20 years of fair trade at Edinburgh

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The Fairtrade University and College Award recognises institutions that have embedded ethical and sustainable practices through their curriculum, procurement, research and campaigns.

The University of Edinburgh and Edinburgh University Students' Association have participated in the Fairtrade University scheme since 2004.

This year, we received a one-star ranking, out of a maximum of three possible stars. The award remains valid for two years.

About the award

Twenty-two UK universities have gained Fairtrade status in recognition of their commitment to promoting ethical consumerism and pushing for fairer wages for farmers and workers.

Universities have carried out a range of activities including, increasing the range of Fairtrade products sold on campus to give students greater choice, to influencing and connecting with local campaign groups. Fairtrade Universities work to embed fair trade values throughout their institutions.

The Fairtrade University and College Award is jointly delivered by the Fairtrade Foundation and SOS-UK.

The Fairtrade Foundation believes its vision, of a world in which all producers can enjoy secure and sustainable livelihoods, can only be achieved by creating widespread understanding of the issues in global supply chains, and a sense of agency in every coffee drinker, chocolate lover and banana fan in the UK.

The Fairtrade Foundation

Fairtrade award granted to largest ever number of UK universities [external]

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What you can do

• Get involved with community groups such as the Edinburgh Fair Trade City Group and the Scottish Fair Trade Forum
• Make fair trade part of your research, dissertation or coursework
• Participate in Fairtrade Fortnight [external] (9 to 22 September 2024)
• Choose to buy fair trade products, and encourage others to do so (look out for the Fairtrade mark, and other positive schemes such as Rainforest Alliance, Fair Wear, Fair for Life and Global Organic Textile Standard GOTS)
• Put up posters in your staff room/kitchen to remind everyone of what accreditations and products are available.

Find out more about fair trade at the University of Edinburgh

Succeeding together

Partners across the University and the Students' Association came together to champion fair trade. These included:

• Accommodation, Catering and Events (ACE)
• Edinburgh University Students' Association cafes and shops
• The University of Edinburgh Visitor Centre
• The Department for Social Responsibility and Sustainability
• Procurement
• wider staff and student communities.

Student volunteers completed training and carried out audits to make the Fairtrade University Awards possible.