Fairtrade Fortnight: Get 20% off on hot drinks

Monday, 26 February 2018

Monday 26 February marked the beginning of Fairtrade Fortnight, which runs until Sunday 11 March.

Over the next two weeks, the University will join local Fairtrade outlets, churches and groups in hosting exciting Fairtrade-focused events, including food and crafts stalls, discussions and public meetings.

Catering Services at the University are offering a 20% discount on hot drinks during Fairtrade Fortnight if you use a Campus Card.

Events

On Wednesday 28 February, Emilie Schultze, a campaigner for Traidcraft Exchange, will talk about Trade after Brexit: What’s in it for the Global South? from 1-2pm, Palmer Building, Room 105.

The talk explores whether changes to trade deals following Brexit will push farmers and workers in poorer countries into greater poverty or will these change trade for good.

Emilie has campaigned on post-Brexit trade issues for over a year, and Traidcraft Exchange - the charity she works for - uses the power of trade to bring about lasting solutions to poverty.

On Friday 9 March, TEDx speaker Bandi Mbubi will talk about How Ethical is your tech? from 12.30-2pm, Chancellors Building, Room G08.

Bandi grew up in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, experiencing first-hand the political unrest and oppression which have since worsened there. He notes how the mining of tantalum - a mineral used in cell phones and computers - has fuelled the ongoing war there in which 5 million have died.

While Bandi sees the cell phone as an instrument of oppression for this reason, he knows that phones can also bring great freedom.

His CongoCalling.org campaign aims to inspire both the public and companies that make electronics to pay attention to how tantalum used in consumer electronics is mined and traded.

Both the events are free for staff and students to attend – and advance booking is not required.

Progress

The University has made great progress against its Fairtrade targets in recent years – all coffee, hot chocolate, orange and apple juice, sugar and bananas available across our campuses are entirely Fairtrade, and we use Fairtrade products in our delivered catering services.

Fairtrade fortnight is a national campaign held in early spring each year by the Fairtrade Foundation and offers an opportunity for Fairtrade events, publicity, meetings and exhibitions throughout the country.

The Reading Fairtrade Steering Group organises activities in Reading each year to support the Fairtrade Fortnight campaign.

This year, there are over 20 events and exhibitions taking place around Reading during Fairtrade fortnight.