We’re pleased to say Freeset won the 2012 Social Enterprise Award at the inaugural People & Environment (PEA) Business Awards (http://peabusinessawards.com). Sponsored by the National Enterprise Network, the Social Enterprise Award was to acknowledge the work and achievements of the individuals or teams behind the most inspiring and successful social enterprises (whether a start-up, an organisation that holds the Social Enterprise Mark or a business or project led by young people).

The award recognises the work that Freeset does in two ways. Firstly Freeset works to reduce waste through creating jute and organic cotton bags and secondly Freeset creates employment for women in India who are now free from human trafficking and exploitation through prostitution.

Mark Wakeling, Director of Freeset Ltd said, “We are proud to receive this award and for the recognition of the work many people do to help build business opportunities as a way of addressing human trafficking. It is recognition too that developing a social enterprise is an ideal way to tackle social challenges.”

For more information on Freeset visit www.freesetbags.co.uk or www.globalseesaw.co.uk

Freeset is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

On Thursday 22^nd September 2011, Seacourt staff, family and customers gathered to celebrate Seacourt’s second Queen’s Award forEnterprise in Sustainable Development.  HRH Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, made a special visit to theOxford –based family firm to commemorate the day and partake in the celebrations.

Amongst their many previous accolades in water reduction, green energy and being carbon neutral, the firm is now officially zero-waste (their last bin collection to landfill was in October 2009), a world first in the printing trade, and certainly among the first in all trade categories in the UK.  Everything is either recycled or reused.  HRH took a special interest in the recycling bay where all containers were clearly labelled and organised.

Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Tim Stevenson stated “It is known that winning a Queen’s Award is no mean achievement, you have to jump through some quite tricky hoops. It’s very much a sense of many are called but few are chosen”

The Duke of Kent presented Chairman Jim Dinnage with the award saying “Seacourt are a remarkable company and should be used as an exemplar for sustainability.  I do not think anyone can underestimate the work involved over many years, it has taken a great deal of determination.”

Turnout at the celebrations was overwhelming, with guests, civic representatives, press and media as well as staff, family and friends all there to celebrate the grand achievement.

“We won our first Queen’s Award for Sustainable Development 4 years ago, which was a wonderful achievement in itself” stated Jim Dinnage.  “But to win a second award alongside the first is just amazing.  Our greatest thanks must go to our wonderful staff for their hard work, and to our loyal customers who supported our efforts all these years.”

Seacourt Ltd is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Greenhouse PR have named Linda Moss, of Organic Places to Stay as their Eco Hero for September.

“The reason why we love Linda is that she has been passionate about organic holidays for the last 12 years – working her socks off to produce a wonderful guide and website and never giving up – despite difficulties along the way. The outcome is a wonderful guide with truly wonderful organic places to stay.” says the Greenhouse PR website.

Greenhouse PR asked Linda a series of questions to reveal the inspirational woman behind the Organic Places to Stay website and book, and you can read the full article on the Greenhouse PR website.  Here is a snippet:

1. What inspires you?

What inspires me is the dedication that drives some people to act on their own initiative and who have the courage to support something they believe in. The hard working people who run the businesses I promote on my website are all examples of this.

2. What makes you angry?

What makes me angry is the way we’ve been duped into thinking it’s okay to go into the supermarket to fill our trolleys with processed foodstuffs rather than to eat real natural food.

3. If you were Prime Minister, what would be the first thing you’d change?

If I were Prime Minister, the first thing I would change is the way our food is produced and promoted. I would make a stand against the big food companies, ban all additives and promote the idea that food should be wholesome and unadulterated.

4. Can individuals really make a difference?

Throughout history, there are examples of how an idea that starts with an individual quickly spreads to other individuals and generates a process of change. Today, we have the power of the internet so it’s much easier for individuals to communicate with each other about the differences they would like to see.

5. What is your personal mission?

My personal mission is to try to raise awareness about the importance of organic food. It is a fundamental notion that healthy food equals healthy people. It has become my life’s work to promote the principles of eating organically, not as a lifestyle choice for the few but as a basic right of access to nutritious food for all of us.

