The Eco Chic Wedding & Home Show is coming to town
Sunday 8 March 2009
Birmingham

Couples in search of inspiration for forthcoming nuptials can plan a wedding that makes a difference at the 2009 Eco Chic Wedding & Home Show.

The beautiful Birmingham Botanical Gardens in leafy Edgbaston will provide the setting for the Show organised by Ethical Weddings, GreenFinder, and Just the Thing Gift Registry, with support from Our Green Wedding List and the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

The show will invite carefully selected suppliers across the ethical wedding & home spectrum to exhibit their products and services, from green gift lists to recycled stationery, fair trade favours to seasonal flowers.Katie Fewings, Director of Ethical Weddings says:

“In these credit crunching times, couples may just think ‘ethical’ means ‘expensive’ without investigating further. In fact, many of the tips to plan an eco chic wedding – from finding a dress you can wear again to sending e-vites – can actually save you money, while ethical wedding suppliers offer services and products at prices comparable to the mainstream, of excellent quality and that come with a conscience!

“We hope couples will come along to the show to discover for themselves how they can get eco chic and still have a wallet-friendly wedding.” Just the Thing’s Michelle Bernhardi-Toner added: “As a company that caters to soon-to-be-wed couples across the board, we have definitely seen an increase in demand for our green services, so we’re excited to be joined at the show by other suppliers who access the mainstream wedding market but are also proud of their blooming green credentials.”

The organisers have chosen to include the ‘home’ element to show that going green isn’t just about one day. As Kate Haines, Founder of GreenFinder says:

“Whether couples are living together already or setting up home for the first time, most see their wedding as marking a new beginning, the chance to make some changes. Visiting the home exhibitors at the show means they can think beyond ‘the big day’ to how they can make a more eco-friendly married life together – and save money in the process with all those energy-saving gadgets!”

As well as a wide range of exhibitors, experts will be on hand to share their top tips, and a bridalwear catwalk show is sure to entertain the ethical fashionistas.

Main contact (including to request an Exhibitor Pack):
Kate Haines – 01926 832939
Kate@GreenFinder.co.uk

Yes is the world’s first and only certified organic range of intimacy products. A British company, Yes, pioneered the formulation of organic ingredients for intimate use. And because they’re based on purity of ingredients, complete supply chain integrity and manufacturing controls, Yes products are certified as organic by the Soil Association.

Exceeding all the parameters of synthetic lubricants, Yes products
deliver performance, purity and pleasure with no compromise (no
concerning chemical ingredients*, no smell, no taste, and no mess).
They represent an innovative departure from traditional lubricant
formulations, using pure plant gums to replace the usual glycerine or
silicone ingredient base, and are approved by the Vegetarian Society.

Appealing to all sexually active people, Yes are pure hypoallergenic
products, a crucial consideration for anyone with health sensitivities,
but also significant to those who are conscious about the chemical load
they put on their bodies.

Designed to work in harmony with the body, Yes products provide
essential lubrication and moisturisation to meet a variety of usage
needs; from pleasure enhancement (through additional lubrication), to
essential moisturisation – managing the discomfort of vaginal dryness
as a result of hormonal change, medical conditions and the side affects
of medical treatments.

Yes products are already being championed by health professionals,
including endorsements from sex therapists, who recommend Yes to enable
extended stimulation and therefore enhance female orgasm, and menopause
experts heralding Yes as a breakthrough approach to vaginal dryness.

Yes products are discreet, inside and out, from their stylish packaging
through to their astonishingly realistic feel. And because Yes products
are nourishing and readily absorbed into the mucosa (vaginal tract)
they leave no sticky residue and gently disappear without trace.

Available in oil-based and water-based varieties, Yes water-based has
the dual function of outstanding lubrication and deep remoisturising.
Both formulations are available in bottles of 25ml (RRP £5.39), 75ml
(RRP £15.66), 125ml (RRP £22.49), and packs of 6 x 25ml bottles (RRP
£26.89).

Visit Yes online > > > 

Caroline Ede and Daphne Lambert to create for you the perfect wedding

In the beautiful, tranquil surroundings of Penrhos Court, a medieval manor farm on the Welsh borders, ‘Celebrations for all Seasons’ host  the ultimate  ‘Green Wedding’. From the organic wedding breakfast to the locally sourced flowers, everything about ‘Celebrations for all  Seasons’ is naturally and beautifully thought out as well as being eco friendly.

