Says ethical online gift store Boutiko

With Fair Trade Fortnight on the horizon, now is the perfect time to start thinking not only about buying ethically produced food, clothing and flowers, but also making a commitment to choosing products made in fair trade conditions as gifts.  

Online ethical gift store Boutiko sources beautiful, original gifts which are handmade in the UK or where sourced abroad, always in fair trade conditions, and often by small family run businesses, in order to help sustain local communities.

Their gifts are perfect for all occasions and the whole family, as well
as friends and colleagues, and for special occasions such as weddings
and christenings, as well as birthdays, Christmas and just plain old
heartfelt present-giving.

Tara Leaver of Boutiko says, “We choose fair trade products for our
customers because they are a double gift in a way. We think it’s
important to offer as much fair trade choice as possible, so that
customers know that buying a present for their friend is also helping
perhaps a group of disadvantaged women in Africa. It’s a win win
situation and it really does all help.”

Boutiko’s pick of the best fair trade gifts on offer for this special fortnight includes:

Ari Suede/Misali Metal & Sheesham Wooden Photograph frames

Handmade in luxurious soft brown suede coloured with natural vegetable
dyes and decorated with a stitched border, recycled aluminium and
sustainable Indian sheesham wood, the frames are made by a small UK
based company using traditional artisans from around the world and only
natural materials.  Their focus is on encouraging local community
initiatives and supporting fair trade.

Silk Taffeta Daisy Bags & matching Coin Purses & Jewellery Rolls
Available in brown, black and a striking blue, these matching items are
hand embroidered by a company in the UK who use a small family run
business in Vietnam to handmake them in fair trade conditions.
Bags  £29.99
Coin Purses  £6.99
Jewellery Rolls  £11.99

Silver silk sequin/vintage cotton photograph albums
Handmade by the same UK company as the photograph frames, these
stunning and unusual photograph albums are made from cotton and
recycled silk and sequins.  The inside paper is handmade from cotton,
and separation sheets from pulped banana skins to make a soft, gentle
paper.
Silver silk sequin £29.95
Vintage cotton £28.95

Black sequin heart with bow
This pretty handsewn padded heart with ribbon is handmade in India on a fair trade basis.  
£6.50

Boutiko was recently shortlisted for the Best Fair Trade Company in the
Green England Awards, and has been nominated for a Rising Star Award,
to be announced on 21st February 2009.

Fairtrade fortnight runs between 23rd February and 8th March.

Boutiko gifts are packaged in recycled/recyclable materials wherever
possible, and offer free giftwrapping and next day delivery as standard.

For these, and other unusual ethical gifts, please look at www.boutiko.co.uk

21 February from 11 am – 5pm
Birmingham’s Custard Factory Gallery

Featuring more than a dozen of Britain’s best Remade Fashion brands, shoppers will be able to mingle with the producer-makers who specialise in making clothing and accessories from waste materials.

On show will be jewellery, underwear, tops, children’s clothing and more. The event is sure to be an eyeopener for anyone who wants to buy the ultimate in sustainable clothing – remade in the UK from waste materials.

More information is at www.remadefashionfair.info

The Remade Fashion Fair Birmingham is organised by Freedom Clothing Project

Due to changes in our personal circumstances, we have decided to put
arkadash on the market. We hope to sell at the earliest opportunity
and prefer to sell privately. 

Arkadash is a business run with strong ethical values. We have an excellent reputation as a fair trade, organic and sweatshop free retail outlet and website. We sell clothing, accessories and organic bodycare.

Our shop in Chorlton is nearly 3 years old, having opened in March 2006. We do a number of fairs and events each year and sell through our website, www.arkadash.co.uk.

For more information, please contact Vik
Banks, 07869 107647, vik@arkadash.co.uk

green energy uk – power out of demolished buildings

green energy uk, supplier of 100% renewable and 100% green electricity, is pleased to announce The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) as a new customer. RIBA joins a growing number of architects and building professionals illustrating their environmental credentials and reducing carbon emissions by switching their electricity supply to green energy uk.