Get the rest here.

Nu-Heat was delighted to achieve a win at the inaugural Exeter Business Awards at Sandy Park, home to the Exeter Chiefs Rugby Club. There were eight categories, including Young Entrepreneur of the Year and Innovation of the Year. Nu-Heat was entered for the Small Business of the Year (for businesses with up to 200 employees that have increased their potential over the last financial year, taking into account innovative products, services and processes as well as expansion into new markets and looking at the ‘personality’ of the business).

Dragon’s Den personality Deborah Meaden was Guest of Honour, and spoke about how businesses in the South West have to work harder to be successful as customers are not always on the doorstep as they are in London.. Deborah also asked for support for the South West Child’s Voice Appeal, for which she is currently Chairperson.

There were 11 shortlisted in our category, including Otter Brewery (who did win the Environmental Award) and the South West Children’s Hospice. We were thrilled to receive the award, and to learn that the judges had been unanimous in their choice. Director Adrian Troop said it was great to receive such an acknowledgement.

We shared a table with the Jack in the Green who won Best Tourism/Hospitality Business Award and Flybe, who won Business of the Year. A victorious evening for Table 10!

Nu-Heat 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

The inaugural People and Environment Achievement Awards (PEA awards) have extended the
date for completed nominations to 14 January 2011 due to increased interest from all sectors
of the green and environmental arena.

As the awards gather pace, the organizers have also just announced that they will be planting a
tree for every entry received with charity partner Project Green Hands, as well as signing up
new partner Green & Blacks, whose co-founder Josephine Fairley is one of the judges.

With the nomination date extended to take account of the Christmas period and renewed
interest in the New Year, the awards event on 2nd March 2011 will see all ten category winners
rewarded with an individual prize each including a £5,000 watch, organic wine hampers and a
luxury treatment package.

Launched to celebrate practical, engaging initiatives taking place in response to sustainability
challenges, the PEA Awards are open to individuals or groups who have made a difference in
the community, or shown inspiration, innovation and perseverance in their various sectors.
The PEA Awards are being launched by the publishers of the quarterly publication GREEN, in
conjunction with Evergreen Events and are also sponsored by World Energy Research, Isklar,
Kyocera and Aquados Simply, Birds Eye and Gigaset.

PEA Award judges include GREEN’s Editor and Chair of the judging panel, Tony Juniper along
with Josephine Fairley, co-founder of Green and Blacks; Richard Hammond, founder of
greentraveller.co.uk; Rebecca Hill, international marketing director of National Geographic; Leo
Johnson, co-Founder of Sustainable Finance and organic entrepreneur Jo Wood.

Enter online or download a form from www.peaawards.com

Other supporters and partners include: Luscombe, Arjowiggins, Gina Conway, Book of Green,
Eco Connect, daisygreenmagazine.co.uk, Ethical Junction and Eurydice PR, Cad & The Dandy
and the Soil Association.

The Essential Vegan Pesto has been awarded a Highly Commended certificate in the Best Vegan Product category of The Veggie Awards 2011 – the second annual awards run by Cook Vegetarian! magazine.

The pure pesto comprises just four ingredients: aromatic pine nuts, extra virgin olive oil, fresh, fragrant basil and sea salt.  It is a concentrated pesto to which you add extra virgin olive oil to suit your taste and the recipe. 

The Essential Vegan Pesto is sourced from an organic co-operative in Italy that brings together the four fresh ingredients locally to produce this authentic sauce.  It comes in a 175g jar – which when thinned with extra virgin olive oil is enough for 1.5kg of pasta.  It costs £3.99 from www.ethicallyessential.coop, other online retailers and selected independent health food stores.

