Now more than ever: FairWild week 2020 comes to a close in the time of COVID-19

July 2020 - #FairWildWeek 2020 has drawn to a close following a packed week of stories, celebrations, and actions around why the world should care about wild plants, now more than ever!

With many still under lockdown and limited to experiencing the wild in their local parks and gardens, this year’s FairWild week was seen through the lens of renewed appreciation of the role the wild and nature play in our lives. The week served as a reminder that the wild is actually all around us, in foods we eat, teas we drink, cosmetics we use, and herbal supplements we take.

Many are also now using wild plants in herbal products as part of the COVID-19 response, including in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America, and the USA, demonstrating the value of wild plant ingredients even in times of crisis. A TRAFFIC report released just before FairWild week places the use of wild plant ingredients within the context of the current pandemic.

This year, participating companies and organisations including TRAFFIC, WWF, Pukka Herbs, United Plant Savers, Neal’s Yard Remedies, Chantecaille, Dr Jacksons, and Organic Herb Trading, shared reasons why the issue of wild plants in trade should be one at the forefront of our minds.

From the the millions of people the world over who depend on harvesting these very plants for their primary source of income, often in unsafe or insecure working conditions to the 1 in 10 medicinal and aromatic plants threatened with extinction, FairWild week highlighted the often overlooked potential issues with wild plant harvesting.

Yet we also celebrated how FairWild offers a way for consumers to know they are supporting ethical, fair, and sustainable trade for wild plant ingredients.

Now more than ever, consumers are turning to brands that can deliver on their social and environmental responsibilities, as demonstrated by the companies participating in FairWild week this year.

We would like to thank everyone who participated in #FairWildWeek 2020, and our financial supporters including Friends of FairWild. Look for the FairWild logo wherever you shop, and keep discovering the wild in your home!