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- Webinar - Introduction to Fair Trade and Fair Trade Towns
Webinar - Introduction to Fair Trade and Fair Trade Towns
In 2020, Conserve India organized an impactful webinar titled “Introduction to Fair Trade and Fair Trade Towns”, in collaboration with the European Commission, International Trade Centre (ITC), and Vredeshuis Gent. The session brought together international stakeholders, including representatives from the World Fair Trade Organization Asia (WFTO Asia), Fair Trade Towns, and the Fair Trade Advocacy Office (Belgium), to deepen awareness of fair trade practices and promote the global Fair Trade Towns movement. The webinar aimed to empower communities to champion ethical sourcing, advocate for just labor practices, and build local economies rooted in sustainability and equity.
Participants explored key themes such as the fundamentals of fair trade, the impact of the Fair Trade Towns initiative, and the resilience of ethical supply chains during the COVID-19 crisis. The event attracted a diverse audience—from students and civil society members to industry experts and policymakers—and encouraged cross-sectoral dialogue on how fair trade can serve as a tool for inclusive economic development. The webinar reaffirmed Conserve India’s dedication to strengthening fair trade ecosystems and demonstrated how global collaboration can drive local change.
On October 16, 2022, Conserve India, in collaboration with the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), organized a panel discussion titled “How Waste Can Be Utilized to Generate Value” under the theme of Sustainability and Handicrafts. Held at the 54th IHGF Delhi Fair at the India Expo Center & Mart, Greater Noida, the session brought together a dynamic group of experts from environmental innovation, design, and circular economy. Panelists included Anita Ahuja (Conserve India), Dr. Madhumita Puri (Trash to Cash), Shubhi Sachan (Materials Library of India), Girija Jha (NIFT), and Shobha Raghavan (Saahas Zero Waste), with moderation by Kanika Ahuja (LIFAFFA/Plastiskul). Together, they explored how recycled materials—particularly plastic—can be repurposed into commercially viable handicrafts while advancing environmental sustainability and social equity.
Why It Matters
Early education plays a crucial role in shaping the values and behaviors of future generations. At a time when environmental degradation, waste pollution, and overconsumption threaten ecosystems and public health, it is essential to instill circular thinking and responsible action in school students. Swachhata Ki Pahal recognized that children are not just passive learners—they are powerful changemakers capable of catalyzing sustainability in their homes, schools, and communities.
The discussion highlighted the potential of integrating waste into artisanal value chains, not only as a solution to plastic pollution but also as a means to generate sustainable livelihoods. A strong emphasis was placed on ethical manufacturing—ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and transparent sourcing—as a cornerstone of truly sustainable products. The session served as a powerful platform to showcase grassroots innovations and reinforced Conserve India’s and EPCH’s commitment to promoting circularity and inclusion within the handicrafts sector.
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