For more information, pictures or samples please contact:

Katherine Selby on 0208 657 4422 or email Katherine@prworkshop.co.uk

The Veggie Awards 2011 celebrate flavour, versatility and innovation in the world of meat-free foods.  Inviting entries from the biggest supermarket to the smallest producer, the Cook Vegetarian! team of vegetarian foodies tasted a huge number of products and scoured the web to find the best sites for vegetarians. In each category, one Winner was selected with five other top-performing products or services each being awarded a Highly Commended accolade.  For more information about Cook Vegetarian! or the Veggie Awards 2011, contact Fae Gilfillan on 01206 508627 or email fae@cookveg.co.uk

Essential Trading Co-operative Ltd is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

The first ever People and Environment Achievement Awards (PEA awards), due to take place in March 2011, announce today new media partner The Evening Standard, along with new sponsors Birds Eye and Gigaset.

NOMINATIONS are still invited for the inaugural PEA Awards which will identify the country’s green heroes. 

Launched to celebrate practical, engaging initiatives taking place in response to sustainability challenges, the PEA Awards are open to individuals or groups who have made a difference in the community, or shown  inspiration, innovation and perseverance in their various sectors.

“We are delighted to welcome our new partner and sponsors on board, as the nominations process gathers pace,” says Evergreen Events organiser Minaxi Mistry.  The nominations close on 31st December 2010.
The PEA Awards are being launched by the publishers of the quarterly publication National Geographic Green, in conjunction with Evergreen Events and are also sponsored by World Energy Research, Isklar, Kyocera and Aquados Simply.

PEA Award judges include National Geographic Green’s Editor and Chair of the judging panel, Tony Juniper along with Josephine Fairley, co-founder of Green and Blacks; Richard Hammond, founder of greentraveller.co.uk; Rebecca Hill, international marketing director of National Geographic;  Leo Johnson, co-Founder of Sustainable Finance and organic entrepreneur Jo Wood.

The PEA awards will be hosted by television presenter  Liz Bonnin on  2nd  March 2011 at the  stunning National Geographic store in London’s Regent Street.

The PEA Awards recognise excellence in 10 categories :

Arts & Music
Best Energy Saving Idea
Best Earth Saving Idea
Business Person of the Year
Community Award
Campaigner of the Year
Entrepreneur of the Year
Public Sector Award
Sustainability in Sport
Responsible Travel

Nominations close on Friday, December 31.

Enter online or download a form from www.peaawards.com 

Our supporters and partners include: Luscombe, Arjowiggins, Gina Conway, Book of Green, Eco Connect, daisygreenmagazine.co.uk, Ethical Junction and Eurydice PR.

Prize winners will each receive a unique prize at the Awards.  The prizes include a £5,000 Lacroix watch, £5k holiday, Bonterra Ethical wine cases, organic food hampers and a Gina Conway luxury treatment package.

Ethical Fashion & Beauty Boutique wins “Best Newcomer” at the RSPCA Good Business Awards ceremony after just six months of trading.
 
An online fashion and beauty business specialising in vegan and ethical products has won “Best Newcomer” at the national RSPCA Good Business Awards within just six months of trading. Founded in February this year by animal-lover and vegan Carrina Rowe, she received the award which was presented by the world famous designer Wayne Hemingway at One Marylebone, London, on Wednesday 6th October. 

The fashion and beauty website’s strict animal welfare and ethical business policies were praised by the high-profile judging panel who recognised Carrina’s efforts as a small business owner who places animal welfare at the top of her agenda.
 
“It is a fantastic surprise and a real honour to have received the award for “Best Newcomer” in such a prestige national competition. I have always admired and respected the companies chosen for the RSPCA Good Business Awards so to actually be a winner myself and in my first year of trading is absolutely amazing and makes me incredibly proud” said Carrina, whose life-long love of animals and nature stems from her mother who worked as a veterinary nurse.
 
