We are excited to announce Fairtrade Week, a celebration of ethical choices, global solidarity, and sustainable futures. From Monday 3 to Friday 7 March 2025, we invite students and staff to participate in a series of exciting events and activities that highlight the importance of Fairtrade and its role in creating a better world.
Why Fairtrade Matters
Fairtrade is more than just a label; it’s a movement that ensures better prices, decent working conditions, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the Global South. By choosing Fairtrade products, we contribute to reducing poverty, promoting sustainable farming practices, and empowering communities.
The University of Greenwich is proud to be a one-star Fairtrade University. In collaboration with our catering partner, BaxterStorey, we are striving to elevate this achievement and attain a prestigious three-star Fairtrade University status. This commitment reflects our dedication to ethical sourcing, sustainability, and supporting global communities through Fairtrade practices.
What’s Happening During Fairtrade WeeK
How You Can Get Involved
- Survey: Please fill out our Fairtrade survey here.
- Spread the Word: Use #FairtradeGreenwich on social media to share your support and inspire others.
- Buy Fairtrade: Look for the Fairtrade logo when shopping on campus and beyond.
- Volunteer: Help us make Fairtrade Week a success by volunteering at events. Contact Fariha.Ahmed@greenwich.ac.uk to sign up.
What is the university doing towards ethical food
The University of Greenwich is committed to promoting ethical food practices and sustainability through various initiatives. Key efforts include:
- Sustainable Catering: The university prioritises locally sourced and seasonal ingredients in its catering services, alongside meat-free menus, reducing carbon footprints. Keep an eye out for our low-carbon menu item!
- Reducing Food Waste: We launched our Food Waste Pilot last year which supports food waste monitoring and composting, alongside existing schemes such as providing leftover food for free before closing time on designated days to minimise waste and repurpose unused food effectively.
- Education and Advocacy: Through campaigns, events, and educational programs, the university raises awareness about the environmental and social impacts of food choices.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Our primary objectives, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- Fairtrade guarantees a minimum price for goods, ensuring that farmers and workers receive a stable income (SDG 1, No Poverty).
- Fairtrade promotes sustainable agriculture and contribute to ensuring access to nutritious food (SDG 2, Zero Hunger).
- Fairtrade supports equal rights, requiring that women have opportunities in training, leadership roles, and access to resources within producer organisations (SDG 5, Gender Equality).
- By offering Fairtrade products, and sourcing local and seasonal ingredients fosters responsible consumption and sustainable production practices (SDG 12, Responsible Consumption and Production).
We look forward to seeing you there.
#SDG1 # SDG2 #SDG5 #SDG12
