Butler University today became the first Fair Trade Designated campus in Indiana, agreeing to use and sell products such as coffee, chocolate, and clothing that were grown, harvested, crafted, and traded in ways that improve lives and protect the environment.

Fair trade items such as Barkthins dark chocolate and Alta Gracia apparel are available in the Butler Bookstore, Starbucks, C-Club and C-Store. Each of these retail locations will sell at least two food items that are Fair Trade-designated. Additionally, Fair Trade items such as sugar and coffee are being used in both campus dining halls.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Butler University because Butler is the first certified Fair Trade Designated university in Indiana,” said Kylie Nealis, the national organizer for Fair Trade Colleges and Universities.

The process to become Fair Trade certified has occurred over the past year, led by the Student Government Association in partnership with University Dining Services, Butler Sustainability, the Butler Bookstore, and the Office of the President. This certification aligns with the Butler University Sustainability and Climate Action Plan.

“This is especially exciting because after this major milestone Butler will be able to continue adding more Fair Trade items to its menus,” said Matt Proctor, Marketing Manager for Butler Dining Services.

Fair trade is a social movement whose goal is to help producers in developing countries achieve better trading standards and working conditions globally. This is done to promote higher environmental and social standards. The program Butler is involved in is called A University Fair Trade Campaign.

The Fair Trade certification model is designed and audited to ensure equitable trade practices at every level of the supply chain. To earn a license from Fair Trade USA to use the Fair Trade Certified™ label on their products, companies must buy from certified farms and organizations, pay Fair Trade prices and premiums and submit to a rigorous supply chain audits. This process entails a high level of transparency and traceability in their global supply chains.

 

Media contact:
Marc Allan
mallan@butler.edu
317-940-9822