University of Reading and RUSU join together in support of Fairtrade

Tuesday, 05 April 2016

The University of Reading and Reading University Students' Union (RUSU) have joined forces to support the widespread use of Fairtrade products across the University.

The University and the Students' Union will promote the sale of Fairtrade products via the following methods:

• Articles and other appropriate material will be included in publications and websites managed by the University or Students’ Union. 
• Promotion of the Fairtrade Mark will take place in other appropriate publications, such as University Prospectus. The publications will commit to cover the annual Fairtrade Fortnight in March, and to update readers with major developments. 
• Fairtrade Foundation materials will be displayed on notice-boards promoting commitment to Fairtrade foods. 
• Materials also displayed in locations where Fairtrade foods are sold 
• In conjunction with the Students’ Union, the University will commit to supporting a series of promotional events during the Fairtrade Fortnight (March). In collaboration the members of the steering group are responsible for organising this. 

Each month, a Fairtrade Steering Group comprised of University staff and members of RUSU will meet to discuss the University’s progress against the goals outlined above. By working closely with RUSU, the University will be better placed to identify future improvements to our Fairtrade approach.  

To date, the policy has already made a great impact at our University– all coffee, hot chocolate, orange and apple juice, sugar and bananas available across our campuses are entirely Fairtrade. In addition, we use Fairtrade products in our delivered catering services, and offer a wide variety of Fairtrade goods from our Campus Central and Merchandise shops.

Click here to view the latest version of our Fairtrade Policy.

Further information on our Fairtrade commitment can be found on our Clean & Green pages and on RUSU’s website.