The annual Do the Right Thing Fair in Trento, known locally as the Fa’ la cosa giusta! event, is one of the most anticipated gatherings in northern Italy for anyone passionate about sustainability, ethical consumption, and community‑driven innovation. Held at Trento Expo every October, this fair has evolved into far more than a marketplace — it’s a vibrant celebration of ideas, values, and practices that shape a more ethical and sustainable way of life. For more details, the official site of the fair is https://falacosagiustatrento.org/.
Origins and Purpose of the Fair
The Do the Right Thing Fair traces its roots back to a movement that began as a modest fair dedicated to consumo critico (critical consumption) and sustainable living. Over the years, it has grown into a major cultural event, now celebrating its twentieth edition with broad participation from producers, associations, cooperatives, and ethical businesses. The fair is often described as a platform for showcasing products and approaches that respect the environment, support social justice, and promote conscious lifestyles.
Unlike typical commercial fairs, this event blends marketplace activity with educational content, community engagement, and cultural exchange. It invites visitors to reconsider everyday choices — from what they eat and wear to how they travel or engage with their local community — through an ethical prism. Through this, the fair fosters a sense of shared purpose among participants and attendees alike.
A Showcase of Sustainable Innovation
One of the most striking aspects of the fair is its diversity of exhibitors. Over 145 exhibitors from across Italy and beyond set up stands to present environmentally friendly and ethically produced goods. These range from organic agricultural products and fair‑trade crafts to eco‑friendly home and personal care items, sustainable clothing, and innovative technologies designed to reduce environmental impact.
Visitors can explore a wide array of offerings:
- Organic and bio products: Fresh produce, artisanal foods, and locally made specialties encourage a connection with seasonal, small‑scale agriculture.
- Eco‑products: Everything from solar panels and sustainable furnishings to natural cosmetics and recycled materials makes its way into the market space.
- Fair trade and ethical goods: Many exhibitors prioritize social justice, offering products that ensure fair wages and equitable supply chains, particularly from cooperatives and small producers.
This rich tapestry of offerings doesn’t just provide shopping opportunities — it encourages visitors to think critically about where products come from and how their purchases shape broader economic and environmental systems.
Interactive Workshops and Cultural Activities
Beyond the stalls and market spaces, the fair’s cultural program stands out as a hub of learning and participation. A dedicated series of workshops and hands‑on experiences invites attendees to engage with sustainable practices up close. These activities are designed to be accessible and educational, appealing to all ages and interests.
Among the most noteworthy experiences are:
- Environmental workshops for children: Play‑based learning activities developed by local associations like Ortazzo and Punto Zero help younger visitors explore sustainability concepts in creative ways.
- Cooking demonstrations: Sessions focused on local and seasonal ingredients highlight how ethical choices can enrich daily meals and reconnect people with regional food cultures.
- Hands‑on craft and eco‑practice labs: From making eco‑detergents to learning about composting and eco‑construction, these interactive labs inspire visitors to adopt sustainable habits at home.
These dynamic elements of the fair bring the theme of sustainability to life, transforming abstract concepts into tangible skills and experiences that individuals can carry forward in their daily routines.
Dialogue and Debate on Ethical Consumption
Another highlight of the Do the Right Thing Fair is the rich calendar of talks, seminars, and panel discussions. Organized in collaboration with local partners and experts, these sessions delve into pressing issues such as environmental justice, ethical food systems, alternative economic models, and social innovation.
Participants include activists, academics, business leaders, and community organizers, each bringing unique perspectives to the conversation. These dialogues help bridge the gap between inspiration and implementation, showing how systemic change can start with informed, collective action.
Community and Networking
For many attendees, the fair functions as a meeting place — a chance to connect with like‑minded individuals, grassroots organizations, and changemakers. Networking events and informal spaces within the fair encourage collaboration and idea exchange. Whether it’s connecting a startup working on renewable energy to a community cooperative seeking sustainable partners or simply sharing stories with fellow visitors, this social dimension amplifies the fair’s impact beyond its three days.
Local schools and educational groups also play an essential role in the fair. Visits by student groups and educational workshops help embed the concepts of ethical consumption and environmental stewardship in younger generations, nurturing future leaders committed to positive change.
Challenges and the Future
Despite its successes, the fair has faced challenges in recent years, particularly concerning attendance and the evolving landscape of public engagement. Some organizers have noted that traditional fair models must adapt to maintain relevance in a world where digital platforms and dispersed community events increasingly dominate. There have been discussions about reinventing or evolving the fair to harness new formats and reach broader audiences.
However, the core mission remains vibrant: to inspire thoughtful consumption, foster ethical innovation, and build bridges between people and sustainable futures. Whether through new outreach strategies or deeper integration with local and regional initiatives, the spirit of the Do the Right Thing Fair continues to resonate.
Final Thoughts
The Do the Right Thing Fair in Trento — part of the broader tradition encapsulated at https://falacosagiustatrento.org/ — offers a compelling snapshot of what a more ethical and sustainable world can look like. More than a marketplace, it’s a forum for ideas, a workshop for change, and a celebration of community values that prioritize people and planet over profit.
Each year, it invites visitors to explore new ways of living, open their minds to alternatives, and take actionable steps toward positive impact. From the vibrant displays of eco‑products to the thoughtful conversations that unfold in workshops and talks, the fair continues to be a beacon for those committed to doing the right thing — in their consumption, their communities, and their lives.
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