Exclusive use of the Court gives a very special and intimate feel to the wedding. Daphne prepares the wedding breakfast  from seasonal,  
locally sourced, organic food  in an  award winning kitchen, the food  is accompanied by organic and biodynamic wines and champagnes. Each menu created is unique to the couple and the season

Nothing creates a romantic atmosphere quite like the sight and scent of a room full of fresh blooms. However, most flowers are imported  
and because  they are perishable come by air and  are invariably grown with chemicals they contribute significantly to your carbon  
footprint.  Caroline  uses the freshest and most beautiful, locally grown and sourced flowers to create stunning, fragrant, colourful  
displays for your wedding.

For couples who have decided to hold their wedding party in their own house or garden ‘Celebrations for all Seasons’ are happy to come and  
weave their magic for you in your home.

For further information contact
Caroline  on 01544387923  www.carolineede.com or Daphne on 01544230720  www.penrhos.co.uk

King Blues, SohoDolls +  Mark from The Levellers Play Brighton!!

Brighton’s first ever vegan fayre on March 21st 2009 is set to be a runaway success – with a stunning selection of bands and musicians headlining this all day event at The Brighton Centre this spring

The King Blues are currently one of the UK’s hottest bands about following the success of their debut album ‘Save the World, Get the Girl’ and are thrilled to be headlining the vegan fayre – so are the organisers and the whole of Brighton too, judging by the feedback so far…

Meanwhile SohoDolls are not only vegan themselves but also have a tune
in the new cult film ‘Lesbian Vampire Strikes’ on general release in
March, bringing a touch of glam and kitsch to Brighton, where they are
already well known and loved

And of course uber-legend Mark Chadwick from The Levellers, Brighton’s
biggest and best band by some stretch, needs no introduction as he
plays ‘something Old, New, Borrowed and Blue’ during a 45 solo acoustic
performance in the afternoon

Reggae superstar Macka B, fresh from his headline appearance in front
of 40,000 people at The St Pauls Carnival in Bristol, showcases his new
vegan friendly single ‘wha me eat’ at Brighton

And original member of 60’s Woodstock veterans The Incredible String
Band’s Mr Clive Palmer brings his band to town in what promises to be
an incredible day out for the whole family

And that’s not all – in The Kids area and on the performance stage,
world famous escapologist David Straitjacket, holder of several world
records, will thrill and amaze kids and adults of all ages with his
stunning 21st century interpretations of classic performances including
sword swallowing and walking on broken glass!

And contortionist Rubber Ritchie will have everyone in stitches with
his amazing acts which include his brand new Glam Rock character never
been seen before in public!

With a Campaigns Room, around 140 stalls, three stages, two Talks
rooms, 3 licensed bars, a Kids Café, loads more entertainers, several
snack/salad/smoothie bars and even a vegan restaurant, there’s going to
be plenty for everyone of all ages at this all day family event which
starts at 11am and finishes at 7pm

Tickets are priced £8 for adults and £4 for kids under 12, available in advance from www.yaoh.co.uk

The show is organised by Yaoh and sponsored by Bute Island, Redwood
Wholefoods, Infinity Foods, The Vegan Society, Plamil and Off The Hoof,
and supported by Arbonne, Excellart, Shakeaway, Vegeco, Mad Promotions,
Foods For Life + VeggieVision

Please contact Frank at Yaoh for further details

info@yaoh.co.uk

www.veganfayre.co.uk
0117 9239053

www.yaoh.co.uk

Campaigners converge on Coventry for crucial climate change protest

Hundreds of campaigners from around the country will join forces with NASA’s Dr James Hansen, a world expert on global warming, in Coventry on 19 March 2009 for a national Climate Change Day of Action. The aim is to highlight the plight of millions of poor people in developing countries for whom extreme weather conditions are now a matter of life or death.

The Climate Change Day of Action has been organised by Christian Aid, in partnership with CAFOD, the Stop Climate Chaos Coalition and the World Development Movement. It will call on Prime Minister Gordon Brown, and other world leaders, to ensure that the plight of the world’s poorest countries is central to crucial climate change talks taking place in Copenhagen, Denmark in December.

The Day of Action will begin with a service at Coventry Cathedral at noon attended by Dr Hansen, and the Right Reverend James Stuart Jones, the Bishop of Liverpool, together with more than a thousand campaigners. This will be followed by a New Orleans style funeral march around the city by hundreds of ‘mourners’ dressed in black in remembrance of those who have already died as a consequence of extreme climate change.

The march will begin at 1.30pm at the old Cathedral ruins in Coventry town centre and end by the Civic Centre, Little Park Street at 2.30pm.