Martin Pascoe, RIBA Head of Property and Facilities and in-house
architect, said about the switch: “The RIBA has adopted a robust
climate change policy. We have implemented many projects to address our
corporate behaviour and reduce our own environmental impact, and are
therefore delighted to have switched to green energy uk.”

Much of the electricity green energy uk supplies customers is generated
from waste materials, including construction and demolition waste. One
green energy uk generator partner, the Enviropower Plant in West
Sussex, aims to recycle 48,000 tonnes of construction and demolition
waste into electricity every year, enough to power up to 10,000 homes.
Historically, this would have sat in landfill, but recycling it into
electricity helps prevent its harmful greenhouse gasses from entering
the atmosphere. Green energy’s electricity also comes from wind, solar
and hydro generators.

green energy uk works closely with local authorities, architects and
builders in bringing to market surplus electricity generated from
energy development projects. In Scotland, two cleaner, greener CHP
units were recently installed by Aberdeen City Council to generate
subsidised heat and hot water for several large public buildings and
500 local homes, cutting residents’ heating bills by half. In addition,
the CHP units are generating electricity that is fed into the national
grid and made available though green energy uk. In Walsall, Caldmore
Housing Association has reduced service charges for some residents by
selling to green energy uk the surplus electricity generated by
photovoltaic panels on five blocks of flats.

green energy uk founder and Chief Executive, Doug Stewart, says the
building industry has an important role to play in helping the
government meet its projected target for reducing national carbon
emissions. “Incorporating energy saving measures into building
projects, and where possible embedded generation, is the most efficient
way for the nation to conserve energy. The electricity we supply is
green, but the greenest electricity of all is the electricity we don’t
use. The vast majority of electricity generated in the UK is brown and
comes from fossil fuels, and – this might sound mad given what we do -
if we lessen our demand for electricity, it will have a positive
environmental impact. It’s encouraging that as a member organisation,
RIBA is taking a vigorous stance.”

Luxury Chocolate Pamper Hamper Gift Set

This Love Lula Luxury Chocolate Pamper Hamper Gift Set contains Champagne Truffles, Natural Magic Organic Candle, John Masters Organic Blood Orange & Vanila Body milk,  and John Masters Organic Lip Calm. This make a perfect gift all round gift. more > > >

Price £62.50
MoreEco Points Earned 434

Sun And Moon Jar – Free Sunlight Forever
When the jar is placed in sunlight the solar cell creates an electrical
current that charges the battery over a few hours. This energy is then
used at night to power the three LED lamps inside the jar. more > > >

Price £19.95
MoreEco Points Earnerd 119

Hole In The Heart Necklace: Pink
We just adore these enchanting Hole in the Heart necklaces. Not only
are they eco, ethical and fair they are surely the ‘must have’
accessory for 2009. more > > >

Price £25.00
MoreEco Points Earnerd 173

Fairtrade Roses
The FAIRTRADE Mark is an independent consumer label that appears on
products as an independent guarantee that disadvantaged producers in
the developing world are getting a better deal. So why don’t you do the
right thing and buy her some flowers and show your support to fairtrade
producers. more > > >

Price £19.50
MoreEco Points Earnerd 200

Green & Black’s Chocolate Valentine Gift Set
This Chocolate Valentine gift pack contains a collection of beautifully
crafted bespoke chocolates using the finest organically-grown
ingredients. more > > >

Price £20.00
MoreEco Points Earnerd 80

Green People Limited Edition Gift Pack
For the guy on the go, it includes three organic products: Wash & Shave, Moisturise & Go and Shampoo & Shower. more > > >
For the Girl the stylish gift pack contains three luxurious organic
products: a Rejuvenating Body Lotion, an Exfoliating Shower Wash and a
Day/Night Cream.

Price £20.00
MoreEco Points Earnerd 139

Ethical designer Eloise Grey has been selected to show at Estethica, the sustainable section of London Fashion Week from February 20-24th 2009.

