However good your intentions are, it isn't always easy to equate that tiny 'fairtrade' logo that appears on certain products with the real lives it represents, making it all to easy to overlook those products in favour of other that are a bit cheaper.
Liberation Nuts is one company committed to fairtrade and to remind you of the stories behind the label, they've produced this excellent video, featurnig farmers from a Nicaraguan co-operative. Then see how much you still want to buy cheap nuts...
Liberation Nuts have started a debate over on facebook about fairtrade and why people should get involved. If you'd like to contribute, it's happening here. (and you can grab some free nuts there while you're at it)
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?
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.
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
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