Seattle U and Fair Trade
Fair Trade Designation
- Seattle University was the first Pacific Northwest University to earn the title of Fair Trade Designated University. Read more about Seattle University's qualifications.
MotMot Coffee
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MotMot is a student created, student run business that is incorporated as WA State Non-Profit Corporation. Through direct trade, they partner with coffee co-operatives that foster economic, product quality, and community development. They pay premiums higher than Fair Trade and ensure a close personal connection with farmers and co-op management. Each farmer they partner with is guaranteed fair and sustainable wages, quality medical care, and access to education for themselves and their family. One branch of MotMot operates as a partnership between SU and our sister school, Universidad de Centro Americana - Managua. In 2015, MotMot purchased their first batch of Nicaraguan coffee and since then have hired a team of 10 students. In spring of 2019, MotMot successfully expanded their operations to include Tâm - a specialty Vietnamese Coffee sourced from the mountains of Đà Lạt. Learn more about MotMot coffee and order some here or at the SU Bookstore!
Anti-Sweatshop Policy
- The pursuit of social justice is an essential part of Seattle University’s institutional mission. Consistent with this mission, Seattle University has long supported fair labor standards and safe working conditions for people who produce university-licensed apparel. There is a campus-wide Anti-Sweatshop Policy and an Anti-Sweatshop Committee covering vendors and manufacturers that supply the University with apparel bearing the University’s name and/or logos. Read more.
Redhawk Dining and Fair Trade
- Chartwells, Seattle University's food service provider, is committed to providing fair trade certified teas, chocolate, and coffee to the Seattle University community. They are proud to support the Fair Trade movement through securing better wages and business conditions for farmers in developing countries while also encouraging sustainable growing practices. Read more about Chartwells' commitment to Fair Trade.
SU Supported Research
- CEJS fellow, Quan Le — Associate Professor of Economics and Director of the International Business Program at SU’s Albers School of Business — uses educational events to teach marketing methods while promoting the sale of the Fair-Trade coffee MotMot Coffee produced from the SU-Nicaraguan coffee farmer partnership. He is also working with coffee farmers in Nicaragua and Vietnam to help them reach the specialty coffee market in the Seattle area. Read more.
Events at SU
Fair Trade Finals
When: December 2-6, 2019
Where: Lemieux Library and C-street
- Tuesday, 12/03 (10:00AM-11:00AM), Lemieux Library 2nd floor: Sample Cafe Vita's Fair Trade blend
- Thursday, 12/05 (12:20PM-1:30PM), C-street: Mot Mot Coffee will be tabling and at Cherry Street
- Friday, 12/06 (10:00AM-11:00AM), Lemieux Library 2nd floor: Sample Cafe Vita's Fair Trade blend
Description: Curious about all the tasty fair/direct trade options at SU? Stop by the booths at the Library and C-street the week before finals to try out some free samples while learning more about our fair trade vendors and how their practices make a difference!
When: Thursday, December 5, 2019 at 11:30AM-2:30PM
Where: C-street
Description: Food with Spirit will host their plant sale in partnership with Redhawk Dining's special “Redhawks in Wonderland” event. They will sell their plants from 11:30AM-2:30 PM. Since the plants are planted in used compostable cups, folks will also be able to decorate the “tea cups” using ribbons and markers.
When: Friday, December 6th, 9am-2pm
Where: Campion Ballroom
Description: The YMCA Earth Service Corps is inviting local teens and adults from around the Puget Sound to discuss the environmental issues facing our communities. This forum will provide opportunities to share ideas, talk with environmental professionals, and connect with your peers about the environmental topics you care about.
Learn More about Fair Trade
- Fair Trade Federation
- WA Fair Trade Coalition
- Fair Trade Colleges and Universities
- Fair Trade USA
- Fair Trade Labeling Organizations International
