The True Cost - film and discussion about Fairtrade in Ipswich

Ipswich Star: Businesswoman Jo Salter, of Where Does It Come From, has a new collection of animal print Fairtrade scarves.Businesswoman Jo Salter, of Where Does It Come From, has a new collection of animal print Fairtrade scarves.

Campaigners and those who sell Fairtrade goods are getting together to promote a special event in Ipswich on Monday April 25.

The True Cost is hosted by the Ipswich Fairtrade Group and Where Does It Come From? clothing.

The special evening will include a reception, with wine, a screening of The True Cost film and a panel discussion about the ideals and success of Fairtrade in making a difference in poorer parts of the world.

The True Cost Movie is a story about clothing. It is about the clothes we wear, the people who make them and the impact the industry is having on the world.

Ipswich Star: Fairtrade Foundation Kenya 10th - 16th July 2015Fairtrade Foundation Kenya 10th - 16th July 2015 (Image: © James Robinson)

Ipswich-based businesswoman Jo Salter set up Where Does It Come From? to sell ethicially produced clothing, initially children’s clothes, that can be traced all the way back to the individual craftsperson and even the cotton field.

Jo said: “We are trying to encourage people to think more wisely when shopping. To buy less, and and shop more wisely.

“We also want people in Suffolk to understand, a bit more where their clothes come from.”

“Ipswich has just renewed its status as a Fairtrade Town, which is very good.”

Jo’s own business fits the Fairtrade model exactly, as she is selling children’s clothers, scarves and planning to extend her range of clothing.

They are all traceable back to the individual makers in India.

The date for the film has been chosen to fit in with World Fashion Revolution Day - which is April 24 - and the anniversary of the day the Rana Plaza factory collapsed on its workers in Bangladesh three years before.

Following the film showing there will be a panel discussion, and a Q&A with key fairtrade and ethical fasionn trades people.

Taking part will the Michael Gidney, ceo of The Fairtrade Foundation, Mark Lissaman of Arther & Henry ethical menswear, Jo Salter herself and Karen Cannard author of The Rubbish Diet.

Margaret Fish, of the Ipswich Fairtrade Shop in Upper Brook Street will also run a stall selling various Fairtrade products from around the world.

Tickets are £10 in advance, and include a glass of wine, from the Ipswich Film Theatre ticket office or online at iftt.co.uk