Fair trade has many implications. It is not just about the quality of he life of the people who produce our consumer goods. Far from it. Fairtrade can also have a major impact upon the quality of our lives, too. How can this possibly be.

Hop over to the livesimply website and you can find out exactly how.

The idea actually came from Pope Paul VI in document he wrote in 1967. His words are very powerful and represent much of what Fairtrade is all about. “God intended the earth and everything in it for the use of all human beings and peoples.”

In a nutshell, the livesimply concept is that we should live simply, sustainably and in solidarity with the poor. It is God that calls us to live in such a way. Our planet and the producers of our gods get a better deal whilst we get time to enjoy ourselves, reflect on things, have a much improved work / life balance and gain a much higher quality of life as a result. Win/win all around.

This has to be a better way than how we as a society have travelled over recent years. We are, I believe, just beginning to realise that we have put far too much emphasis on the accumulation of wealth and material possessions. They do not, in themselves, bring the happiness that we seek.

Here’s some evidence to support my theory. People are reducing their debt. They are not only taking out fewer, smaller loans and borrowings, but they are actually paying them off. People are even making additional payments to their mortgage in an effort to redeem it sooner. How different is that to the last 15 years in the UK?

Go and have a look at livesimply. It’s a fascinating thought whether you have a Christian belief or not.