Fair Trade is an important way to make our campus global connections more ethical and sustainable. Our group is currently working on certifying the University of Windsor as Fair Trade.
University of Windsor offers variety of Fair Trade options including Fairtrade coffee, and a selection of Fairtrade tea options are available at all non-franchise food outlets on campus and through catering services. Starbucks also carries a Fair Trade coffee option at campus location(s).
Where are Fair Trade products sold on campus (as of 2022, updates coming in early 2024)?
- Alumni - Fairtrade coffee, Fairtrade chocolate bars, and Fairtrade tea options
- Vanier Hall - Fairtrade Coffee, Fairtrade tea options and Fairtrade Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream
- Toldo Building - Starbucks Fairtrade espresso coffee
- Catering Services - 100 % Fairtrade coffee, selection of fairtrade tea options
What is Fair Trade?
In order to ensure that a level of standards is met during the manufacture and supply of a product or ingredient, fair trade is a certification system. Fair trade is described as "a trading partnership, founded on conversation, openness, and trust, that seeks greater equality in international trade" by the World Fair Trade Organization. By giving marginalised producers and employees better trade circumstances and protecting their rights, it aids in the establishment of sustainable systems. “Fair trade is about leveraging our purchasing power to assist those in need” .
What does it mean to be Fair trade University?
Universities that have earned fair-trade certification are those that are dedicated to providing as many fair-trade goods as feasible on their campuses. With the assistance of the faculty, staff, and administration, these kinds of universities also work to support and promote fair trade. Everyone on campus is aware of the advantages that fair trade provides to international producers as well as the influence that fair-trade purchases have on developing nations' ability to sustain themselves and their economies.
Why is it important?
Sometimes purchasing Fair Trade goods appears to be a modest thing that everyone of us can do every day, but in reality, it is a significant choice that can dramatically affect people who produce. It implies dependable costing, economic expertise and physical conditioning, as well as social and economic growth are just a few highlights. The impact can be positive when each individual commits to supplying Fair Trade products and demonstrates huge commitment.
Role of Universities/Colleges in the fair-trade programme
All huge organisations have significant good and negative consequences for the environment and society. Graduates are a university or college's main source of influence. University and college students are at a critical juncture in their lives when it comes to developing their values and establishing their future behaviours. Institutions can have a significant positive impact by encouraging students to explore their understanding of the social and environmental repercussions of their choices and by making ethical and sustainable practises the standard.
How Fair Trade advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
The only moral criterion that affects sustainable consumption at both ends of the supply chain is fair trade. Producer organisations are assisted on one end to adhere to Fairtrade social and environmental standards (including no GMO and no child or forced labour). The Fairtrade Trader Standards, which include openness about sourcing and market prospects, fair prices, pre-financing for producers, compliance with labour and environmental law, and transparent contracts, hold traders and purchasers accountable as well.
Fairtrade cooperatives can bargain better prices with merchants and have access to financing, insurance, and other financial services. They must adhere to the Fairtrade standard standards of being democratic, transparent, and inclusive. They make their own decisions regarding how to use the Fairtrade Premium, whether to increase productivity or take care of the pressing issues related to sustainable development in their neighbourhood.
More than 4000 companies have joined forces with Fairtrade to give tangible benefits to farmers and workers. Fairtrade also works with governments to promote fairer trading practises, which are crucial for long-term economic success. Governments are in favour of Fairtrade's methodology for this reason.
In order to help 252,000 smallholder farmers in 18 countries and support Goal 2: End Hunger, Achieve Food Security and Improved Nutrition, and Promote Sustainable Agriculture, the Fairtrade Access Fund has distributed more than US$128 million to far. For smallholders, Fairtrade also offers technical assistance.
Rural communities may invest and promote other Global Goals thanks to the Fairtrade Premium. More than €500 million in Fairtrade Premium has been used to fund schools, healthcare, and clean water since the SDGs were introduced in 2015.