Riverdale Earns a Fair Trade Certification
On December 1, 2022, Riverdale officially became Fair Trade certified. You might be wondering, what does that even mean? Well, Fair Trade certification recognizes Riverdale’s commitment to international justice and environmental sustainability.
Fair Trade is a system of certification that aims to ensure that a set of standards are met in the production and supply of a product or ingredient. For farmers and workers, Fair Trade means workers' rights, safer working conditions, and fair pay. For shoppers, it means high-quality and ethically produced products. When products are Fair Trade Certified, it means that they were produced in accordance with Fairtrade International's rigorous environmental, economic and social standards. Fair Trade’s mission is to grow a nationwide community of purpose-driven, lifelong Fair Trade advocates. I, a student passionate about environmental sustainability and its integration into business, led Riverdale to its certification.
Behind the famous Fair Trade label is one of the largest and most diverse global movements for change. According to Fair Trade, its network is working with 1.9 million farmers and workers, as well as a global grassroots supporter base of more than 2,000 Fair Trade towns in 28 countries, and countless schools, universities, and faith groups.
The five-month process involved building a committee, planning educational events, and working with members of the Riverdale community to integrate Fair Trade-certified products into our school. The committee was composed of two faculty advisors, science teacher Mr. Michael Hwang and Hill Campus sustainability coordinator Ms. Angela Costanzo, and three students. I could not have been luckier to have my faculty advisors guide and support me throughout this challenging yet fulfilling process. To integrate Fair Trade-certified products into the Riverdale community, I hoped to switch the brand of Riverdale’s bananas to one that is more environmentally sustainable. But, once I contacted Chef Jeff and the banana supplier, it appeared to be a more ambitious challenge than I had thought. My focus then turned towards the vending machines; I contacted the vending machine company and successfully integrated Fair Trade-certified Pop-Tarts and protein bars into the machines. This means that these products were produced in ways that not only honored the environment, but workers rights too. Jack Feinberg, a senior and committee member, shared that “integrating food products was definitely the most difficult part, but I only envision a future in which the use of Fair Trade products continues to increase in Riverdale’s community.” Once the product integration task was completed, I began educating groups of students about Fair Trade’s mission and its significance to Riverdale’s community. I spoke at my grade meeting and educated my PAL (Peer Assistant Leadership program) students.
According to Fair Trade Campaigns, the U.S. represents 5% of the world’s population yet consumes 29% of the world’s resources. Purchasing Fair Trade-certified products supports an economic system that provides opportunities for farmers, artisans, and workers around the world to lift themselves out of poverty. “Fair Trade ensures consumers that the products they are investing in were grown, harvested, crafted, and traded in ways that improve lives and protect the environment,” the group shared on its website. Ultimately, Fair Trade’s approach enables farmers and workers to have more control over their lives and decide how to invest in their future.
Fair Trade producers protect their local environment through the minimal and safe use of agrochemicals. In addition, they manage erosion problems and waste management properly, maintain soil fertility, and avoid intentionally using genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
The certification process allowed me to spark change in Riverdale’s community that involves a global movement. Fair Trade-certified products don’t just stop at food products, however. Other certified products include school supplies, clothing, and even bedding. Although Riverdale has been certified, our work here is still not done. I hope to spread awareness of the certification to inspire other students at other schools to do the same—only two high schools in New York are certified. In addition, I continue to strive to integrate more Fair Trade-certified products into Riverdale. Beyond the standards and certification, the Fair Trade system, directly and indirectly, supports farmers, workers, and their organizations to deepen social and environmental sustainability. When farmers and workers are treated fairly, everyone benefits. Therefore, I encourage everyone to search for Fair Trade-certified products when it comes to shopping in order to make a small, but positive impact on both the environment and our lives.
