The University experienced Fairtrade Fortnight fever between 25 February and 10 March, with a dozen Fairtrade-themed events taking place across campus. The latest Fairtrade campaign is one of many successes since becoming a Fairtrade University in 2015 and we continue our commitment to supporting, using and promoting Fairtrade products.

This year’s theme, chocolate, was celebrated across the events with all manner of Fairtrade cakes, brownies and hot drinks. The theme was discussed in greater detail at events with staff raising awareness of the fight to ensure that cocoa growers are fairly paid for their work and are able to live a dignified life. Supporting Fairtrade prevents exploitation and helps facilitate socially and environmentally sustainable cocoa farming.

Over the dozen Fairtrade-themed events, staff and students were keen to engage and raise money for the cause. Many events were led by Green Impact teams with highlights including the Content, Collections and Discovery Green Team’s Fairtrade chocolate and organic beer tasting event, the School of Biological Sciences team’s Fairtrade lunchtime chat and sampling event, and the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Green Impact team’s bake sale which raised over £45 for the Fairtrade Foundation.

A big thanks to everyone involved in organising and engaging in Fairtrade Fortnight and taking a moment to think about the provenance of the chocolate we eat.