University Centre Shrewsbury students contribute to Fairtrade work
News from our partners University Centre Shrewsbury
Holly-Elizabeth Smith (left) and Faye Wiggins
University Centre Shrewsbury students are contributing to global work to secure a better deal for farmers and workers.
Undergraduates Holly-Elizabeth Smith and Faye Wiggins are volunteering for Fairtrade.
The Fairtrade mark on a product means that its ingredients have been produced by small-scale farmer organisations or plantations that meet Fairtrade social, economic and environmental standards. The standards include protection of workers’ rights and the environment, payment of the Fairtrade minimum price and an additional Fairtrade premium to invest in business or community projects.
In the autumn, Holly-Elizabeth and Faye spent time visiting cafes in Shrewsbury, finding out which sold Fairtrade products and sharing information about the initiative.
Holly-Elizabeth said:
“The work of Fairtrade is priceless. It is helping to put an end to horrific working conditions and unfair pay in developing countries.
“Families that benefit from this can send their children to school, afford necessary medicines and bring their standard of living far above what has been seen in recent years in parts of the world. On top of this Fairtrade invests in the surrounding communities.
“However, many cafes still do not take the opportunity to buy Fairtrade stock. Many more cafes can make this vital yet simple change from regular cocoa beans to Fairtrade beans or coffee, or sell Fairtrade crafts.”
For more information on Fairtrade go to www.fairtrade.org.uk or visit the Shrewsbury store at 8 St John’s Hill, Shrewsbury SY1 1JD.
