Cambridge University Fairtrade Celebration event

On 25th February, Cambridge University held an event to celebrate their new status as a Fairtrade University.

It was clear that there is great enthusiasm for Fairtrade amongst the university’s catering operation, with coffee bars, cafes and even evening meals featuring Fairtrade ingredients – up to now, Fairtrade had been exclusively a daytime activity.

There was also a talk by Louise Whitaker of Peros Ltd, who gave an insight into coffee making in Uganda, and the difference that Fairtrade is making in terms of the economy, environment, personal development and the position of women in society.

Amanda Taylor of the Cambridge City Fairtrade Group was pleased to attend the event, and took this photo of Susanna Hartland, Cambridge University Students’ Union Ethical Consumerism Officer, who spearheaded the campaign to win Fairtrade status.

Cambridge University becomes a Fairtrade University

Cambridge University has just gain Fairtrade University status.  This is a significant achievement, as the complicated structure of the university makes gaining Fairtrade status a real challenge. Fairtrade status means that the University has made a commitment to using and selling as many products that bear the Fairtrade mark as it can, and has received official accreditation for this from the Fairtrade Foundation.

Fairtrade at Anglia Ruskin University

Monday 2^nd March

Fairtrade tea and biscuits!

Please join us to watch a 15 minute film and have a chat over a Fairtrade cuppa!

2^rd March between 12pm and 2pm – if you are interested please contact environment@anglia.ac.uk

Also on 2nd March, there will be a stall in room LAB028, with Fairtrade chocolate tastings and information.

Why is Fairtrade still important?

An interesting article in the Banana Trade News Bulletin gives an overview of the banana industry, and some of the issues that impact on communities in producing countries.  The situation is difficult, and the article clearly feels that a new way of doing business is needed – “it is not an exaggeration to say that the banana industry’s very survival depends on this long-awaited sea-change taking place over the next couple of years.”

However, there could be a note of optimism, with the World Banana Forum in the Dominican Republic at the end of June this year.

You can read the full article here

Stuck for ideas this Valentine’s Day?

Why not show your loved one just how much you care for them – and others – by choosing Fairtrade? From chocolates to wine, flowers to gold you’re spoilt for choice!

Get some great gift inspiration on the Fairtrade Foundation’s Pinterest page, or check out this list of where you can buy your special Fairtrade present.

And don’t forget Harriet Kelsall’s Fairtrade jewellery!

By giving the gift of Fairtrade you’re supporting farmers, workers and miners around the world and showing your loved one just how much you care – for them and for others.

Fairtrade Coffee Morning: 25th February 2015

Traidcraft is celebrating 30 years at St John’s Church, Hills Road, Cambridge.  We’ve receive the following invitation:

Please join us at St John’s Church, Hills Road, for our Big Brew Coffee Morning on Wednesday 25th February, from 10.45am to 12.00pm.

Bring your friends!

Fairtrade teas, coffees and biscuits served

Traidcraft goods for sale

We will be supporting the Traidcraft Fair Necessities Appeal.

Until 3rd April, all donations sent to Traidcraft will be matched pound for pound by the UK Government.

For further information contact katieknapton@talktalk.net

82% of ‘generation fairtrade’ teens want companies to behave responsibly

An interesting article appeared recently in Blue and Green Tomorrow (below)….

Young Britons who have grown up in the era of a flourishing fairtrade market are highly sensitive to global issues and want to see businesses taking action to end poverty, inequality and climate change – according to a new analysis from the Fairtrade Foundation.

The survey found that 82% of UK teens think companies need to act more responsibly, while just 45% say they trust businesses to do so. Almost all the youngsters surveyed (97%) said they are familiar with the fairtrade mark and system.

Michael Gidney, Chief Executive of the Fairtrade Foundation, said, “From fast fashion to constant upgrades to their smartphones, you might be forgiven for thinking that today’s teens only care about a product’s price tag and whether it looks cool enough to be Instagrammed.

“But ‘Generation Fairtrade’ also care deeply about some of the biggest global issues that we face. They have grown up with fairtrade products at home, and may even have attended one of the UK’s 1,000 Fairtrade schools – so they are aware that by taking a simple action such as buying fairtrade or signing an online petition, they can persuade businesses and governments to act more ethically – and the good news for all of us is that they want to use their power to change the world for the better.”

The research found that more than half of teens surveyed are deeply worried about global issues, such as human rights, poverty and climate change, and are willing to take action, by participating in events and signing petitions for good causes. Most of them also want to see more fairtrade products at home.

Caroline Holme, director at GlobeScan, who carried out the survey, added, “Young people are just as switched onto global issues as older generations and we see a similar gap in perceptions between trust and expectations of companies. The number of thoughtful answers to unprompted questions far exceeded what we typically see in online surveys.”

You can see the article here.

Blue & Green Tomorrow is currently running a crowdfunder to ensure its survival. You can pledge here