Follow us on Twitter
Let's be friendsGet the Queen to drink Fairtrade Tea
Edinburgh students launch a campaign to get Fairtrade used even in the most elegant quarters
Fancy a cuppa Ma’am? Edinburgh University People & Planet kicked off their petition to get the Queen to drink Fairtrade Tea, by dressing up as her majesty and giving out free Fairtrade tea and cake to students outside the main Library.
The group launched the petition on the new website of the Scottish Fairtrade Forum, whom they are running the campaign alongside. Click on this link to find out more, sign the petition, and see her majesty’s response to the petition
The group decided to form the petition as an interesting way to engage people and raise awareness about Fairtrade.
Ruth Cape, the co-convener for Edinburgh People and Planet says:
Awareness of the Fairtrade mark is up to 70%, but it should be something the whole country is thinking about, and that doesn’t exclude the monarchy. Hopefully it will provoke more people to buying their tea and other products with an ethical conscience, helping us to tip the balance of trade towards the poor. And of course, it would be fantastic if the queen demonstrated her support!
Fiona Ranford (looking spookily like the Queen in her mask) explained public reaction:
Naturally, some weren’t approving, saying that the Queen should drink what she wants, or that the Monarchy shouldn’t even exist, but most people thought it was a great idea and were happy to sign the petition. Maybe the free cake helped!
The group are planning to host a Fairtrade tea-party outside the Queen’s residence in Edinburgh, during Fairtrade Fortnight, when they hand in the petition.
Hold your own Fairtrade tea-party
Why not host your own Fairtrade tea party? You could get more petitions for the campaign and spread the word about Fairtrade.
Aged 16-19? Want to join 120 other young people interested in Fairtrade from all around the country in doing activities, workshops, practical campaigning actions and tuition, laser graffiti, live filming, stencilling, talks, and, obviously, lots of chocolate? Then come to our Youth for Fairtrade conference on March 27th 2009
