Whilst we are taking our first steps in Australia, the UK boasts 55,000 ethically minded businesses. In 2006 number crunchers reported a $67 billion turnover and $20 billion contributed to GDP. Not too shabby.

The good news is we are on our way, the fair trade sector taking a mammoth jump from $146,000 spent on fair trade products in 2003, to $11.7 million in 2007. I’m hoping The Fair Trade Company will join this effort, helping push fair trade into the mainstream.

To achieve this, I am a strong advocate for creating fair trade products that are contemporary, accessible and fresh. Adding a modern twist to indigenous materials.

So rather than source fair trade products as is, goods ready made, The Fair Trade Company is starting from scratch, partnering raw materials with contemporary design. Enter Sydney’s College of Fine Arts.

In accordance with their Professional Experience Program, emerging designers studying at the College of Fine Arts can complete an internship with The Fair Trade Company, working with us on a particular design project.

With our first line of products in development, Anna Lise De Lorenzo is the designer on board. You can see her portfolio here.

Yes, she’s a talented cookie. And what did she have to say about design contributing to society?

“Designers are equipped with the skills to creatively solve problems. If we use our abilities to address social, environmental and economic issues, we could change the wellbeing of people and the planet.”

Ahh, she’s a girl after my own heart.