NEWS RELEASE
Abertay Wins Fair Trade Status
28 February 2008
Abertay University has won Fair Trade University Status in recognition of its work to promote Fair Trade products.
The Students’ Association, Student Centre and University Chaplaincy, achieved this accreditation by fulfilling criteria set out by the Fair Trade Foundation. The criteria include setting up a Fair Trade Steering Group involving staff and students, producing a Fair Trade policy, promoting the use of Fair Trade products in the University’s catering and hospitality services and a pledge to have ongoing involvement in Fair Trade activities to raise awareness.
The announcement coincides with Fair Trade Fortnight, an initiative aimed at staff and students to highlight Fair Trade and which is running till 11 March. Food and Consumer Science student, Jerome Nguyen has devised a poster campaign comprising a series of interactive posters with samples of Fair Trade products attached, to allow people to try the tea, coffee, chocolate and sugar.
The highlight of the Fortnight is the screening of ‘Pura Vida’, a film by Glasgow based artist Jan Nimmo, which documents the devastating effects that agro-chemicals have on banana and pineapple workers, their communities and the environment. The half hour film will be shown in the Hannah Maclure Centre on Monday 5 March at 6pm and followed by a discussion with Jan Nimmo and a Costa Rican banana rep. Entrance to the screening is free.
Louise Riddell, President of the UAD Students’ Association and who started the Fair Trade campaign at Abertay, commented: “The Association strives to support the use of Fair Trade and ethical products and we are delighted to have achieved this status. It’s important to highlight the benefits of Fair Trade and how it helps disadvantaged farmers in developing countries get a better deal. The Fair Trade Fortnight will hopefully encourage students to try these products and start using them in their everyday lives!”
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