Petition to H&M to stock fairtrade garments

Dear Sir/Madam,

This year fairtrade certified cotton is the focus product of Fairtrade Fortnight. An estimated 100 million rural households are involved in the production of cotton in 70 countries around the world. Two thirds of this cotton is produced in the developing world. For most farmers in the cotton-producing industry it is their only means of income and only cash crop. In West Africa for example, cotton makes up to 40% of export income. Many cotton farmers and their families also live in poverty trying to survive on less than $2 a day.

I see from your website that H&M does stock items made with organic cotton and that you are involved with the Better Cotton Initiative and the All for Children campaign with UNICEF and wish to congratulate you for taking these valid steps.

We feel, however, that cotton farmers need to be paid a guaranteed minimum price for their cotton crop to help them lift themselves out of poverty. The best way to do this is to use fairtrade cotton. We are therefore asking H&M to start stocking garments carrying the fairtrade mark. There, is for example, a large variety of fairtrade underwear and hosiery available which could easily be introduced to customers.

I hope you can help in the campaign to bring developing countries out of poverty.

Yours Sincerely,