The Green Impact blog is being handed over to the ACS teams this week! This post is by Natalie Faulkner, Accommodation Assistant, propertywithUS. If you or your team would like to contribute to the blog, email greenimpact@sheffield.ac.uk.
The UK is one of the world’s leading Fairtrade markets – there is more Fairtrade awareness and more Fairtrade products than anywhere else. In fact, 1 in 3 bananas sold in the UK are Fairtrade. But more can be done!
Switching to Fairtrade products can help people across the world and help our Environment. There are economic, social and environmental benefits.
It means fair pay (Fairtrade Minimum Price), leading to individuals and communities becoming more financially-secure. It supports workers negotiate fair working conditions and terms through trade unions and collective bargaining. All whilst the Fairtrade Standards cover key areas for environmental protection, including energy and greenhouse gas emission reduction.
Since it’s Fairtrade Fortnight, why not try this awesome Fairtrade recipe for lovely, gooey brownies?
Ingredients
300g Fairtrade dark chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa solids), broken into pieces 
300g unsalted butter
5 large free-range eggs
450g Fairtrade sugar
1 tbsp Fairtrade vanilla extract
200g plain flour
Method
- Preheat your oven to 180⁰C (fan) and line your baking tin with baking paper.
- Melt the butter and chocolate together using a bain-marie technique or in the microwave.
- Meanwhile, in separate bowl beat the eggs, sugar and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth.
- Once the chocolate and butter have melted pour into the egg and sugar mixture. Stir well until combined.
- Gently sift in the flour a bit at a time, stirring in between until fully combined.
- Pour the mixture into the lined baking tin and pop in the oven for 20-30 minutes or until the top has formed a light crust and cracked a little.
- Allow to cool for up to 20 minutes then remove from the tin and place on a wire cooling rack. Once completely cool, slice into squares with a sharp knife.
Enjoy on their own or with Fairtrade or locally-produced ice cream.
To find out more information about the Fairtrade Foundation, please visit: http://www.fairtrade.org.uk