Have you ever wondered how many countries your pants have crossed before they end up in your shopping basket?  Or how many hands have touched them before they reach the shop? 

Becky John, social entrepreneur and founder of whomadeyourpants? asked herself those same questions and believing that everyone should be able to answer them, she set up her own business to do things differently.  We interviewed Becky to find out more.  You can read the interview in full on the Ooffoo website.  Here are some juicy snippets…

When Becky John answered the telephone ‘Hello, who made your pants?’, I knew that I was going to enjoy quizzing her about her knickers. Becky, the founder of a Southampton based workers cooperative, had agreed to a telephone interview. She promised me I would be inspired and she didn’t disappoint! Becky is a buoyant and passionate woman, and I felt every breath of her story as she told it.

Becky makes and sells ethical pants using upcycled materials, with a team of volunteers and refugee women whom she is helping through the scheme.  She dreams of a day when all knicker-wearers will be asking how many hands have touched their knickers before they reach the shop and how many countries they’ve crossed on the way to the shopping basket.

   “I’d started to realise that I didn’t have to do what I didn’t want to do. I knew I was ready to make a big change; that I didn’t have to stay within the constraints of a safe job and a safe income. Putting these feelings together with my ambition to do something socially responsible and my love of knickers was a perfect match.”

   “I love beautiful underwear – it makes you feel sexy and confident, but I didn’t want to compromise my ethics to have it… [ so I ] …decided to make and sell the kind of pants I wanted to wear.” 

   “I had begun to realise that women are just subjected across the world to crap messaging and societal norms that even in our culture don’t support women to feel as strong as they could. Having found my own strength I wanted to help other women to help themselves…Our motto is that we work with women who have never had opportunity, or have had it taken it away.”

   “I had a job earning lots of money to do nothing. Now I am poor and busy, doing something I love. I’m so happy.”

Read the full interview.

whomadeyourpants? are members of Ethical Junction.  View their profile here.

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.

Sheabutter Cottage is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Inspired Entrepreneurs will be holding several events in March, featuring both his own expertise and special guest spots from some top international celebrity speakers including Judy Piatkus, Dr Robert Holden, Sarah Alexander and Jackee Holder.  Specialising in encouraging people to take what they know and love doing and turning it into a pleasurable, profitable business, Inspired Entrepreneurs was founded by Nick Williams, best selling author and expert on inspiration both at work and at home.

To celebrate this new start to the year of you – Inspired Entrepreneurs is offering a special trial membership of just £1 – meaning new members can attend each event and get a free book for just £1 each.  Regular monthly members pay just £12.99 per month, entitling them to free entry to the talks as well as the free books. 

All events are held at the International Students’ House, London apart from Success Intelligence which is to take place at the University of Westminster.

Full List of March events:

7 March (10am) – Passions Into Profits with Nick Williams

A half day mini workshop exploring the 11 steps needed to kick start your own business and earning potential by taking what you are passionate about and turning it into a profitable business. 

£99 (£45 members)

7 March (2pm) – Entrepreneurial Masterclass with Judy Piatkus – Reinvent Your Business for Changing Times

Founder of successful independent publishing house Piatkus Books, Judy Piatkus will take you through six critical emerging trends set to shape the business landscape and how you and your business can keep up and take advantage of these opportunities.

£99 (£45 members)

10 March (7.15pm) – Success Intelligence with Dr Robert Holden

A top guest on the Oprah Winfrey Show, Dr Robert Holden has written 11 books on success including the bestselling Success Intelligence – How To Create Authentic & Heartfelt Success.  He guest speaks at this event which in particular focuses on how to inspire students to make the most of their futures.  £20 (FREE for members) including a copy of Success Intelligence.

18 March (7.15pm) – Self Care for Inspired Entrepreneurs with Jackee Holder

Expert in how caring for yourself is at the heart of a successful business, author of Soul Purpose and Be Your Own Best Life Coach, Jackee Holder, focuses on practical ways to keep yourself ready for action so your business is a success.  £20 (FREE for members) including a copy of Be Your Own Best Life Coach.

All these events can be viewed and booked online at:

http://www.inspired-entrepreneur.com/Entrepreneur-Events.aspx

Every talk is introduced and presented by the Inspired Entrepreneur himself, Nick Williams, author of five books including the best selling The Work We Were Born To Do and How To Be Inspired.

He has worked with individuals as well as entire organisations across the globe on a personal level, helping them achieve their dreams of success through inspiration and passion.  Nick regularly contributes to the media.