The ‘mourners’ will then visit the nearby headquarters of power company E.ON, with the final message of the day: ‘No to coal!’ Protestors will show their opposition to plans by E.ON to build a new coal-fired power station at Kingsnorth in Kent by ending the funeral march at the company’s front door.

The Copenhagen talks in December must agree new carbon capping limits to come into force when the first phase of the Kyoto Protocol ends in 2012. Vulnerable communities in countries with the least responsibility for carbon emissions are now bearing the brunt of the impact of climate change through droughts, floods, desertification, an increase of extreme weather phenomena such as hurricanes and typhoons, and a higher incidence of disease.

The organisations participating in the Climate Change Day of Action are concerned there will be no agreement in Copenhagen if richer countries refuse to show leadership over cutting their own emissions, and agree to shoulder the cost of helping the developing world with clean development and adaptation to climate change.

If the Kingsnorth power station gets the go-ahead before technology is developed to capture and store carbon emissions it would emit in excess of seven million tonnes of CO2 a year – more than the combined annual emissions of the 30 least emitting countries or nine times the total annual emissions of Rwanda.

Dr Hansen, Director of NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space, who recently publicly warned US President Barack Obama about the importance of tackling climate change said: ‘Time is running out for the climate and the vulnerable people of our planet. Campaigning on climate change has never been more crucial. Make sure you add your voices to the Climate Change Day of Action.’

Hansen also recently described plans for a new coal-fired plant at Kingsnorth as: ‘A terrible idea. One power plant with a lifetime of several decades will destroy the efforts of millions of citizens to reduce their emissions.’

Fruit Passion to build on links with Costa Rica and Brazil

Fairtrade brand Fruit Passion have gone to great lengths to produce their new blend of Orange, Pineapple and Passion Fruit.

Fruit Passion was the first Fairtrade juice in the UK and their ethics remain the same – paying growers a fair price to enable them to plan for the future and build sustainable businesses. Katy Tysom – Fruit Passion Brand Manager explained, “At Fruit Passion we have been working with growers in Cuba since we
launched in 2001, and thanks to working closely with Traidcraft, we
have established some great trade agreements with the co-operatives. 

“As you can imagine working within Cuba has specific issues of its own,
in terms of trade, but now the workers here are really seeing massive
improvements in their working and family lives.  It’s been wonderful to
be a part of it, and for me, one of the nicest things is hearing their
stories, and seeing their photos of the new additions bought with the
premiums.

“We are also now working with Costa Rica and Brazil, for our newly added
Fairtrade ingredients pineapple and passion fruit.  We’re keen to
continue to build our links with the growers and support them via
Fairtrade.  Our exciting plans for the year ahead include a new format
– a 330ml bottle for on-the-go drinking, because, now, you can buy
fairtrade coffee almost everywhere on the high street and we hope to be
able to bring fairtrade juice to the same audience.”

Fruit Passion and Fairtrade are helping farmers around the world and we
can enjoy the juices safe in the knowledge it is benefitting more than
our tastebuds.

Available from Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, The Co-operative, Traidcraft, all good independent stores.

For more information go to www.fruit-passion.co.uk or email; fruitpassion@gerberjuice.com

Christian Aid is asking people to choose gifts that ‘cheep’ this Easter to help tackle poverty

A fluffy brood of chicks for £31 and quacking ducks for £24 are amongst the Present Aid gift ideas on www.presentaid.org.uk that could help change lives in developing countries.

In rural Bolivia, Christian Aid partners provide chicks, roosters and training to poor communities to help them make a living, and in Bangladesh duck farming helps people become self-sufficient after devastating floods.

Daniel Charles, Head of Present Aid, said: “Everyone always gets
chocolate eggs for Easter, but what about getting chicks for your loved
ones this year? Just as brown was the new black, so chicks are the new
chocolate eggs. It’s a gift that will help some of the poorest
communities. And thanks to Divine, you don’t need to miss out on your
chocolate treat.”

All money raised by Present Aid gifts is allocated to a project
fund related to the gift. For example  if you spend £24 on 16 ducks the
money will go into the agriculture and livestock fund, from which
Christian Aid partner organisations in more than 50 countries get
funding for their work helping some of the world’s poorest people.

Everyone who orders a Present Aid gift from 1st March until 31st
of August 2009 will not only receive a card for the recipient of the
present but also a free bar of Fairtrade Divine chocolate.

Eco-luxe wedding gowns that won’t cost the earth

Exclusive to GreenUnion and available this Spring, Tammam White is a unique bridal collection of eco-luxe designer wedding gowns created and hand crafted in House of Tammam’s  fair trade atelier in India.

