TEACHING people to be environmentally responsible is most effective when it’s done at an early age.

And that’s what fair trade company Fairandfunky aims to do.

Fairandfunky, founded by primary school teacher Helen Robinson and artist Sophie Bebb, runs themed workshops which teach about environmental issues such as conservation, recycling, global warming, endangered species and fair trade.

The workshops, delivered for schools and community groups, use games, role plays and craft sessions to illustrate different issues.

Fairandfunky holds regular craft clubs at venues around Holmfirth, including a ‘Monster Fairtrade Workshop’ at Holmfirth Methodist Church.

And it’s not just children enjoying Fairandfunky sessions.

The company, which began in May, has expanded its remit to adult groups including Rotary clubs and Women’s Institute groups.

Helen, from Holmfirth, said: “It’s encouraging people to think about what they throw away and, if possible, to reuse it.

“For our sessions we use recycled stuff. We don’t buy anything in.

“People wonder what they can do and we want to put it across that it isn’t difficult to get fairly traded products.

“There’s a definite shift in people’s attitudes towards where their food and products have come from.

“Hopefully we will have a shift towards a less disposable society.”

The company has also begun selling fair trade products such as jewellery, gifts, toys and gardening products.

For a product to be ‘fair trade’ each worker on the production line must have been paid a fair wage.

Sophie, from Meltham, said: “In this country we expect to be paid a fair wage for our work but we’re prepared to buy things that aren’t. That’s where society is going wrong.”

Sophie added: “We empower people to take little steps to change the world.”

Following the success of its Fairandfunky Family Fun Day, at Holmfirth Civic Hall, in August, Fairandfunky holds another family fun day at Holmfirth Market Hall, on March 9 (10am-4pm).

There will be games, crafts, music, cupcake decorating and refreshments.

Fairandfunky holds its next craft session at Holmfirth Methodist Church, on February 2 (2-4pm).

For more about Fairandfunky and its workshops visit:

www.fairandfunky.com