We have been awarded the Fairtrade University 1 star status. The award recognises a broad range of activities undertaken in the institution which work towards a more just, equitable and sustainable world for all. This includes working to raise awareness with our students of the issues of ethical and sustainable consumption, and increasing the availability of Fairtrade products in their outlets.
The award programme encourages partnership between staff, the Greenwich Students’ Union and our students to cover procurement, awareness raising and campaigning activities. There are also opportunities to engage through teaching and the flexibility to receive points for trying out new and innovative ways to engage.
Students were recruited as volunteer auditors and given training, equipping them with transferrable skills and experience in conducting an audit.
The award reflects the work that has been done at the university to support farmers and workers on Fairtrade farms. Fairtrade ensures they receive a fair wage and income to improve their families and community’s lives, gives farmers training on sustainable farming, and makes safe working conditions for all. Selling and buying Fairtrade at the university helps to support the Fairtrade Foundation continue to support their Fairtrade farmers and enables us to sell high quality, ethically produced products.
As a student leading on the accreditation this year, I wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone involved! The accreditation couldn’t have been reached without the commitment and hard work from the catering and sustainability team. It has been a great learning experience for myself, I have learnt not only so much on the importance of Fairtrade but great skills on leadership, communication, and organisation. I look forward to working with everyone to continue encouraging Fairtrade and ethical products in the future.
Sophie Elliott, Student Sustainability Projects Assistant
Thank you to the Sustainability Team, Greenwich Students' Union and students and staff involved in auditing for this award.
