Make The Big Swap to support Fairtrade

22 February 2010

Fortnight’s activities put BU’s focus firmly on Fairtrade.

BU is asking everyone – students, staff and members of the local community – to make ‘The Big Swap’ in support of Fairtrade Fortnight this year.

As a Fairtrade University, BU is offering a number of opportunities over the coming two weeks - from Monday 22 February to Sunday 7 March – to sample and perhaps persuade people to swap the products they usually purchase in favour of Fairtrade items.

Fairtrade product sampling sessions are lined up on both of the University’s campuses involving Stationers Office Depot, Café Direct and a host of other Fairtrade product suppliers.

One of the key events planned is a special presentation by Toby Quantrill of the Fairtrade Foundation on Friday 26 February at 1.00pm on the University’s Talbot Campus.

Quantrill, the Foundation’s Head of Public Policy, will focus on the interconnections between climate change and Fairtrade in his talk entitled “It’s not the ‘Air Miles’ that matter! What really matters?”

He will try to resolve the controversial issue of how to reconcile climate change and development in response to a worry that products imported from developing countries may have a heavier impact on the environment due to the distance they travel.

Though they are primarily aimed at students and staff, all of BU’s Fairtrade Fortnight activities are open and free to the general public as well.

“Fairtrade Fortnight is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the contribution of the world’s developing countries and an excellent time for us, as global citizens, to reflect on possible changes we may wish to make to our own lifestyle in support of the Fairtrade movement,” said Amanda Williams, BU’s Environment & Energy Manager.

BU first became a Fairtrade University in 2006. The status confirms BU’s commitment to ensuring that students, graduates and staff develop as ‘global citizens’. That commitment extends to the promotion of Fair trade products across all shops, cafés and refectories on both of BU’s campuses. Fairtrade tea, coffee and sugar are also served at internal meetings and functions held at the University.

In 2008, BU launched a unique Centre for Global Perspectives to embed global awareness in the curriculum and create opportunities for cross-cultural learning in an international environment.

Fairtrade Fortnight 2010 – BU Activities

Monday 22 February

Office Depot Fairtrade Roadshow
10.30am to 2.30pm, Outside Barclays, Poole House, Talbot Campus

To celebrate Fair Trade Fortnight 2010, Office Depot would like to invite stationery buyers and other staff across the University to view a selection of both Fairtrade and environmental products. Come along and pick up some treats for your office!

Wednesday 24 February

Fairtrade Product Supplier Event
10.00am to 2pm, The Retreat, Poole House, Talbot Campus

An opportunity to find out more about the range of Fairtrade products available in The Retreat and to put your questions to the suppliers; as well as trying some delicious samples while stocks last!

Thursday 25 February

Fairtrade Information Stand and Display
11.30am to 2pm, Ground Floor, Studland House, Lansdowne Campus

Come along to Studland House to find out more about Fair Trade and sample some Fairtrade goodies.

Friday 26 February

Office Depot Fairtrade Roadshow
10.30am to 2.30pm, Ground Floor, Studland House, Lansdowne Campus

To celebrate Fair Trade Fortnight 2010, Office Depot would like to invite stationery buyers and other staff across the University to view a selection of both Fairtrade and environmental products. Come along and pick up some treats for your office!

Fairtrade Information Stand and Display
11.30am to 2pm, Poole House Atrium, Talbot Campus

Come along to Poole House Atrium to find out more about Fair Trade and sample some Fairtrade goodies.

Fairtrade Speaker Event – Toby Quantrill from the Fairtrade Foundation
1pm to 2pm, Cobham Lecture Theatre, Talbot Campus

Toby Quantrill, Head of Public Policy from the Fairtrade Foundation, will speak about the interconnections between climate change and Fairtrade.

Monday 1 March

Café Direct Sampling & Information Session
10.00am to 2pm, Poole House Atrium, Talbot Campus

Come along to Poole House Atrium to find out more about Café Direct and sample some Fairtrade goodies.

Look out for promotions, new products and offers in catering and retail outlets on campus during the Fortnight!

For more information about Fairtrade Fortnight please visit the website listed below.