The Tammam White ready-to-wear range of wedding dresses and accessories is made with exclusively developed luxury eco fabrics including organic-certified wild peace silk, sustainable bamboo satin, and 100% organic fair trade cotton satin jacquard and linings.

Created with the bride’s budget in mind the five piece range includes a hand embellished fishtail gown, a layered gown with detachable skirt, a simple cotton satin dress with silk sash, a full length coat dress and a satin cape.

Prices range from £300 to £1100.

I don’t know about you but ‘permaculture’ is a term I keep hearing and
it’s something I really ought to practise.  But to tell the truth I
don’t fully understand what it is.  Or at least I didn’t until I read
Graham Burnett’s excellent introduction to the subject.  Now in its
second edition ‘Permaculture – A Beginner’s Guide’ takes you very
expertly through what it’s all about.

Graham is a trustee of the Permaculture Association (Britain) and
holds a Diploma in Permaculture Design.  He is currently involved in
setting up Transition Town Westcliff. For me, his book was a gentle,
but real, eye opener to how we might shape our food production methods
in the future.  And we desparately need to do that with 96% of our UK
produced food being dependent on oil in an Alice in Wonderland system
that requires us to put in 10 calories of energy (largely derived from
fossil fuels) for every 1 calorie of energy we get out in the form of
food.

Graham provides two useful definitions of permaculture. 
The first is “permaculture is about creating sustainable human habitats
by following nature’s patterns” and the second, which I think is
brilliant, “permaculture is revolution disguised as organic gardening!”

Of
course, the subject is immense and, as Graham himself concedes, each
key element described in this book merits a whole publication to
itself.  But what you get when you have read the 70 or so pages is a
clear picture of the principles and philosophy of permaculture.  And it
all seems so sensible and right to me. 

As a species we’ve
spent centuries fighting to control nature so that we can thrive
whereas we should be working with our planet’s ecological system not
against it.  Using nature’s own pest and weed control and learning to
read the land.

The book is full of inspiring ideas that anyone
can adopt whether they have a hundred acre small holding or a window
box.  Graham proposes some valuable community based projects based
around permaculture principles that could help rescue some of our
beleaguered inner city areas as well as bringing some shattered rural
communities together. If you want to start your journey of
understanding this very positive concept then you can do no better than
to pick up a copy of Graham’s book. 

You’ll be glad you did……

‘Permaculture – A Beginner’s Guide‘ is published by Spiralseed.  It costs£8.  Orders to Spiralseed, 35 Rayleigh Avenue, Westcliff on

Sea, Essex, SS0 7DS or visit the website www.spiralseed.co.uk

If you buy five or more copies Graham will let you have a 33% discount – email him or ring 01702 303259 to discuss.

The UK’s leading vegan businesses are uniting in force under one banner at The Brighton Vegan Fayre March 21st 2009

The high profile Brighton Centre overlooking the beach is the venue for Brighton’s first ever Vegan Fayre, organised by Yaoh, the successful team behind the world’s biggest vegan event, the Bristol Vegan Fayre.

Vegan market leaders such as Redwood, Beanie’s, Bute Island, Plamil, Infinity and the Vegan Society are all sponsoring the Brighton event, and there are over 100 other stallholders flocking to this huge family day out.

With up to 5,000 visitors expected to this event, the emphasis is not
just on the best vegan products, tasters, samples, shopping and special
offers – but also on entertainment, with a whole line up of stars
catering for every taste on 3 stages during the show, including reggae
star Macka B, and The Clive Palmer band (co founder of 60’s legends the
Incredible String Band) – plus loads of kids entertainment too.

When times are challenging, the successful business and charity joins
forces with like minded operations to make the most of resources and
markets – and a spirit of co-operation rather than competition is
fostered and nourished – and none more so than in the Natural Products
and Veggie/Vegan trade

Indeed, in an unprecedented move of co-operation unseen before, the
organisers of the Brighton Vegan Fayre have joined forces with the
brand new Healthy Living shows in Bournemouth (Feb 28th March 1st 09)
and Edinburgh in July. Brighton’s organiser Tim Barford said ‘we have a
huge respect for the new Healthy Living Shows and are thrilled to help
promote their shows as they are spreading the message of the need for
healthy living – a message we all need to hear louder and clearer these
days. It’s all about the spirit of co – operation, making eachother
look good as well as ourselves – and The Healthy Living Shows and the
Brighton Vegan Fayre fit that description perfectly.’

For more information contact Frank at Yaoh on 0117 9239053
info@yaoh.co.uk
www.veganfayre.co.uk

For more information about the Healthy Living shows visit www.healthylivingshows.co.uk