Student life can be extremely busy; balancing studying and socialising can leave little room for acting sustainably but shopping for Fairtrade products is an easy way to help. There are many benefits to buying Fairtrade and small changes to your shopping list will make big a difference. Firstly, the economy; farmers can become more income secure and at less risk of poverty. Secondly the environment; Fairtrade standards promote the development of nutrient rich soils which is beneficial for wildlife and plants. Thirdly social; Fairtrade provides support to their workers, encouraging equality in all aspects (Fairtrade Foundation, 2020). Everyday products such as Maltesers, Clipper Tea, Ben and Jerrys and Greggs coffee are all Fairtrade. In choosing to buy these products or others with the Fairtrade logo, you will help support the companies who are making an impact on sustainability.
The future of sustainability in how we do business
As a student studying Business with Finance, I believe the future of business will be impacted on greatly by all parts of sustainability. Green Finance has just released the Dasgupta Review showing how economics and nature need to come hand in hand. The review shows how around 50% of global GDP is reliant on ecosystems and their nature, therefore a changing environment is a risk for the economy (The Dasgupta Review, 2021). Choosing to become Fairtrade can have many benefits for a business such as strengthening the resilience of a supply chain, increasing the sales of a product and gaining marketing opportunities (Fairtrade Foundation, 2020). These are just some examples of how beneficial sustainability action is in everyday life and for the future.
All degree subjects will have an impact and link to Fairtrade and overall sustainability, therefore learning and acting on it can only be beneficial to future job opportunities, projects and for the environment. Our future can be a sustainable one and it is up to each of us to take steps to make positive changes.
Sophie Elliott – Business with Finance student and sustainability volunteer