Eloise Grey is based in rural Surrey and launched her label in October 2007 with a capsule collection of coats. In February she will be showing jackets, coats and skirts which are
exquisitely tailored in the UK. Eloise specialises ethical and organic
tweeds woven by the prize-winning Isle of Mull Weavers.

Eloise says “My work evokes something very British and traditional. There is also a freshness which makes it stand out as something completely different from traditional country clothing. In fact, it’s urban and elegant combined with a warm rusticity which is interesting. I think it’s the artisan quality of the tweed and the making which is just what you don’t find anymore. So much is highly manufactured, and whilst it can be very fine, it’s not the same.”

Described by leading sustainability site TreeHugger as “the very antithesis of high street fashion” Eloise Grey seeks a more considered quality that embodies respect for the makers, the land, the art of weaving, tailoring and the process of trying and buying. It is a product whose time is in tune with the cycle of growth in the land and is treasured rather than lusted after guiltily. Wear your tweed year after year and hand it on. Eloise has sourced highly skilled outerwear makers based in the UK who ensure the quality and keep the skills alive.

RECALLING 1930s and 1940s, Eloise Grey’s designs takes inspiration from writers of the mid-20th century. This time, honouring her affection for Virago Modern Classics, she has named garments after writers such as Rebecca West and Antonia White.

In May 2008 Eloise won Land+Sea, Los Angeles-based International Design Awards’ competition which sought excellence in sustainable design, Eloise Grey was first place in the Fashion, Land category. She has also been selected for the highly competitive Crafts Council fair, Origin, at Somerset House in October 2008. Having started her label showing at exclusive events and art galleries, with a fine crafting bias, she is directing her attentions towards exporting and shops in response to interest.

THE TWEEDS are woven by Ardalanish Isle of Mull Weavers, at Ardalanish Organic Farm, Scotland. Aeneas and Minty Mackay, the owners, are pioneers of organic practices who are determined to sustain and develop the world-famous traditional weaving practices of the Hebrides. In undyed shades of rich brown, grey and cream, the low-maintenance fabrics are naturally water and dirt-resistant; their care has a low environmental impact. These tweeds won best textile in the Organic Industry awards in 2007.

Eloise Grey is represented by Mica Lamb at Agent For Change who specialise in luxury sustainable and ethical designers. Agent For Change will be previewing Eloise Grey’s work at The Hepsibah Gallery in Brackenbury Road, London W6 from 12th-19th February by appointment.

Was your New Year’s Resolution to organise your children’s playroom or nursery better?

Come on down to the Kids.Modern exhibition on Sunday 15th February where you can view a fantastic new product designed by Spinifex, the SPLAT Child’s Chair. The chair has just been launched exclusively on Mimimyne, the designer eco shop for families.

It’s a fully biodegradable chair made from reclaimed cardboard that
doubles as a storage unit for art materials, games and small toys. It
can also be customised. Compartments in the back
hold art materials while paper is stored under the seat. It is made
from laminated cardboard sheets threaded on postal tubes. The chair is
recommended for children from aged 3-6 years old.

The SPLAT Child’s Chair and other Mimimyne products will be shown at
the Kids.Modern exhibition, an exciting
and innovative show bringing together the slickest furniture, fashion
and collectables for children under one roof. Kids.Modern is about fun,
thought-provoking design adults appreciate and kids remember for life.

Appreciating that children not only deserve modern design but also
understand it, Kids.Modern sources the UK, as well as Europe and
Scandinavia to bring together the coolest products from 50 clever
designers and producers. Kids will love playing with some of the
incredible pieces for sale and enjoy some of the creative make and do
stands. Outside, expect a kid-friendly bbq, free puppet show and free
parking.

