This week marks the first week of Fairtrade fortnight – it’s a chance for all of us to focus on what we buy and where it comes from.

Inverclyde achieved Fairtrade Zone status last year and that’s an achievement we should be proud of.

It means that we have achieved five goals, including local businesses being involved in selling Fairtrade products.

Fairtrade ensures that producers in other countries, particularly in developing economies, get a fair rate for their product.

It helps to make sure that people are able to live on the wage they receive and that industries have a greater chance of being sustainable and successful.

It is easy for us to ignore the plight of people across the planet and not see the impact our buying power can have on their lives.

Fairtrade fortnight is a good chance to focus on that and to encourage each of us to do what we can to ensure that a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work is delivered.

It’s also the work of local campaigners and champions who have been getting out and about across Inverclyde encouraging businesses, schools and groups to get involved in Fairtrade.

When you are doing your normal shopping, look out for the Fairtrade mark. This is the mark that shows you support farmers and workers to improve their lives.

It is the mark that your support is helping improve communities across the globe. And this is the mark that shows the protection of workers’ rights and the environment.

You can find out more about Fairtrade and what you can do to help online at www.fairtrade.org.uk