AS PART of Exeter College’s Green and Fairtrade Fortnight and national Fairtrade Fortnight (February 28 to March 12), Exeter College Students’ Union set up shop on the campus lawns this week and handed out Fairtrade products for students to taste for free.

ECSU President Gemma Toy said: “The aim was to encourage students to think carefully about making ethical choices when buying products in the future. At the same time as raising awareness as to which foods are Fairtrade, the products we offered them served as a reminder of how delicious they are too.

“The students loved the free food and drink, and said that they would now be more inclined to look out for Fairtrade labeling on such items when they go shopping.”

She continued: “It is important that Fairtrade options are offered to students, because it shows them that they do have the opportunity to make a positive choice about what they buy. It also helps them understand how, by using Fairtrade-approved products, they are helping people all over the world.”

As well as Fairtrade orange juice, tea, coffee, and hot chocolate, six varieties of Fairtrade chocolate and Fairtrade-approved fresh fruit were given away to passers’ by during lunch period.

Of the ECSU-led initiative, Sustainability Task Force member Jo Crocker, who leads on the project to earn the College Fairtrade status by the end of 2011, said: “Exeter College is working towards achieving Fairtrade status and, certainly, any event that promotes the Fairtrade values and raises students’ awareness is a worthwhile cause.”