This week sees the start of Fairtrade fortnight and to mark this occasion the University of Aberdeen will launch the institution’s Fairtrade policy.
The University has a long-standing commitment to supporting Fairtrade products and is committed to attaining Fairtrade status, aiming to meet the five minimum goals set by the Fairtrade Foundation. These goals include 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.
Fairtrade products will be available for sale in all shops managed by the University and Fairtrade foods will also be available in all cafes, restaurants and bars managed by the University or the Students’ Association.
Professor C Duncan Rice, Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University, 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 is commited to developing and implementing policies to promote sustainable development. Initiatives include a campus biodiversity audit; the introduction of paper recycling; a review of energy and water use; and considerations of how sustainability can be incorporated in the curriculum. Supporting Fairtrade is another example of the University incorporating responsible and sustainable actions into our daily business.
The Students’ Association and the University will set up and maintain a Fairtrade Steering Group, which will include a representative from Campus Services, the University Students’ Association Executive and an appropriate Students’ Association Society. A representative from the group will be responsible for implementing the policy and developing additional goals in the future.
The Steering Group will continue to submit an annual report to the Fairtrade Foundation, confirming its continued achievement of the five minimum goals, and detailing additional progress, as well as reviewing the policy.
This week, Steve Cannon, Secretary to the University, has introduced the institution’s policy which forms part of a nationwide Fairtrade fortnight of celebrations which takes place between March 6-19.
Steve Cannon champions sustainable developments across the University and said: “Given the potential buying power of the University as an organisation, we are very excited that these important steps are being taken in recognising the importance of Fairtrade goods. During Fairtrade Fortnight several events will be taking place to raise awareness of why Fairtrade is important and what goods are available on the campus.”
Buying fairly traded goods directly helps third world farmers work their way out of poverty. When you buy Fair Trade, 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. It might cost a little more but our planet is worth it.
All products that carry the Fairtrade mark meet the standards, which are set by the Fairtrade international body FLO (Fairtrade Labelling Organisations International). Fairtrade products are now mainstream in major supermarkets and independent shops, in the majority of the 18 countries that now licence the Fairtrade mark.
During the second week of Fairtrade Fortnight, the University will host a variety of events within eat at Johnston to promote the wider selection of Fairtrade produce available. The University will host a launch event in the Linklater Rooms on Thursday, March 9 from 3.00-4.00pm where guests will be able to enjoy a number of complimentary items such as Fairtrade tea, coffee, biscuits and crisps, as well as picking up leaflets giving more information on the importance of equal trade.
Starting on Tuesday, March 14 until Friday, March 17, guests will also be able to enjoy complimentary Fairtrade tea, coffee, wine, chocolate, nuts and fruit (between 12 noon and 2.00pm each day).
All progress relating to the University’s Fairtrade policy will be reported on the web: www.abdn.ac.uk/fairtrade