University of Aberdeen awarded Fairtrade status

University of Aberdeen awarded Fairtrade status

After a year of ethical consumption that has seen staff and students participate in a variety of events, the University of Aberdeen is delighted to announce that it has achieved Fairtrade status.

Embarking on the process in November 2005, the University established a Fairtrade Steering Group and formally indicated its commitment to attaining Fairtrade status by hosting an event to launch the institution's Fairtrade policy in March 2006.

This event was the first of many that has seen the University engage in a variety of fun activities designed to raise awareness of the Fairtrade brand and its products.  Events have included sessions allowing staff and students to sample Fairtrade confectionery, tea, coffee, fruit and wine, while themed events such as a Fairtrade pancake day have been held at University outlets. 

Events during the 2006 Freshers' Fayre were particularly successful and saw a number of stalls set up to promote Fairtrade to incoming students, including an inflatable banana javelin, a coconut shy and hoopla, with winners receiving Fairtrade goodies. 

These events have proven popular with members of staff and students and Fairtrade products are now widely available in all shops, cafes, restaurants and bars managed by the University and the Students' Association.  In addition, the University now only serves Fairtrade tea and coffee at its meetings.

Leith Forsyth, Director of Campus Services at the University and Chair of the Fairtrade Steering Group, is delighted that the institution has been awarded Fairtrade status and said: "Working toward and achieving Fairtrade status further underlines the University of Aberdeen's commitment to recognising and helping promote cultural and social awareness amongst its students, staff and visitors.

"The University has a long-standing commitment to supporting Fairtrade products and attaining Fairtrade status, and has met the goals set by the Fairtrade Foundation.  These goals included creating a Fairtrade policy, making Fairtrade foods available for sale in all campus shops, cafes, restaurants and bars, and setting up a Fairtrade Steering Group."

Steve Cannon, the University Secretary added: "The news that we have been awarded Fairtrade status is a gratifying recognition of the University's efforts to develop its commitment to the concept of sustainability.  A range of policies and initiatives are being developed and the University is soon to embark on a wider review of its social, ethical and environmental performance. 

"The University is commited to the promotion of sustainable development with initiatives including the construction of a new energy efficient heating and power system, the introduction of paper recycling, a review of energy and water use, and consideration of how sustainability can be incorporated in the curriculum.  Supporting Fairtrade is another example of the University embedding responsible and sustainable actions into its daily business."

Buying fair traded goods directly helps third world farmers work their way out of poverty. When you buy Fairtrade, you can be sure that:

  • No child or forced labour was used.
  • Working conditions were healthy and safe.
  • The farmers are paid for their products a price that covers the costs of sustainable production and decent living.
  • You get high quality foods, carefully selected by the growers themselves.

Chocolate, tea, coffee and sugar can all be produced in a way that cares for the environment, pays farmers well and is healthier to eat.  With new products being accredited as Fairtrade all the time, including clothing and wine, it is increasingly possible to make Fairtrade choices for a variety of purchases.  All products that carry the Fairtrade mark meet the standards set by the Fairtrade Labelling Organisations International. 

The University's application was submitted to the Fairtrade Foundation on February 23, 2007 and its status was confirmed in a letter dated May 11, 2007.  Further details regarding the University's Fairtrade activities are publicised on the institution's web pages: www.abdn.ac.uk/fairtrade

Earlier this week the University held an event to introduce new environmental champions who were welcomed to their new role by the University's Rector Robin Harper MSP.  Around 25 members of staff answered a call by the University's Environment Office to help raise awareness within the workplace of good environmental practice such as waste minimisation, energy and water conservation, sustainable travel and biodiversity.

This all follows on the back of World Environment Day yesterday (June 5) see:

http://www.unep.org/wed/2007/english/

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