While browsing my favourite eco boutiques for gifts, I chanced upon this delightful Peruvian wall decoration made by CIAP, a non-profit association which aims to promote working and living conditions of rural communities.
The bustling scene is entirely hand-stitched and one of a selection of intricate patchwork images to brighten up your home. It certainly made me think about getting out the embroidery needles and composing a scene of my own! If you're as inspired as I am, there is a very basic wallhanging 'how to' here [Via Crafty Crafty]
I always enjoy leafing through Traidcraft's ever growing catalogue of fairly traded gifts and other goodies, so the arrival of the latest edition on my desk this week was a welcome treat. New of a new fairtrade chocolate range was especially exciting, but it was the kids' section that really grabbed me this time around.
They've picked a lot of penguin-related products, including a jute toy basket, crockery set and rucksack. Do they know something we don't about forthcoming winter trends?
Related: Bright guy: self-lighting LED penguin torch | knitted penguins suits for endangered birds
You may remember that there was a trend in the '80s for animal-shaped rucksacks. I had a frog, and I remember all kinds of other critters adorning my schoolmates' backs. And now most of those schoolmates have kids of their own, I'm hardly surprised to see this cute little trend coming back.
Only this time, we're doing it noughties style, with far more respect for those involved in making the products. Tatty Bumpkin is one ethical label that's picked up on the trend, with its smiley 'spider' rucksack, that's just the right size for transporting essential items to school. Its costs £13.99. Alternatively, there's a similarly proportioned butterfly bag for young arachnophobes!
People Tree's handwoven jacquard shirt is a bargain £35 and features nifty eco-friendly details like coconut shell buttons. The shirt is made in Bangladesh where thanks to the Fairtrade principles it has helped create economic stability for women in rural villages.
It comes in blue and yellow or green and brown and has a relaxed but slim fit. Use it to dress down a pair of tailored shorts for a relaxed but smart summer outfit.
Everyone's favourite fairtrade fashion emporium is slashing its prices as of today, with up to 50% off some of its hottest summer items.
The organic cotton waterlily dress we featured earlier in the year is now down to a jaw-dropping £21, while you can pick up the adorable alphabet baby wrapsuit for just £4. This is ethical fashion at its stylish and most affordable best, and there is plenty of summer left. So I suggest you head over there now for some fabulous new wardrobe additions.
Related: Summer dresses: Thakoon for People Tree | Tonic sells new '1984' t-shirts at '80s prices
The fact that it looks like a dress should hint at the fact that this is no ordinary skirt. The 'super skirt' is one of the most versatile garments I've ever worn, and it's also fairly-traded, organic and about as green as it gets.
You can wear the wide fold-over sash tied in the front to create a skirt, and vary it by wearing it on the side, or in the back. Or, convert the skirt into a dress by Tying the sash up your back for a strapless dress or knotting it behind your neck for a darling halter dress. Get yours for $32 at Global Girlfriend
Here's one pooch you'll want to take for a walk every time you visit the shops! Fairtrade streetwear gurus Tonic have come up with the new poodle motif, which appears not only on these calico tote bags, but also on women's organic cotton vests in black or white.
Both vests and totes are normally £12 each, but if you get on to Tonic's mailing list, you'll get a generous discount every time you order. And up until next weekend, that discount is 20% off single items and 30% off multiple orders. You'd be barking mad not to ('arf 'arf!)
Related: Top 5 hippest fairtrade tote bags | New organic 'hippo' tee from Spreadshirt
While browsing my favourite eco boutiques for gifts, I chanced upon this delightful Peruvian wall decoration made by CIAP, a non-profit association which aims to promote working and living conditions of rural communities.
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