A Meltham Opticians ethical approach to eyecare
Allegro Optical Opticians was delighted to join the Holme Valley Fairtrade at their November meeting in Honley a few weeks ago. It gave us an excellent opportunity to catch up with some old friends and to support a movement which is very close to our hearts.
We place a strong focus on ethical client care and wellbeing. When we were setting up the business we wanted to try to give not only the very best service and products we could. We also wanted to do so without detriment to others. Thankfully we have been able to do just that. The staff in Meltham are very conscious of their environmental and ethical responsibilities. They all contribute to the businesses environmental and community impact and it is to this end that we aim to encompass a principled approach in all aspects of our working lives.
Allegro Optical Opticians, a part of the Meltham community
Based in the beautiful village of Meltham, Allegro Optical Opticians are very much an integral part of the local Holmfirth community. We feel that we have the ability to be a strong influence on local environmental and ethical issues. But we know that we cannot do this alone and this is the reason why we joined Holme Valley Fairtrade Association. We want to try to do more to support Fairtrade in the local area, particularly in and around Meltham.
Focusing on Fairtrade
Although we are demonstrating our ethical commitments to our clients, we also try to have a positive impact on the producers, helping to sustain their communities. For us just serving Fairtrade products such as tea and coffee to our clients isn’t enough.
There’s no such thing as Fairtrade spectacle lenses or frames for that matter. You can bet that if there was, we would sell them. However, we do try to buy our frames and lenses as locally and ethically as possible. Many of the frames and lenses we sell are manufactured in the UK. By doing this we are reducing air miles and in turn our carbon footprint. In doing this we are also supporting the British economy. Not a bad decision in what can be described as a particularly difficult and uncertain time for the UK. So when you visit Allegro Optical Opticians you can not only be sure that you will receive first-class eye care, it won’t cost you the Earth.
At Allegro Optical Opticians we don’t do cheap spectacle frames bought in from China. These are usually made in factories by low paid workers. We don’t sell lenses produced in Eastern Europe. Produced by workers paid a fraction of those in the UK, many with poorer living standards as a result. We prefer to offer quality, well-made spectacles, produced in the UK. All made by qualified craftsmen who are paid a fair wage.
Festive Fairtrade Fizz
While you’re here you’ll also be offered a delicious Fairtrade tea or coffee, and usually a Fairtrade biscuit too. And if you pop in over the festive season you ‘ll even get be offered a glass of Fairtrade wine. Or maybe a Fairtrade Bucks Fizz or even some Divine Fairtrade Chocolates. That’s if we haven’t eaten them already!
