Home & gifts and the fairtrade mark

We are currently in the middle of Fairtrade Fortnight. You will no doubt recognise the logo as you go around the supermarkets and when clothes shopping, but it is hardly ever seen on crafts, gifts and homeware items.

Why?

The Fairtrade Certification and its system of minimum pricing were designed initially for commodity products. It is technically difficult to adapt this model of standardized minimum pricing to crafts and other products made by small-scale artisans, which are each unique, made of varied materials and have highly varied production processes and costs. However the International Fair Trade Association (IFAT) is currently conducting a global research project on the potential for a Fair Trade label for crafts. We await the results with interest. (source: Pinkdoodle)

Across the EcoCentric range you will see that we have many products that are 'fairly traded'. This means they have been produced in a closely regulated environment which is fair to workers in pay and working conditions.

The range of home products that are certified fairtrade currently include fairtrade organic cotton bedlinen - dont forget you can get 20% off until the end of fairtrade fortnight which ends next Sunday 8th March - just enter voucher code 3209 at the checkout

Fair Trade Fortnight is here!

Fairtrade fortnight starts today, and there's hundreds of great events going on to promote Fairtrade around the country. From free smoothies in Norwich, to hot chocolate tastings in Brighton and a Fairtrade pancake race in Cornwall, there's sure to be something going on in your area. And don't forget the Fairtrade Taste Fair (see my last post) run by Cafe Direct in London's Whole Foods Market - Oliver Heath will be dispensing his wisdom about eco re-styling old furniture which could give you some great ideas for a new look for your home. Check out the events list on the Fairtrade Foundation website for an event near you and get down there!

Fairtrade has really come on leaps and bounds in the last few years - from the very first Fairtrade Chocolate and coffee, the Fairtrade label has now been certified for use on over 3,000 products, meaning making the ethical choice is increasingly easy and accessible. Today sees the launch of the first Fairtrade olive oil, made by a co-operative of 265 farmers in Palestine. The co-operative are already planning how they can use the Fairtrade premium paid to them to improve their lives and agricultural farming in Palestine. You just have to plan which delicious and quality Fairtrade products to buy to celebrate Fairtrade fortnight, or why not make it your habit all year round?

Tastefair - a quick heads up...

Fairtrade Fortnight (23rd February to 1st March) is fast approaching, and to celebrate Cafe Direct have set up Tastefair. A two week celebration of all that is eco and ethical, Tastefair features a great selection of workshops as well as top celebrity speakers. Oliver Heath will be there, speaking about how vintage items can add heaps of style to your home as well as being eco friendly. Red or Dead's Wayne Hemmingway will also be sharing his wisdom on eco style, and Tom Madden from River Cottage will be discussing seasonal food. There's also live music, and workshops on how to make great coffee and the journey that the coffee goes through 'from seed to cup'.
I'll put more on the blog about this in the next few weeks, but just thought I'd put a quick 'heads up' out there so you can get your tickets in time!

Bed Luxury to stay in bed for

I spent an awful lot of time (although never quite enough) in bed, and I'm always keen to make my bedroom environment as peaceful, heathly and eco-friendly as possible, without compromising on style. So I'm pretty excited about the gorgeous new luxury organic cotton bedding available at EcoCentric. It's exceptionally high thread count and sateen finish mean that it's super soft and reflects the light really beautifully. For the ultimate in luxury, I'd use it on top of a pure silk duvet and pillow and in a FSC sourced Cherry-wood bed from Crate and Barrel.

The benefits of using organic cotton really are phenomenal. Conventionally grown cotton accounts for around 17% of the worlds pesticide use, which largely ends up in waterways and the eco system. Because organic cotton is grown without these chemical nasties, it is not only kinder to the environment, but also better for you, as you are minimising the amount of toxins and chemicals that you're bringing into your home. And since organic cotton is often also fairly traded, like the bedding above, it means that producers are getting a fair deal and, consequently, have a better standard of living than if they were at the mercy of the fluctuating market price.

Bring valentines back into focus

I dont know about you, but I feel there is a bit of pressure put on us around valentines, to show the best expression of love we have ever given. But that doesnt mean buying the biggest bouquet of roses or box of chocolates. Here are a few ideas from Oliver that bring it back to basics...

Romance is about:

Surprise
It's great to have be given an exciting surprise that shows that your partner cares enough to plan and keep a secret. It shows a sense of life and passion that we all hope will be with us for life.

The details

Sometimes it's the little things that count; a romantic note stuck to the fridge door, a chocolate on your pillow (providing it hasn't melted!). There is a delicacy and intimacy that tells your partner that you know this will make a difference to their day. Think of the possibilities of chocolates, candles, notebooks or even post it notes!

Nostalgia

Remembering a special moment that you shared- it could be a photo, a simple train ticket from a treasured journey, or an object thy you bought together such as an antique. Why not present some of these memories in a scrap book or photo frame.

The senses

Bring the sense bubbling back to life - it's all about the juxtaposition of relaxation and of course stimulation! Anything that feels, smells, tastes, sounds or looks lovely will do the trick. Often it's the senses that get overlooked on a daily basis that make a difference. Share an evening with some indulgent bath products, chocolate & candles. Snuggle together under luxurious fabrics such as organic cotton bed linen or luxurious pure silk blanket. Or if you really want to make a more permanent statement, why not paper one wall with this evocotive burlesque wallpaper...