Thank you to everyone who took part in our Fairtrade Fortnight events this year, 27th February to 11th March. We had a lot of fun holding the events and we hope you had as much fun attending!
The University has also been successful in renewing its Fairtrade University status and I would like to thank everyone who has helped make the renewal successful.
In 2012 the Fairtrade Foundation wanted everyone to ‘Take a Step’ for Fairtrade. Millions of farmers in developing countries are trapped in poverty because they don’t receive a fair price for their goods. They are trapped by global trade rules and are powerless at the bottom of a long supply chain. By buying Fairtrade you are supporting these farmers by helping them to lift themselves out of poverty and giving them a global voice.
Buying Fairtrade means the farmers are receiving enough money to cover the costs of production by receiving a fair market price, and also a Fairtrade Premium which they are able to invest back into their local community. This premium has seen schools, medical centres set up in remote areas, helped create safer working conditions and helped set up sustainable production methods.
You can help these farmers in small or large steps. You could simply swop one of your everyday shopping items to Fairtrade such as Fairtrade tea, coffee, sugar, bananas, flowers, olive oil, or you could go big and set up your own Fairtrade group in your department, town or local community. The Fairtrade Foundation is looking to reach 1.5 million ‘steps’ so don’t forget to register yours at www.step.fairtrade.org.uk.
Over Fairtrade Fortnight this year we had activities such as a Fairtrade Quiz, Sew Good Workshop, Fairtrade Raffle, Ethical Fashion Fair, Fairtrade Feast, Tea Party and Lecture. Particularly successful was our stand at the Health and Wellbeing Expo. Students were asked to come along and make Fairtrade smoothies using Fairtrade bananas by riding our bike powered smoothie maker. It was a lot of fun and very messy.
For those people who wanted to know now to make the smoothies you will need
– A Blender
– Apple or Orange Juice
– Frozen Berries
– Fairtrade Bananas
– Fairtrade Honey (or Sugar)
The quantities of each depend on now smooth you want your drink and how sweet. For more recipes please visit www.fairtrade.org.uk/resources/recipes.aspx
For more information on what the University is doing on Fairtrade visit http://www.estates.salford.ac.uk/page/Fairtrade.