The annual Do the Right Thing fair in Trento, known locally as Fa’ la cosa giusta! Trento, has become one of Italy’s most vibrant celebrations of ethical living, sustainable innovation, and critical consumption. Held at Trento Expo each autumn, this fair brings together producers, entrepreneurs, associations, and ordinary citizens united by a shared vision: to rethink how we consume, produce, and live in harmony with people and the planet.
https://falacosagiustatrento.org/ is the official hub for this event, offering details on exhibitors, programs, workshops, satellite events, and the social mission of the fair. Whether you are passionate about organic food, renewable energy, fair trade, or simply curious about a more conscious way of life, the fair is a window into the future of sustainable living.
A Festival of Ethical Ideas and Practices
Every edition of the fair showcases an extraordinary range of participants — from organic farmers and fair trade shops to social cooperatives and grassroots associations. Visitors can explore stalls featuring eco‑products, sustainable fashion, zero‑waste solutions, and innovations in renewable technologies. The market atmosphere is infused with purpose, colour, and the scents of natural produce from across Italy.
The fair’s focus on ethical innovation isn’t limited to products. It is a living laboratory of ideas where consumers and creators engage in meaningful dialogue. Attendees learn how small changes — like choosing recycled materials, supporting local producers, or reducing waste — can ripple out to create powerful positive effects on society and the environment.
Connecting Communities Through Shared Values
One of the most important innovations fostered by Do the Right Thing is community building. The fair is not just an exhibition: it is a space where citizens, NGOs, local businesses, and educators share experiences and learn from one another. Through interactive workshops, panel discussions, and hands‑on laboratories, participants explore how values like fairness, respect, and responsibility can underpin everyday choices.
The fair isn’t only for adults. Dedicated spaces and activities for families and children encourage the next generation to reflect on sustainable living through creative play and educational projects. These initiatives help instil a lifelong mindset of environmental stewardship and social justice in young visitors.
Educational Programs and Workshops
A cornerstone of the event is its rich educational program. Inspired by the core topics of the fair, workshops cover a wide spectrum: sustainable cooking with local ingredients, vegetable gardening in urban spaces, creative recycling, and critical consumption. These sessions act as catalysts for practical change, equipping participants with concrete skills they can apply at home or in their communities.
Expert speakers and facilitators often guide dynamic discussions on pressing global issues — from biodiversity loss and climate justice to fair trade and circular economics. By blending learning with inspiration, the fair empowers individuals to become advocates for change beyond the exhibition halls.
Bridging Local and Global Solutions
While rooted in Trentino culture and community life, the fair reflects broader global trends in ethical living. It draws connections between local sustainability efforts and international movements advancing responsible consumption, environmental protection, and social equity. Italy’s ongoing development of solidarity economy networks, for example, is both celebrated and strengthened through platforms like Do the Right Thing.
This bridging of scales — from local farmers to global sustainability frameworks — is part of what makes the fair innovative. It emphasizes that ethical living is not an abstract ideal but a practical set of choices and systems that can be implemented everywhere.
Inspiring Economic Alternatives
One of the fair’s most compelling dimensions is its emphasis on ethical economics. Through the lens of critical consumption, visitors are introduced to alternative economic models that prioritise people and the planet over profit alone. Social cooperatives, solidarity purchasing groups (Gruppi di Acquisto Solidale), and community‑oriented enterprises present models of collective ownership, participatory governance, and equitable trade.
By showcasing these alternatives, the fair challenges traditional consumer mindsets. Attendees discover how ethical business practices can be not only viable but transformative — contributing to vibrant local economies while reducing environmental harm.
Highlights from Recent Editions
Recent editions of the fair have attracted hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of visitors. In 2024, for example, Fa’ la cosa giusta! Trento welcomed around 145 exhibitors and more than 5,800 participants. Exhibits ranged from organic cosmetics and clothing to renewable energy solutions like solar panels.
These numbers are not just statistics; they reflect a growing public commitment to ethical choices. Each year, the fair grows as a meeting place for innovators and consumers alike, sparking collaborations, partnerships, and long‑lasting relationships centered on sustainability.
Promoting Everyday Ethical Choices
At its heart, the Do the Right Thing fair is about empowering individuals. It invites visitors to consider the ethical impact of everyday decisions: what we eat, what we wear, how we travel, and how we interact with others. By providing knowledge, tools, and inspiration, the fair encourages people to act with intention and consciousness.
Through its exhibitions, programs, and community projects, the fair creates a culture where doing the right thing is not a slogan but a lived practice. Each conversation, workshop, and shared meal at the fair reinforces the idea that ethical living is both joyful and essential.
Looking Ahead
As challenges like climate change, social inequality, and resource depletion become increasingly urgent, events like Do the Right Thing show that solutions are already emerging from within communities. The fair’s commitment to innovation and ethical living makes it more than a trade show; it is a catalyst for societal transformation.
By celebrating sustainable living while promoting actionable solutions, Do the Right Thing inspires us to imagine a future where ethical choices are not exceptions but everyday norms. Through gatherings like this, communities reaffirm their belief that collective action rooted in compassion and integrity can make a significant impact — shaping a world that thrives for all.
In an era where consumers are demanding both quality and conscience from businesses, Do the Right Thing stands as a testament to what can be achieved when ethical values are placed at the centre of innovation and community life. Whether you are a resident of Trentino or a curious traveller, the fair offers a powerful invitation to explore and live ethical principles in practical, joyful, and impactful ways.