Shopping Guide

Fairly Traded

This is a product were the workers have been paid fairly. All our suppliers our audited and in many cases we are in partnership with that co-operative or own a stake in the business. Fairly trade or fair trade means that the worker at the end of the week has enough funds for food, water shelter and warmth alongside savings, education and leisure.

We make this evaluation through our fair trade calculator that evaluates the cost of living in that particular country. In addition to this we look at how the organisation supports the growth of the worker, this can be through training courses, English lessons, free lunch allowance, these examples are not exhaustive.

Handmade

This is where the product has been put together or created by the worker without the use of high tech machinery.

Eco Friendly

Eco-friendly literally means earth-friendly or not harmful to the environment . This term most commonly refers to products that contribute to green living or practices that help conserve resources like water and energy.

All our product are eco friendly to some degree however some are more eco friendly than others hence we look at products that prevent contributions to air, water and land pollution.

This is where the product has been made from recycled materials. In order for the product to classify as eco friendly it must use a minimum of 90% of recycled materials. In addition to this a product maybe awarded this icon if the product saves energy or the processes of chemicals used are disposed of safely with no harm to the environment.

Low Carbon

This is based on the distance and how the goods are shipped. Currently we use two methods, either boat or truck. Products created within Europe and using truck are classified as low carbon print. Long haul i.e. shipments from Africa by boat are not classified as low carbon print.

Biodegradable

In essence 95% of the product composition must be capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms. For example our photo frames are made from recycled cardboard and paper however glass is used inside the frame and organic cotton for the backing. The product has 95% biodegradable attributes.