Fair Trade and Lent

I noticed today (thanks to the Cartoon Blog) that Fairtrade Fortnight starts on Monday 6 March.

Since we're thinking about Lent, it might be a good time for also renewing our focus on fair trade and commercial justice. When we wander the shops, do we choose alternatives that we know have provided some measure of fair reward for those who created them? If we know there's a fair trade alternative and that section of shelving is empty, are we willing to do without and perhaps even ask when it will be restocked?

Since Lent is a season of fasting, it might be a good season in which to practise being willing to spend a bit more time and money to invest the money of our purchases in ethical trade systems and being willing to do without when that stretches us above our means.