Organic bedding needn't be plain and saintly white: these brilliant coloured jungle print duvet sets are great fun for cheering up kids' bedrooms but are also organic to the core.
The 'Lions, tigers and kitties, oh my!' set is one of many dazzling designs by Pixel Organics, all of which are printed with non-toxic inks using a 'low impact' process that aims to leave only the tiniest footprints! Unfortunately for us Brits, the products are still mostly limited to the US, but there are dozens of online stores that will deliver. Alternatively, you can get the full 'Lions' bed set for £290 at UK site Twenga.
I've put this one in today largely so I can dream about sipping it in the gentle evening sun on a Greek Island, but also as I'm assured that it's really rather good and unusual stuff...
Mr Hatzidakis' Aidani Assyrtiko is a light white yellow, proving the good condition of the grapes, and with soft golden shades. It's a gentle, fruity wine, and is certified by DIO, the foremost Greek organic certification company. Certainly makes a change from the usual Sauvignon Blanc! £10.95 at greekstore.co.uk
[Via Ecofabulous]
Soft and fluffy as a cloud, this fairtrade organic cotton towelling robe will keep you warm on those epic, frozen journeys to and from the bathroom.
It's made by Gossypium, who are best known for their ethical fashion range. But they are also, I discovered, amazingly good at bath and body products, sumptuous bed linens and adorable baby clothes. The robe is available in small, medium and large sizes, unisex, and is perfect for an evening's pampering and relaxation. It's also made solely from fairly traded, organic, unbleached cotton -- so you can relax with a clear conscience! £59 from Ethical Superstore.
Related: Bamboo towels from Ecocentric
Starbuck's has announced that it will no longer offer organic milk in its outlets as of next month.
The chain cites lack of demand for the decision, claiming that "orders of drinks made with organic milk have consistently been a small percentage of total orders," according to a spokesperson. Organic milk has been an option in Starbucks' drinks since 2001, but always at an extra charge.
Many customers did opt for organic, following news that Starbucks was injecting cows with a bovine growth hormone (rBGH) to increase milk production
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Planet Carolyn is one of a small number of crafters on Etsy who's decided to go totally organic. Everything on the site is handmade, meaning it's always a good bet for finding products that haven't been put together in sweatshops, but it's good to consider the raw materials used too, and in Carolyn's case, that's entirely earth-friendly fabrics made under fairtrade conditions. (We've extolled the virtues of organic cotton before, but if you need a quick reminder, go here!)
The t-shirt shown right was made by our organic artist 'for the love of clouds', and printed with non-toxic dyes. There's a range of other designs here, including men's styles and original artwork for your inner hippy. Namaste!
In what seems to be a growing trend, ethics have come head-to-head with organics once again, as the Soil Association accuses supermarkets of under-cutting UK beef farmers and importing cheaper organic meat from abroad.
According to a new report, 'some' supermarkets are choosing to import meat for reasons of cost. Not only does this endanger farmers' security and put them off going organic, it adds a lot of extra 'meat miles' that lead to unnecessary carbon emissions. Since many choose organic food for its environmental benefits, the news will also damage customers faith in organic meat products. The Soil Association wants supermarkets to make pledges to increase the amount of produce they are willing to source from the UK in future. Customers can, of course, make the decision for themselves by checking the destination on the packet...
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You won't want to use this fine specimen of a champagne for bucks fizz on Christmas morning (there's plenty of affordable organic fizz on the market for that!), but it would make a great bubbly for any special occasion.
Faust Carte d'Or is the top-selling champagne on the Organic Champagne website, and at £18.36, it's great value for money in the pricey world of organic bubbly.
Suitable for both vegetarians and vegans, this bone-dry organic drink has got all you'd expect in a top glass of champers: up-front, biscuity fruits, lovely mousse, crisp citrus fruits and a clean, pure finish. For the true eco-experience, why not serve it in Ecotopia's elegant recycled champagne flutes?
Related: Black cat organic mulled wine | Drink wine and plant trees with Palo Alto