Press Contact: Lisa Jackson, Eurydice PR

lisajackson@eurydicepr.co.uk

 01440 709460 / 07702 415187

 www.eurydicepr.co.uk

 Gorgeous you – beautiful world

Eurydice PR is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Natalie Barnwell of Eco Ezee Ltd named one of the Future 100 Young Social Entrepreneurs for 2009 

Natalie Barnwell founder and Managing Director of Eco Ezee Limited is announced as one of the Future 100 Young Social Entrepreneurs of the Year during Global Entrepreneurship Week 2009.

Global Entrepreneurship Week is looking to unleash people’s enterprising ideas to tackle some of society’s biggest issues such as climate change, poverty, gender equality and health.

The Future 100 Awards puts the spotlight on young people aged 18-35 who are demonstrating entrepreneurial flair and innovation in running a responsible business venture; one which demonstrates a balance between economic, environmental and social goals to achieve ultimate business success. 

Founder of Striding Out and organiser of the Future100 awards, Heather Wilkinson said: “The future of our world is in the hands of individuals who are committed to generating commercial and ethical returns. 

Challenging economic times can offer opportunities to question the way we operate as both a business community and a society. We are profiling the ‘Future 100′ young entrepreneurs who are changing the face of everyday business and improve commerce’s impact on the wider world.”

The Future 100 awards encourages and rewards extraordinary vision, ethical business practice and social responsibility. They aim to showcase businesses that offer innovative and sustainable solutions to social problems. The Future 100 Awards is organized by Striding Out www.stridingout.co.uk, a social enterprise which is committed to supporting the development and growth of young and ethical entrepreneurs.

Eco Ezee Limited is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

The Future 100 awards recognise the achievements of entrepreneurs aged 18-35, who are running a business with a social and environmental impact.

The competition aims to raise the profile and support this new generation of leaders who are paving the way in sustainable business.

To find out more and apply visit http://www.future100.co.uk/

Deadline for entries is November 5th 2009.

An invitation to a Mumpreneurs
Networking Event in East London as part of Business
Mum Week 2009!

Wednesday 7th October 12 noon to 2pm
Venue: Ping Pong Dim Sum (Private Room) 3 Appold Street London EC2A 2AF
tel: 020 7422 0780 Nearest Town: London

Informal networking lunch for mumpreneurs/ businessmums and women
running or interested in running their own businesses, come along and
meet Antonia Chitty, author of The
Mumpreneur Guide, who will be giving her top tips for mumpreneurs.

Antonia Chitty will have a prize draw for her book, The Mumpreneur’s
Guide, retail cost £18, and some other prizes, so bring your business
cards to enter the draw!

Alison Rothwell, of the SEO Training Club, is also going to attend and
give her tips on Twitter for business.

Lana Hersak-Mullins, Business Counsellor for the East London Small Business Centre
will give a short talk on what is currently on offer to entrepreneurs
in East London, and will be happy to answer any questions women might
have about starting up a small business.

The event, in the gorgeous private dining room at Ping Pong Dim Sum (www.pingpongdimsum.com),
is free to attend although you will have to pay for your own lunch,
however the menu is very reasonably priced and delicious! Free copies
of eco-directory The Book of Green
and the Business
Mums Journal will be available to take home.

CIC Association
CIC are pleased to announce the launch of their new website
www.cicassociation.org.uk
,which will provide a platform for CIC practitioners throughout the
country to connect with each other and help nurture the fledgling
legislation.

The
impetus for the
Association has come from CIC practitioners wanting a way to directly
engage in the agenda, and it aims to tackle a wide range of issues,
from general awareness and improved communication thru to technical
matters such as improving capital inflows into the sector.

With
over 3200 incorporated, CICs are the fastest growing element within
social enterprise, already operating across the spectrum of sectors,
at local, regional and national level. Tom Barnett, co-founder of the
Association and MD of Ethical Junction CIC said ‘This is a
fantastic development for the CIC community and social enterprise at
large, the legislation was developed to help bring social enterprise
into the mainstream and we hope this website will become a focal
point for achieving that. Promoting the legislation to a wider
audience, and developing resources for CIC practitioners are our key
priorities, and I’m very excited about the positive response we
have received so far’

www.cicassociation.org.uk

Enquiries

CIC
Association CIC www.cicassociation.org.uk

Contact
John Mulkerrin on 0203 262 3044 or john@cicassociation.org.uk

Notes
to Editors

CIC
legislation came into force in July 2005

CICs
are unique as they can trade in exactly the same way as normal Ltd
companies, but have an Asset Lock which ensures the community
receives the majority of profit.

