Fairtrade Status
The Fairtrade Foundation seeks to tackle the exploitation of workers in developing countries by giving consumers the opportunity to buy products that guarantee a better deal to the producers.
The University of Reading, with the support of the Students’ Union achieved Fairtrade status in 2008. In continuation of its commitment, RUSU has introduced Fairtrade Vending machines into its unlicensed social space as well as selling Fairtade coffee in all its outlets and other Fairtarde produce through the Students Union shops.
Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world. By requiring companies to pay sustainable prices (which must never fall lower than the market price), Fairtrade addresses the injustices of conventional trade, which traditionally discriminates against the poorest, weakest producers. It enables them to improve their position and have more control over their lives.
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The FAIRTRADE Mark is an independent consumer label which appears on products as an independent guarantee that disadvantaged producers in the developing world are getting a better deal.
This basically means that all the products which are stamped with the mark are products which ensure the farmer in the developing world receives a fair stable cost of production and gives them the chance to plan ahead for the future. Fairtrade also ensures that working conditions and producer organisations receive Fairtrade premium to invest further in the community and surroundings.
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Fairtrade has improved the lives of millions of people - farmers, workers and their families - in developing countries. We need to keep promoting and supporting Fairtrade to ensure people know that buying Fairtrade products will continue to make a positive difference to the world.
For more information about Fairtrade have a look at the Fairtrade Foundation website.
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The University of Reading has recently had its Fairtrade status renewed, pledging to support the values of Fairtrade.
A Fairtrade University or College is one that has made a commitment to supporting and using Fairtrade products. These products are then made available in as many places as possible and the awareness and benefits to producers in developing countries is promoted to the establishments students and staff.
The University has a Fairtrade Steering Group which is attended by students, RUSU staff, Student Officers, University staff and representatives of the University of Reading Chaplaincy. In the past the Steering group has organised the Fairtrade Festival, a talk by a Fairtrade producer and an Ubuntu Fairtrade Cola sampling session. If you are interested in getting involved or would like to attend the Fairtrade Steering Group contact our campiagns team.
Find out more about the University & Fairtrade.
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At Reading University Students' Union we are always trying to help make ethical shopping easier. Check out some of our Fairtrade products already on sale in the Union building.
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Hooded tops and t shirts
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Jute bags
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Hot drinks
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Ubuntu
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Simply Divine Chocolate
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Traidcraft cookies
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Muffins
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Fusilli pasta
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Brown rice
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Muesli
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Ice cream
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Sugar
RUSU also has a Fairtrade drinks vending machine in The Lounge.
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This year RUSU undertook various activities to highlight the importance of supporting Fairtrade, including the Fairtrade Fashion Show, and we continue to expand our Fairtrade product range in our retail outlets.
In previous years, we have:
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Talk from a Fairtrade Tea Producer
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Investigation into our favourite high street clothing stores and asking them to take responsibility for the conditions in which their clothes are made
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Tasting of new Fairtade products in the Whiteknights shop, RU Being Served
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Free Fairtrade Tea Sampling
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Lecture from a Fairtrade Producer "Fairtrade and Social Development"
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Workshop from People and Planet "Buy Right"
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"The Big Swap" - Fairtrade Foundation asked to swap your usual stuff with Fairtrade stuff, they aimed to get one million and one swaps made and smashed this target!
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