness. The municipality meets six criteria, including administrative involvement, a working group, and a wide range of Fairtrade products available in Tytsjerksteradiel.

What is Fairtrade?

Fairtrade stands for equal opportunities for everyone. Products bearing this label guarantee, among other things, that no child labor is involved and that producers work under good conditions. Together, we are making the world a fairer place, one step at a time.

How can you spot Fairtrade products in stores?

The best way to identify Fairtrade products in stores is by looking for the official logo on the packaging, the most recognizable of which is the Fairtrade mark. This mark guarantees that farmers receive a fair price and that there is no exploitation, such as child labor.

The Fairtrade logo symbolizes the blue sky of possibilities and the green of growth. It appears on products made entirely from Fairtrade ingredients, such as coffee, bananas, or rice. Many supermarkets (such as PLUS, AH, and Lidl) offer Fairtrade products under their own private labels, which are clearly identifiable by the logo. 

Tips for making ethical choices

Incorporating Fairtrade into your life is easy—it starts with making small, conscious choices during your daily shopping. By looking for Fairtrade labels and choosing Fairtrade products, you support farmers and workers who are working to create a better living environment.

1. Simple choices at the supermarket

Coffee & Tea: Switch to Fairtrade-certified coffee and tea. Almost every supermarket carries these options.
Chocolate & Cocoa: Choose chocolate bars with the Fairtrade or Fair for Life label.
Bananas: Bananas are one of the most commonly traded Fairtrade products. Make a conscious choice to pick the Fairtrade label on the shelf.
Sugar & Honey: Replace your sugar and honey with the Fairtrade versions.
Fruit juice: Look for the label on orange juice cartons.

2. Look beyond food

Cotton: Buy clothing or home textiles made from Fairtrade-certified cotton. HEMA and Zeeman, for example, offer many products that meet these sustainability standards.
Flowers: When shopping at a florist or supermarket, choose Fairtrade roses.
Gifts: Visit a World Shop or Fairtrade online store for unique gifts, home decor, or tableware.

3. Simple steps

Check the label: When grocery shopping, look for well-known Fairtrade certifications (such as Max Havelaar/Fairtrade, Fair for Life, and WFTO).
Start with one product: Start with a single product category—for example, buying only Fairtrade coffee. That’s easy to stick with.
Get to know the store brands: Many supermarkets carry affordable Fair Trade products under their own store brands.