There’s a myth in communications. The myth is that you need to make information easy to understand because people are lazy. You might wonder what the problem with this myth is as making information easy to understand is a good thing, right? Well, although there isn’t a problem with making information easy to understand, there is a problem with thinking that it is a cure for ‘lazy’ people. If someone doesn’t interact with your brand there is more at play than just laziness.

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epitype is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

The Observer Ethical Awards 2011 are now open for entries! We are asking Observer readers to vote for their favourite ethical retailers and campaigners. Ethical Junction members are precisely the types of business the awards are designed to showcase – grassroots organisations with a passion for making ethical living accessible and inspirational. 

We have produced a “Vote for Us!” button which you should be able to download and embed on your website. Make sure it points to the Awards URL which is:

www.observer.co.uk/ethicalawards

If you make the shortlist we’ll look forward to seeing you at the awards party in June. Last year the ceremony was hosted by Colin Firth at the V&A in London.

If you have any questions please get in touch – my details are as follows:

Andrew Williams

020 7515 5775

andrew@seventeenevents.co.uk

Good luck!

Seventeen Events is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

We were thrilled to receive an invitation to the ‘Join the Revolution’ event which was organised by the Co-operative Group to re-launch their ethics. At the event they revealed a new three-year Ethical Operating Plan, something they have never officially had as part of their business plan. They want to lead the way for other businesses to follow – hence the name ‘Join the Revolution’.

They are doing this now as they feel there is a need for a ‘steep change’ in ethics given the climate we are living, and trading, in. The plan covers many areas including protecting the environment, keeping communities thriving and supporting co-operatives.

We are very pleased that a vital element of the plan is devoted to tackling global poverty through Fairtrade. Subsequently, the Co-operative Group will continue to show their commitment to Fairtrade in the UK, remaining second to none in terms of availability and overtrade, and will now aim that if a primary commodity from the developing world can be Fairtrade, it will be Fairtrade by 2013. They plan that 90% of the primary commodities sourced from the developing world will be certified to Fairtrade standards by 2013.

They will also develop a unique range of projects and initiatives that benefit producers. For example, in Malawi, they are running a three year project to provide water pumps, toilets and fuel-efficient cooking stoves to over 10,000 people in Fairtrade communities with whom they trade.

We fully support this new revolutionary approach to social responsibility. You can view the plan by clicking here.

Shared Interest Society Ltd is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Apple Cottage is a lovely farmhouse with very spacious accommodation for six. The cottage has a large lounge with a woodburner and a spacious dining room, and enjoys its own private garden. There are three large bedrooms – two doubles [both with ensuites] and a third bedroom with two single beds, plus a large family bathroom. Dogs are welcome. Pencuke Farm is idyllically located with panoramic views of the countryside and sea. Guests can explore our smallholding and children will enjoy the rare breed animals. We are only two miles from the fantastic beach of Crackington Haven, amongst many others. From April, the farm will be selling its own produce as well as a few other items such as organic milk and bread. http://www.organicholidays.co.uk/at/2943.htm

Organic Holidays is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Lovely fair trade soapstone

Here at Fairwind we have some great new colourful ranges to tempt you as spring approcahes. And this spring the focus is on soapstone – that wonderfully tactile and incredibly versatile natural material that makes a great gift for men and women, young and old.

Check out our soapstone home decorative gifts where you will find these fun hippos, as well as cats and hearts. They are available in 5 colours and prices start at £5.50.

From bookends to paperweights and tea light holders, soapstone can be coloured and carved into pretty much anything. It is beautiful and so lovely to touch!

More new goodies at Fairwind

Our other new goodies this spring include cat and owl doorstops from India. These cute, hand-embroidered animals are perfect gifts for Mother’s Day. And at only £20, these “house pets” are a bargain.

And we have other great new fair trade gifts for those of you with slightly more monochrome tastes too:     

To celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight from 28th February to 13th March, we are offering everyone

15% off all purchases.

Simply use promotion code FF2011 when you check out!

Fairwind is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

THIS COTTAGE WILL BE AVAILABLE TO LET FROM 14 MARCH 2011. We have spent three years lovingly renovating our two traditional Pembrokeshire cottages to provide comfortable high quality accommodation. We have made them as environmentally friendly as possible and eco features include lime render and wash throughout, as well as a ground source heat pump and solar panels for heating and hot water. The end results are light airy buildings that are efficient to heat and healthy to be in. We are situated just one mile from the Pembrokeshire Coastal path, with a tiny beach, rock pools galore and all the sea and sky you could wish for. Nearby are the lovely fishing villages of Little Haven and Solva, amazing stretches of beach and a marine reserve. http://www.organicholidays.co.uk/at/2949.htm

Organic Holidays is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

However high you turn up the heating, a cold draught howling around your ankles is still uncomfortable, yet lots of the products on sale at the DIY shops don’t manage to cut it off.

Well, thanks to English Heritage, by way of Hook Norton Low Carbon, I’ve discovered the answer for casement windows and doors. It’s silicone bath sealant and vaseline.

First clean the window casement or door and the frame and edges thoroughly, removing loose paint (and mould if you’ve got it). Dry well.

Spread a generous layer of vaseline along the edge of the casement or door along all edges. Shut the window / door and fill the gap with silicone. You can smooth it off with a wet finger, or knife.

Leave it to dry for 24 hours. As long as you got the vaseline right you will be able to open the door, and find yourself with a custom fit seal that exactly fits the gap, however uneven it is.

As I’ve got lots of plastic windows, I haven’t tried this myself. But if you do, please let us know at YouGen how well it works.

First publsihed on the YouGen blog. For more tips on energy efficiency or renewables, please visit the YouGen website.

YouGen is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Should we consider our  educational aims as a cause for lottery funds support. Not a novel approach mind as in Florida schools have been receiving cash injections from a state lottery for the past 23 years. And the funds generated have amassed a  total of  22 billion dollars. Last year alone the funds invested amounted to 1.25 billion dollars. Is this a way of overcoming the loss of educational grants, tuition fees and the incredible waste from educational initiatives that achieve little yet have wasted billions of pounds in the process. read more

Keen 2 Learn is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Promoting luxury with a conscience

www.ecoluxelondon.org

Menswear, Womenswear, Bridal, Jewellery,
Footwear, Skincare, Accessories and
Cosmetics

More details here: Ecol-Save

London-based eco furniture company Bambienti are excited to announce the launch of a new collection of lounge, dining and occasional furniture. Each piece has been produced using Environmentally Friendly Bamboo.

Here they add a very different look and feel to their existing catalogue. A look that is based on clean lines and simple yet sophisticated design. Each piece can serve a number of purposes and compliment a variety of decor.

Using naturally anti-bacterial Bamboo the Bambienti range offers stain resistance and hard wearing durability over the long term.

At Bambienti they are passionate  about creating beautiful and durable products using plant-based alternatives to conventional wood timber. 

Currently they use Bamboo exclusively, a material that is hard-wearing and widely recognised as a strong and fast growing alternative to conventional wooden timber.

For more information visit www.Bambienti.com

Bambienti is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more