“As a little girl, my mum always rescued animals and when I left home, I followed in her footsteps taking in all sorts of creatures in need! My belief that no animal should have to suffer for the sake of our beauty led me on a search for cruelty free make-up and skincare products that were also natural, kinder to the environment, animals and my skin.    
                                                                                                                                  
“I started Nature’s Boutique after discovering some products that claimed to be cruelty free were not necessarily so. None of the products we sell are tested on animals, nor do the brand owners pay third parties to conduct animal testing on their behalf. In fact many are certified by independent bodies such as the BDIH, Soil Association and Vegan Society which have strict criteria for products bearing their seal. Customers can shop safe in the knowledge that there are no animal derivatives and no animal ingredients in the products sold on our site.”
 
Among the sites most popular buys are design-centric and eco-friendly label Matt & Nat whose on-trend bag collections feature ultra-soft inner linings made using around 21 recycled plastic bottles. Other products to be found on the site are natural organic beauty buys from pioneering German brand lavera, MÁDARA eco-cosmetics from Latvia, African bodycare brand TAMU and jewellery by Kate Hamilton-Hunter. All purchases are gift-wrapped in boxes made using recycled and recyclable materials.
Carrina also supports a number of local and national animal charities such as Freshfields Animal Centre, World Horse Welfare and the Parkgate Pony Sanctuary, co-sponsors Scouseveg – the social and campaigning group for vegetarians and vegans in the North West where Carrina is based. and actively helps raise awareness of the many animal-related causes close to her heart via Facebook, Twitter as well as via her own website and blog.

Judge², designer Wayne Hemingway said “Companies now understand the importance of actively listening to customers who want to see changes made and animal welfare policies communicated clearly.  When talking about Nature’s Boutique he said “This company has done everything right from the start” Referring to Nature’s Boutique he continued: “This company has done everything right from the start.”
David Bowels, Director of RSPCA Communications reported that “The quality and quantity of entries to the fashion category this year is a clear indication that companies are responding to the shift towards responsible consumerism.  “All these companies were recognised for leading the way in animal welfare on the high street and the catwalk, and deserve our recognition as they set the standard for others to work towards. Accessories retailer Nature’s Boutique was named Best Newcomer because animal welfare is integral to the company’s philosophy.”
 
For further information about the RSPCA Good Business Awards, please visit http://www.rspcagoodbusinessawards.com and  http://www.goodthings.org.uk/

NOMINATIONS are invited for the inaugural People and Environment Achievement Awards (PEA awards) which will identify the country’s green heroes.

Launched to celebrate practical, engaging initiatives taking place in response to sustainability challenges, the PEA Awards are open to individuals or groups who have made a difference in the community, or shown inspiration, innovation and perseverance in their various sectors.

Sustainability issues involve each and every one of us. There is no single solution, nor can any one company, government or organisation tackle these challenges on their own. But these awards acknowledge that great things are happening, and in lots of different places.

The PEA Awards are being launched by the publishers of the quarterly publication National Geographic Green, in conjunction with Evergreen Events and are sponsored by World Energy Research, Isklar, Kyocera and Aquados Simply.

National Geographic Green’s Editor and Chair of the judging panel, Tony Juniper urges people to help recognise those working hardest for a greener future by making a nomination. “We probably all know someone who fits into one of these categories, so please nominate them to let them know that we do appreciate everything they do for our society.”

Other PEA Award judges include Josephine Fairley, co-founder of Green and Blacks; Richard Hammond, founder of greentraveller.co.uk; Rebecca Hill, international marketing director of National Geographic; Leo Johnson, co-Founder of Sustainable Finance and organic entrepreneur Jo Wood.

The PEA awards will be hosted by television presenter Liz Bonnin on 2nd March 2011 at the stunning National Geographic store in London’s Regent Street.

The PEA Awards recognise excellence in 10 categories :

Arts & Music
Best Energy Saving Idea
Best Earth Saving Idea
Business Person of the Year
Community Award
Campaigner of the Year
Entrepreneur of the Year
Public Sector Award
Sustainability in Sport
Responsible Travel

Nominations close on Friday, December 31.

Enter online or download a form from www.peaawards.com

Our supporters and partners include: Luscombe, Arjowiggins, Gina Conway, Book of Green, Eco Connect, daisygreenmagazine.co.uk, Ethical Junction and Eurydice PR.