Fairtrade
|
[c]
FairtradeWhat is Fairtrade? The term Fairtrade refers to the specific labelling system controlled (in the UK) by the Fairtrade Foundation. Fair Trade as an international movement, enures that producers in poor countries get a fair deal. This means a fair price for their goods (one that covers the cost of production and guarantees a sustainable living). The Fair Trade movement has been one of the most powerful responses to the problems facing commodity producers. It gives consumers an opportunity to use their purchasing power to tilt the balance, however slightly, in favour of the poor. The University of Warwick is a Fairtrade University, which means that the University and the Students' Union must show a commitment to providing as many Fairtrade products in all campus shops and in all cafes/ restaurants/ bars on campus. Fairtrade empowers people to challenge the ways trade works: every member of a university can make socially responsible choices. We are currently one of the leading universities in the provision and in the improvements that have been made. The Fairtrade Steering Group: As a part of the Warwick's Fairtrade University status, it must have a Fairtrade Steering group. This is a working group consisting of students, Students' Union Officers, and representatives from the University including Warwick Hospitality, which works towards creating more Fairtrade provision on campus and sustaining the achievements already made. Fairtrade Provision on Campus. The University has been awarded Fairtrade Status, by the Fairtrade Foundation since June 2004. Over 20 different Fairtrade products are available around campus with all coffee and hot chocolate at Warwick Hospitality outlets 100% Fairtrade, and all tea, coffee and hot chocolate ordered as delivered hospitality also Fairtrade. Costcutter supermarket has over 30 lines of Fairtrade products whilst over 20 are available in the Oxfam shop. In the Students' Union, all tea, coffee, hot chocolate and sugar has been 100% Fairtrade since September 2004. Owing to a Students' Union Referendum policy passed in March 2006, we now have 100% Fairtrade speciality teas. All Union officers have Fairtrade Cotton polo shirts, as well as staff in rococo with Fairtrade cotton uniforms. Both of which are made in factories guaranteeing International Labour Organisation labour standards. The Union is also looking into Fairtrade fruit provision and Fairtrade vending machines. The new society and student cooperative Greens, have a stall in the Union's market place most Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, selling Fairtrade goodies, and fresh organic and local fruit and veg. For more information or for ways to get involved in Fairtrade please contact Sarah Reader, Ethics & Social Justice Campaigns Officer, Students' Union at s.e.reader@warwick.ac.uk
|
