Two measures of washing powder, a little softener, 30 minutes at 60 degrees in the washing machine, and last but not least, the secret to make clothes whiter than white – some bicarbonate of soda. Stains will miraculously disappear but are the clothes really clean? Is it possible to wash away the blood, sweat and tears of the workers who sewed them?

It is a sad fact that the textile industry today harbours quite a few indelible secrets of its own. Human dignity and workers’ rights have taken second place to the need for speed and bigger profits. For this reason, many multinational companies have closed their production factories in Europe and northern America and relocated to Third World or developing countries where employee abuse is not just ignored, but considered the norm.

Can we as consumers do anything to oppose these injustices? Surprisingly the answer is a very strong yes. Information is our strongest asset. Festivals like “Taste the World” are held each year for this very purpose. Each year, non-profit organisations set up a full-day activity with varied events to entertain the public and at the same time raise awareness about global issues.

This year’s theme will be “Cotton: A dirty business” and it will be held at St James Cavalier on Saturday 9 December from 10am till 10pm. As usual there will be something for everyone: a seminar with the participation of a foreign speaker, Nina Zita; a 20-minute film; and an assortment of local musical talent of varied styles. Stalls selling fairly traded goods will be open all day long. Attend the event, have fun, learn and discover fun new and easy ways to make our beautiful world a better place. Entrance is free of charge.