Fairtrade at Birkbeck

Birkbeck College is proud to announce its commitment to the Fairtrade Campaign. The Fairtrade Foundation in the UK certifies colleges and universities Fairtrade Friendly upon satisfying certain criteria. Birkbeck is committed to working to meet these criteria over the year and maintain continued support for the campaign. This includes committing to a College Fairtrade Policy.

The Students Union have offered huge support for the College efforts in running promotions and acting as members of the steering group. This is one of the key aims of the College Environmental Management Group and progress, and suggestions of ways to move forward, are discussed at meetings each term.

The Fairtrade movement began with the aim of supporting marginalised producers of goods and raw materials in developing countries. It provides them an opportunity to trade equitably and equally. The movement is supported and promoted by many organisations around the world. Apart from promoting fair and open international trade of produce such as bananas, coffee, cocoa, sugar and handicrafts, these organisations work towards active participation of the stakeholders in widening the reach and impact of the practice.

Fairtrade allows wider reach for those who need it the most the marginalised producers. Producers are trained to conduct trade with fewer middlemen, at competitive prices that allow communities to trade sustainably. The ultimate goal of the movement is to improve trade in the grassroots to a practice that builds self-sufficiency and up-liftment of communities. Produce from organisations practicing Fairtrade policies that include environmental, labour and developmental considerations are given the coveted Blue and Green Fairtrade symbol that we see in Fairtrade juice bottles, coffee, tea and in stickers on fruit.

The College already stocks many Fairtrade products in the various outlets onsite and has been running promotions throughout the year to increase the purchases of Ubuntu Cola and Divine Chocolate among other products. In addition, there have been discussions, quizzes and lively events throughout the year to raise awareness among staff and student and the College is working to spread its communication powers throughout the Bloomsbury Colleges through its Greenthing initiative.