Heriot-Watt finally goes fairtrade

The Heriot-Watt University Students’ Association (HWSA) made steps this month in finally pushing their parent institution to officially commit to Fairtrade status.

Having seen an increase in Fairtrade options across campus over time, the Students’ Association is keen that a policy be put in place which sees the university officially endorsing the social and economic scheme.

After negotiations throughout last semester, HWSU president Ruth Bush confirmed that the university now appeared open to movement on the issue. “I will be bringing a draft policy to the next meeting of the university infrastructure board in February myself in an attempt to get things moving,” she told The Journal.

"Up until this year our university has not had ethical issues high up its agenda and this is such a shame. It may have been a slow battle but I am hugely excited that, finally, we will be in a position to apply for Fairtrade university status later this year."

While all stockists in the Edinburgh-based university sell Fairtrade options, there is as yet no policy on the subject in place. The university is therefore under no obligation to continue stocking such products. As a result, there is no official acknowledgment of the university’s commitment to use or stock Fairtrade goods.

Fairtrade is an independent and non-profit organisation which "seeks greater equity in international trade." The foundation’s mission, they say, is to "improve the trading position of producer organizations in the South and to deliver sustainable livelihoods for farmers, workers and their communites." It is "committed to tackling poverty and injustice through trade... and bringing together producers and consumers in a citizens’ movement for change."

Backing the aims of the movement, Ms Bush said: "We have a huge responsibility to promote Fairtrade products to our students. These products ensure better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for the farmers and workers involved in producing that product.

"Universities have a unique opportunity to set a good example and get people thinking about fair trade. Companies and brands desperately want to advertise to the student market because the buying habits we develop during our time as students very often stay with us for the rest of our lives."