Norman Establishes a Buy Local / Buy Fair Philosophy

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From last night's city council meeting:
WHEREAS, the City of Norman annually spends taxpayer dollars purchasing food, apparel and other goods; and 
WHEREAS, as consumers we have a responsibility to be cognizant of the impact that our consumption has on the communities that produce the goods that we purchase; and 
WHEREAS, the City of Norman has a responsibility to ensure that city funds are spent in an ethical manner that promotes local economies both domestically and abroad whenever possible; and 
WHEREAS, Fair Trade is a system that encourages fair labor practices and a healthy and safe environment and provides consumers with the opportunity to make a positive social impact in communities around the world through: providing decent working and living conditions and fair wages for workers guaranteeing producers a minimum price for their goods promoting direct, long-term trade relationships between producers and importers, allowing producers to develop competitive business strategies environmentally sustainable farming/production practices; and 
WHEREAS, locally owned businesses provide essential employment opportunities and contribute to the character and unique identity of our community; and 
WHEREAS, the City of Norman recognizes the important role that local businesses have in the diversity and sustainability of our economy and is strongly committed to developing our local business base; and 
WHEREAS, though no domestic Fair Trade certification currently exists, we recognize that supporting our local economy by purchasing locally and ethically produced goods and services is in keeping with the values of Fair Trade; and 
WHEREAS, the City of Norman recognizes and supports the efforts of local organizations working to promote and support locally owned businesses and to increase consumer and business awareness of and commitment to buying local and Fair Trade; and 
WHEREAS, the City of Norman has the opportunity to lead by example and present a model of economic, environmental, and social responsibility and sustainability for other towns to follow; therefore be it 
RESOLVED, that the City of Norman hereby establishes a Buy Local/Buy Fair philosophy to maximize purchase of locally produced and Fair Trade Certified products in the process of procuring necessary goods for the City of Norman offices when those products are available and reasonably priced; and be it further 
RESOLVED, that the month of October shall be celebrated annually as National Fair Trade Month in Norman.

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