Throughout the months of June
and July, top chefs including Atul Kochhar (Benares restaurant), Vivek
Singh (Cinnamon Club & Cinnamon Kitchen), Navin Bhatia (Dockmasters
House), Mehernosh and Sherin Mody (La Porte des Indes), Sriram
Aylur (Quilon), Kuldeep Singh (Mela), Ajay Chopra (Mint Leaf Restaurant
and Bar, and Mint Leaf Lounge and Bar) and Sanjay Anand (Madhu’s)
will all come together to support Food For Thought
by adding a voluntary £1 to every bill in their restaurants. 

Hunger and malnutrition are
common experiences for families living in rural India.  Over the
months of June and July, the top Indian eateries will be joining forces
with charity Find Your Feet to strive to ensure that hunger and poverty
become experiences of the past for thousands of families living in northern
India.  The money raised from the Food for Thought promotion will
help FYF develop and expand its work to reach a further 6,000 families
in the coming year – so that 24,000 families have the opportunity to
build a better future.   

Recognized as their country’s
greatest culinary exports, these top chefs feel they are best placed
to raise the awareness of the plight of hunger and poverty that still
affects millions of families in rural India.

“Sharing a meal with good
company is one of life’s great pleasures. While we are enjoying the
delicate spices and vibrant flavours of our food, thousands of people
in my home state of Jharkhand in India are going to bed hungry every
day. I’m proud to be an ambassador for Find Your Feet’s Food
for Thought promotion.  Together, we can help make sure some
of the poorest families in rural India have enough food to eat not just
today but all year round.”

Atul Kochhar,
Chef Director, Benares 
 

“Food has given us (the chefs)a
great living and  has propelled us into the media spotlight. We
must now use our status to in turn bring food to families in rural India
that are suffering from hunger and malnutrition.”

Vivek Singh,
Chief Executive and Chef, Cinnamon Club & Kitchen 
 

To celebrate the launch of the
Food for Thought promotion, the chefs held a champagne reception at
Langtry’s Restaurant, Cadogan Hotel just off Sloane Street. Guests
included top food journalists and supporters of Find Your Feet and were
treated to mouth-watering canapés created by the award-winning Indian
chefs in the elegant surroundings of the historic Langtry’s restaurant.

For more information visit http://fyf.org.uk/news/foodforthought.htm

The Warren Evans team is celebrating today after triumphing at
The Sunday Times Best Green Companies Awards 2009, one of the most coveted
green awards of the year.

The London-based bespoke bed and furniture maker was named
the 40th best green company in the UK, out of hundreds of entries,
beating off stiff competition from major retailers including Asda. It’s
not the first time that Warren Evans has triumphed in The Sunday Times Best
Green Companies Awards; it was also named as one of the top green companies in
the UK
in the 2008 awards.

The Sunday Times Best Green Companies Awards recognises
those businesses in the UK
most dedicated to environmental issues, implementing green initiatives and
engaging their workforces.

Zoe Robinson, Sustainable Development Manager at Warren
Evans, is delighted at the win. She says: “It’s fantastic to be
recognised for a second year running. It’s a great boost for our team and
our customers to have this independent recognition that we’re doing our
bit for the environment and are using working practices that are as sustainable
as possible.”

Sustainability has been at the heart of Warren Evans’
philosophy since the company was established over 30 years ago. And for the
past two years, the company has been working hard making measurable changes, adapting
the way in which it works to minimise the impact it has on the environment. As
such Warren Evans:

• is still the ONLY UK
  bed manufacturer to be officially certified by the FSC (Forest
  Stewardship Council). All beds and furniture are made using woods from
  renewable sources
• offers a fully organic and
  orthopaedic mattress range for those keen to avoid chemicals and man made
  materials
• avoids using packaging. They wrap
  beds and furniture in reusable blankets rather than using cardboards and
  plastics, minimising unnecessary waste
• has consulted Government green body
  ‘Envirowise’ and government funded service Business Link for
  practical advice on efficiencies such as workflow, machinery and gaining staff
  support
• moved the traditional Camden workshop to a new,
  self created, green and efficient work space in Walthamstow. With help from an
  interest-free loan by the Carbon Trust, they were able to make this super green
  by purchasing environmentally friendly equipment including a bio-mass boiler
  (that heats the entire building using waste wood and sawdust as fuel) and
  intelligent wood cutting machinery to minimise waste
• … they also use recycled pens,
  print leaflets and price lists on recycled paper and even use recycled envelopes
  made from elephant poo!
• and scooped a further two
  environmental awards last year, a BCE Award and an Observer Ethical Award,
  recognising its total dedication to the environment and to its customers.

The awards ceremony was held on Wednesday evening in Covent
Garden, London,
with Warren Evans receiving the prize from Alastair McCall (pictured above).

Warren Evans is also nominated in the Best Local Retailer
category in The Observer Ethical Awards 2009; the winners will be announced
next month.