If you are a TA who organises the school uniform jumpers

[Takver]

Would you think that I was a complete nutter if I very tactfully suggested offering fair trade cotton ones as an option/instead of the current ones? These people offer them and they are cheaper than what we are currently paying for not fair trade/not 100% cotton. I've asked a friend who is a parent governor, and she is pretty sure that the school doesn't add a mark up as a fund raiser - so they would genuinely be cheaper as well as the ethical benefit. The polo shirts are cheaper too.

But (given that I am already a mad hippy mother) I don't want to be written down as an awkward parent/PITA for suggesting it . . . What do you think?

[VinoEsmeralda]

I think it is a brilliant idea!

[Takver]

Thank you! Will wait for any other thoughts .. . and then maybe screw up my courage (nice but rather scary TA!).

[thisisyesterday]

i think it's a great idea! especially if they're cheaper too

[JaxTellersOldLady]

Go speak to the receptionist or to the head teacher. It sounds like a fantastic idea.

Maybe you could get some samples from the company to show and to try.

[RoadArt]

You need to investigate the price, quality, durability and washability of the product and then make a direct comparison between the two.

If the fairtrade product is better then it should sell itself and you dont need to worry about being a mad hippy mother!

A lot of people are more open to fair trade options now but parents do not want to pay more, and they dont want to pay for something that will fall apart.

Our school used to buy cheap nylon jumpers, they were awful and DC were allergic to nylon. So, I would happily welcome alternatives if they were offered.

[Takver]

Samples is a good idea. Agree no good if they are rubbish quality. I will tactfully float the idea and see what is said :)

Current ones are nylon - but then it might be that they are embroidered locally & school want to support local cos.