KIDS.MODERN
West Dulwich BR
Sunday 15th February 2009
Dulwich College, SE21 7LD
10am–4pm
Entrance £6
Children £2
Early entry for trade 9am

SPLAT CHAIR COLOURS: Brown with natural, white, red, blue, green, yellow or pink seat colour.
SPLAT CHAIR DIMENSIONS: 500 X 500 X 300 mm
SPLAT CHAIR PRICE: £69 plus £15 delivery from Mimimyne

For more information and details contact Tabitha Potts

Email tabitha@mimimyne.com
Skype tabithapotts
Phone 0208 133 0961

Make Your Own Decadently Healthy Chocolates This Valentine’s Day

Enjoying delicious chocolate needn’t be a guilty pleasure. Raw chocolate is a healthy alternative to commercially processed chocolate.

It’s the richest source of antioxidant flavanols and contains over 300 nutritional compounds such as magnesium and serotonin neurotransmitters (that actually make you happy!).

Raw chocolate is incredibly easy to make and by making it yourself, you
not only retain most of the beneficial properties, but you can also
ensure your chocolate treats are free from refined sugars, dairy
products, E numbers, stabilisers and ‘bad’ fats.

CHOC Chick raw chocolate making kits contain everything needed to make
delicious and healthy chocolates. The CHOC Chick Kits include
non-roasted raw cacao powder, raw (cold pressed) cacao butter, agave
syrup (a white sugar replacement), vanilla bean extract, an easy to
follow recipe book and gift bags so you can share your healthy
chocolates and spread the love. All CHOC Chick ingredients are free
from agrochemicals and produced to ecological standards.

So treat your loved ones guilt free this Valentine’s Day. All you need
is a CHOC Chick Kit, a little bit of creativity and a lot of love!
To find out more about CHOC Chick Kits and the soon to be launched CHOC
Chicks Raw Chocolate Making Parties, log onto www.chocchick.com or
email info@chocchick.com

Allen & York, leaders in their market, specialising in the Built and Natural Environments, Energy, Health & Safety and Waste worldwide, have been acknowledged as ‘First Class’ for great work practices and employee care.

Best Companies Accreditation has been established to acknowledge excellence in the workplace recognizing organisations by Star Status by focusing on workplace engagement in the UK.

2008 saw 653 companies applying for ‘Star Status’ with only 307
achieving success by being awarded a ‘One, Two or Three Star’ Award.

For a Company to take part, there are necessary elements for
eligibility that an organisation must have; been in existence for a
minimum of 3 years, at least 50 full time employees and any mergers or
acquisitions to have been completed by 31st August 2008.

If a Company is suitable, an employee survey and company questionnaire
is carried out to identify workplace performance and best practice
according to eight factors; leadership, management, career progression,
employee work-life balance, team work, Corporate Social Responsibility,
commitment employees have to their Company and employee benefits
offered.

Having been rewarded with a ‘One Star’, Allen & York are now one of the few elite
organisations that drive sustainable business performance through
‘Workplace Engagement’.

“By being accredited annually, we can identify tendencies and
developments within our organisation that we can measure our
performance against. It also gives employees the opportunity to let us
honestly know how they feel towards us as their employer.” Mark Allen,
Managing Director at Allen & York.

The Sunday Times ‘Best Companies to Work For’ is a list of the top 100
Companies in the UK celebrating the best small, mid-size and large
workplaces alongside Best Companies. The list is compiled annually by
Best Companies and published in The Sunday Times which continues to build in
prestige.

“A One Star accreditation, the Best Companies signal of a ‘First Class
Company’, in 2009 has been a great achievement. With great competition
and as the status of the Sunday Times list grows, we just missed out on
being one of the top 100 Companies this year.” Mark Allen continued by
saying, “As staffing partner to many of the high profile names on the
list, going forward we are naturally aiming to be one of the Top 100
next year as it remains our belief that the most valuable asset is our
people.”

Supreme Creations were ‘Company of the Year 2009′ finalist at the BPMA Annual Awards

Supreme Creations were recognised by the British Promotional Merchandise Association (BPMA) for standards of service, professionalism and expertise in bringing cotton, canvas and jute reusable bags to the UK for promotional give-aways, exhibitions, packaging and retail.