Fair Trade
What is Fair Trade?
“It’s easier than you think to create change. While the U.S. represents 5% of the world’s population we consume 29% of the world’s resources. We are the largest consumer nation in the world. Imagine our impact if we shopped more consciously. When you choose to purchase Fair Trade products, you are endorsing an economic system that provides opportunities for international farmers, artisans and workers to lift themselves out of poverty
Fair Trade seeks to enable economic development through equitable trading partnerships. Fair Trade ensures consumers that the products they purchase were grown, harvested, crafted and traded in ways that improve lives and protect the environment.
We recognize 3rd party certification and verification systems because they hold businesses accountable to their commitments, and provide others with a voice.”
-from Fair Trade Campaigns
FAIR TRADE ORGANIZATIONS RECOGNIZED BY FAIR TRADE CAMPAIGNS
Fair Trade on our Campuses
1. Corner Convenience Store (Reeve Union, Oshkosh campus): Dr. Bronner’s soaps, all Alaffia products, Larabars, Endangered Species Chocolate, Pacific Cashew Milk, more coming soon!
2. University Books & More (Reeve Union, Oshkosh campus): crafts and items from these companies: Global Crafts, Bridge for Africa, Minga Fair Trade Imports, Kamibashi
3. Clow Cafe (Clow Social Science, Oshkosh campus): Mongo Kiss Lip Balm and Bark Thins snacking dark chocolate
4. Scotty’s (Scott Residence Hall, Oshkosh campus): Mongo Kiss Lip Balm, Bark Thins snacking dark chocolate, Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, Beyond Good Organic Uganda Cocoa Bar, Honest Tea, Endangered Species Chocolate, Sambazon acai
5. Fresh on the Fox (Student Recreation and Wellness Center, Oshkosh campus): Sambazon acai
6. Starbucks Coffee (Reeve Union, Oshkosh campus): Cafe Estima coffee
7. Catering offerings (all campuses): coming soon!
8. Vending offerings (all campuses): coming soon!
How we became the first Fair Trade University
The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh has officially been a Fair Trade institution since 2008 and we were the first college in the nation to receive this distinction. The Fair Trade Colleges & Universities movement first started in 2003 with Oxford Brookes University in England becoming the first even Fair Trade University.
Becoming a Fair Trade university challenges your College or University to live up to its commitments to sustainability and social justice and can be done by completing the required criteria of:
- Build Your Team
- Reach Out To Campus Outlets
- Enroll Offices and Catering
- Commit to Fair Trade Education and Events
- Pass a Fair Trade Resolution
- Make a timeline
HISTORY OF FAIR TRADE @ UWO
- In 2002, UW Oshkosh signed and endorsed the Earth Charter. The Earth Charter is a network that strives toward a peaceful, just, and sustainable society.
- Became first Fair Trade University on September 3 2008
- Fair Trade project takes College of Business students to Peru, for Business 486” capstone class, in April 2009
- Fair Trade Month Film Fest: Immokalee, USA, on October 19, 2017
- August 2018, UW-FDL became the 47th Fair Trade University in the U.S.
“Sustainability goes well beyond being ‘green’,” said Chancellor Richard H. Wells. “It includes social justice as well. By becoming a Fair Trade University, UW Oshkosh is making a commitment to do our part toward helping workers around the world get a livable wage and humane working conditions. As a large institution, UW Oshkosh can play an important part in shaping the future and in supporting green practices on all levels.”
Sustainability Institute for Regional Transformations
UW Oshkosh
800 Algoma Blvd.
Oshkosh, WI 54901
