Aberdeen school pupils are getting the chance to put Fairtrade in the picture at a series of creative workshops this month.
Pupils at a number of city schools are being visited by city environmental charity Creative Waste Exchange, to discuss Fairtrade and what it means to them.
Then, using recycled materials from the Exchange, they'll be asked to create an imaginative large-scale collage illustrating the international initiative which aims to give a fair deal to farmers in developing countries.
On Friday (February 6), pupils at Middleton Park Primary School will get the chance to put their creative skills to the test.
The schools' project, which is being carried out in conjunction with the University of Aberdeen, will see the resulting works of art go on show at the University's Hub café during Fairtrade Fortnight (February 23-March 8)
They'll then be judged by staff and students to choose the entry which best reflects what Fairtrade is all about. 30 pupils from the winning school and 15 from the runner up will be invited to the Hub to join a Fairtrade party lunch.
Creative Waste Exchange operational manager Gillian Marr said: "We're delighted to take part in this initiative, highlighting to young people the aims of the Fairtrade movement, and the need for us to think carefully about the choices we make, and how they impact on others."
University of Aberdeen Fairtrade Committee Chair, Lynne Anderson said: "Creative Waste Exchange is obviously committed to sustainable development, and we're pleased to have them on board to help deliver the Fairtrade message in the community. These workshops are a great way to encourage young people to become involved and contribute their ideas."
The Creative Waste Exchange, part of environmental charity Aberdeen Forward, is an Aladdin's Cave of low cost, good quality craft, office furniture and stationery materials. Stock is donated by local businesses and householders and would otherwise go to landfill.
The Exchange regularly hosts schools visits to its premises at 2 Poynernook Road, to promote the value of recycling and reusing materials, and a number of schools are now members of the Exchange.
Youngsters will be using a whole range of craft materials including paper and card, CDs, pictures, books and magazines from the Exchange.
Schools taking part, which are all in the Aberdeen University neighbourhood, also include Danestone, Riverbank, Kittybrewster, Woodside, St Peter's and Sunnybank.
Fairtrade is a strategy for poverty alleviation and sustainable development. Its purpose is to create opportunities for producers and workers who have been economically disadvantaged or marginalised by the conventional trading system. If fair access to markets under better trade conditions would help them to overcome barriers to development, they can join Fairtrade.
Fairtrade is a tool for development that ensures disadvantaged farmers and workers in developing countries get a better deal through the use of the international FAIRTRADE Mark.
Find out more about Creative Waste Exchange at www.creativewasteexchange.org and more information about the University of Aberdeen and its commitment to Fairtrade at www.abdn.ac.uk/fairtrade