King’s College London, one of 40 universities that People and Planet have helped to achieve Fair Trade status, has just received funding to set up recycling facilities on all of the campuses.

Donna Hume, a former head of the society at King’s, speaks about one of the projects on the horizon: “We hope to work with other universities around London to get Westminster Council to achieve Fair Trade status and of course, we’ll continue to cut our carbon emissions and work to fight AIDS.”

In 2006 the society supported student lobbying for a climate bill which made an appearance in the Queen’s Speech. Last year also saw the launch of a new campaign, Ditch Dirty Development, which promotes the use of renewable energy and hopes to end government backing on fossil fuel extraction.

Started in 1969, under the name Third World First, the organisation’s focus shifted from fundraising for international aid, to campaigning for long-term solutions to economic and environmental problems. People and Planet now works with some 55 schools and universities across the country. Workshops, such as Shared Planet support student campaigns, helping them to make a positive difference.

“People and Planet has helped students to spread awareness and enforce change. It gives them the support they need to campaign on issues that matter to them so they can continue to make a real difference in the world we live in,” says Donna. “In the future we hope to see many more universities in the UK cutting their carbon footprints too.” With People and Planet pushing for change, the future looks set to be an exciting one!

Contact: People & Planet,
51 Union Street, Oxford, OX4 1JP
Tel: +44 (0)1865 245678
Website: www​.peopleandplanet​.org

Students join together for a 
People and Planet summer gathering
Photo: © People & Planet