University welcomes Fairtrade re-accreditation

The University of Plymouth has been recognised for encouraging staff and students to make ethical choices when buying food and drink by having its Fairtrade status re-accredited. The Fairtrade Universities and Colleges initiative ensures that producers of foods and goods are given a fair price for their work to reduce poverty and encourage sustainable development. The University, which first achieved the status in 2006, has been reaccredited for a further two years after achieving a number of goals set by the Fairtrade Foundation including making a range of Fairtrade products available to buy in all campus restaurants, Students’ Union shops and catering outlets,setting up a Fairtrade Steering Group and writing an approved Fairtrade policy. This year, the University organised a number of events during Fairtrade Fortnight which included an Ethical Threads fashion show, a Frock Exchange, Fairtrade food promotions, a film show and a talk from a representative of the Kuapa Kokoo Co-operative in Ghana. Linda Morris, Senior Contracts Manager for the Office of Procurement and Sustainability at the University said: “We believe that understanding and managing the impact our actions have on people and the environment is an essential part of our responsibility to supporting the Fairtrade status. The University is actively working to raise awareness of food sustainability having recently signed up to the Plymouth Food Charter and, where possible, supports the Fairtrade initiative. The Students’ Union has also been awarded a Silver Level for the prestigious Green Impact Students’ Union Award, recognising its commitment to environmental changes, campaigning and ethical responsibility.