Fairtrade at RMIT
RMIT is leading by example and since 2009, the university has been acknowledged as a Fair Trade University by the Fair Trade Association.
Our students and staff individually and collectively make decisions which impact the world around us, in committing to supporting fair trade we are embedding those values into the broader university population.
Fair trade recognises that there are many issues and inequities within the current global trading system. It seeks to address these issues by creating sustainable livelihoods and positive change for disadvantaged producers and workers. Fair Trade encourages fairer global trading practices throughout the supply chain from producer to consumer.
These practices of fair trade are underpinned by the World Fair Trade Organisation’s 10 Fair Trade Principles.
Companies are now able to communicate these common principles by gaining a Fairtrade certification so consumers are able to recognise their products. In Australia, this certification is managed by Fairtrade Australia New Zealand.
The Fairtrade certification builds upon these principles by introducing a minimum price and the Fairtrade premium; to find out more about these visit the Fairtrade Australia New Zealand website.
Fair trade can be promoted both at an individual level but also at a community level. In 2009 RMIT, along with Macquarie University was announced as the first Fair Trade University in Australia by the Fair Trade Association. The Fair Trade Association has recognised a number of universities throughout Australia and New Zealand as Fair Trade Universities. As a Fair Trade University we are committed to using fair trade products where possible on our campuses, and promoting fair and ethical trade. Since our accreditation we have made Fairtrade certified clothing available in our campus store, worked with retailers on campus to encourage them to serve Fairtrade certified products, prioritise Fairtrade tea and coffee as the default in our kitchens and tea points. We also fund a student role to support education and awareness in our community, through events like Fair Trade Fortnight.
You can purchase Fairtrade certified coffee at the following locations on campus:
RUSU Realfoods: Building 8 Level 4
Pearson and Murphy's: Building 1, Level 1
STREAT: Bowen St, outside NAS
Holy Guacamole: Building 12, Level 4
RUSU Realfoods, Building 220
Bundoora Sports Centre cafe
Providing ethically-sourced products at an accessible price point to students is at the core of the RMIT Store’s merchandise buying policy. The store currently offers a range of Fairtrade certified merchandise
Shop online or see the range on the RMIT Store website.
Fairtrade tea, coffee, sugar and chocolate products are available through the RMIT Office Supplies catalogues and Fairtrade products are preferenced as the core stock item for RMIT kitchens, tea points and meeting rooms.
Look out for Fair Trade at sustainability events throughout the year. We also collaborate on campus with other large-scale events throughout the year including; Orientation Week, Open Day and external events such as the Sustainable Living festival.
Sign up to our monthly newsletter where we share sustainability news and events.
Please contact the Sustainability Team via sustainability@rmit.edu.au for any support, information, or to discuss ideas.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.