Penn State Brandywine has been a Fair Trade university since May of 2012. Brandywine was granted “Fair Trade University Status” by Fair Trade Campaigns USA, on World Fair Trade Day, after a 50-page application was submitted by “The TrailBlazers” at Brandywine. Penn State Brandywine was also the First Fair Trade University campus in the Penn State system!

Fair trade at Brandywine has done amazing things for the campus community such as hosting Fair Trade events on campus and so much more. Brandywine has done everything from hosting a “connecting coffee farmers and consumers around the world” event, to showing the informative Fair Trade documentary, The Dark Side of Chocolate, to organizing a successful fair trade t-shirt exchange.

What is Fair Trade?

According to the World Fair Trade Organization :

“Fair Trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade.  It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers – especially in the South.  Fair Trade organizations (backed by consumers) are engaged actively in supporting producers, awareness raising, and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade.”

Where to Find Fair Trade on Brandywine’s Campus:

Are you planning a visit to see how Fair Trade Brandywine works on campus? We’ll make it easy to plan for you.

As for food and beverage, Brandywine’s campus dining service serves at least two Fair Trade items at all times and Fair Trade coffee can also be found in Keurig machines across campus. The campus bookstore sells Fair Trade Alta Gracia Penn State t-shirts as well.

Want to shop fair trade in Philly? Click here for our fair trade guide to Philly. 

How to Become a Fair Trade University:

According to Fair Trade at Penn State Brandywine’s website, in order to become a Fair Trade university, you must:

1. Form a Fair Trade Committee
2. Make Fair Trade products available in university-owned/operated outlets as well as included in service contracts wherever possible
3. Use Fair Trade products at internal university meetings, events hosted by the university and in university offices
4. Develop a Fair Trade Resolution and Fair Trade Procurement Policy
5. Commit to Fair Trade education, awareness-raising and growth of the Fair Trade campaign

Follow Penn State Brandywine Fair Trade:

Online, Twitter & Facebook!

Readers, share your experience with Fair Trade on and off campus in the comments section below!

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Macy Nachman attends Penn State Brandywine and studies Communications and International Studies. Macy loves animals, especially her rescue dog, Gus, and encourages others to #AdoptNotShop. Macy feels that it is her responsibility to live an environmentally conscious life and strives to improve sustainability and promote change in Philadelphia. Macy is excited to be working with Green Philly Blog to provide readers with practical tips to make sustainable living a reality! View all posts by Macy Nachman