Bambienti unveil ‘Bamboo Chic by Bambienti’, a Shabby Chic range of interiors that is naturally sustainable.

The popularity of Shabby Chic style interiors, particularly furniture
and accessories continues unabated in 2009. However the problem for
many is that the original sources for this overtly neutral look, namely
antique shops and flea markets have grown aware of this trend and
increased their prices substantially. The result is that more and more
people have started to buy new furniture and accessories that replicate
the Shabby Chic look at cheaper prices but in many cases the source of
the wood used is unknown and can often be found to be unsustainable.

Bambienti have addressed this situation by unveiling a new range called ‘Bamboo Chic by Bambienti’. This white range is hand-made in small to medium sized workshops entirely out of Bamboo, a material that offers strength, style and natural sustainability.

There are five key reasons that make Bamboo a viable alternative to conventional timber.

(1) Bamboo requires no replanting after harvesting and is naturally sustainable because of a unique rhizome.

(2) Bamboo grows extremely quickly. Up to one metre a day in some instances.

(3) Bamboo provides natural resistance for a planet with increasing CO2 emissions. It releases more oxygen than the equivalent strands of trees, as much as 35% in some instances and is capable of removing up to 12 tons of carbon-dioxide from the air per hectare (10,000 m2).

(4) Bamboo can be grown comfortably in the top soil of degraded land. This is something that is not easy to do with conventional trees. Bamboo can therefore be used to counteract the soil degradation caused by illegal logging.

Describing the thinking behind Bambienti founder and director Charles Colbourne suggests that “by designing and making products using Bamboo we hope to support a necessary process that reduces our over reliance upon already limited conventional timber resources”.

Bamboo is appearing increasingly in peoples homes particularly in the form of mass produced products such as Bamboo flooring and kitchen and bathroom accessories. However the emphasis at Bambienti has continued to focus upon “hand made, low impact products, using low carbon processes that are rich in human creativity and ingenuity. We avoid mass manufactured products that rely upon carbon intensive processes and are produced in large factories where the artisan is liable to find themselves marginalised”.

In addition to selling online Bambienti are actively looking to establish new retail partnerships with independent retailers throughout the UK.

For more information and to view their Shabby Chic collection ‘Bamboo Chic by Bambienti’ please visit www.bambienti.com

Online ethical retailer miki are now throwing miki parties in Hampshire and the surrounding areas.  

If you host a miki party you’ll receive 15% commission on all sales to spend on any items!  To book a party please call Claire or Jo on 023 92 717808/ 07818818791 or email info@miki.uk.com. To view our products please go to www.miki.uk.com

miki sources stylish and contemporary design, clothing & accessories, sustainably and responsibly made. We
aim to provide our customers with timeless pieces that go against the
current ‘throw away fashion’ trend combined with a selection of on
trend items that bring that extra something to your wardrobe whilst
insistently sticking to our ethical principles.

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

Article 13 Report
12th February 2009

Sustainable Development, Climate Change, Environmental protection – just a few of the terms currently being linked to global droughts, floods, fires and other climate related natural disasters occurring more and more across the globe.

With an increase in world population and urban development, heightened environmental risks and vulnerabilities are demanding long-term, sustainable management of natural resources. Natural Resource Management (NRM) involves managing complex and intertwined systems such as biodiversity, desertification, just to name a couple.

This month Article 13 is focussing on two of the issues surrounding
Natural Resource Management (NRM) and briefly explores the
technological and organisational responses from business to help combat
environmental degradation.

Water management
Water management refers to the sustainable management, governance and
utilisation of water resources, including rivers, lakes and estuaries,
coastal and marine waters; sewage treatment; and reservoir safety.
Water management is an issue of the global commons, which means it’s
outside national jurisdiction and there is an ever increasing battle
for access to fresh water resources. Initiatives must cross borders and
boundaries to make any real difference. The United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP), partners with over 150 businesses and concentrates on
the potential risks associated with water scarcity and the strategic
importance for businesses to act responsibly. Businesses and
Institutions need to start acknowledging the interconnectedness of
water resources with many of the world’s major issues, including
climate change, energy, economic development, environmental health, and
social justice. For businesses to tackle the challenges surrounding the
depletion of water resources, there needs to be the following:

• Financial investment into a water supportive infrastructure.
• Partnerships with water management coalitions. 
• Integrate water management systems into the business, in order to minimise environmental risks

So how are businesses managing water resources? Some examples include:

BAA: A water management scheme at Terminal 5 reduces BAA’s reliance on
mains water and economically harvests water from rainfall on campus and
boreholes on its own land
(http://www.article13.com/A13_ContentList.asp?strAction=GetPublication&PNID=1364).

AWG: “RiverCare” programme a community approach to involving
communities in cleaning up watercourses
(http://www.article13.com/A13_ContentList.asp?strAction=GetPublication&PNID=1314).

United Utilities: Establishment of a multi-partner sustainable water
catchment management programme to deliver improved water quantity and
quality. (http://www.article13.com/A13_ContentList.asp?strAction=GetPublication&PNID=1360)

Land management
Land management refers to the sustainable management and development of
land resources. Land management practices often include, conserving and
enhancing the natural environment, ensuring that industrial processes
do not exploit land resources and foster social and economic well
being. It is in a business’s and individual’s best interest to act
responsibly with land resources and manage them effectively. Poor land
management practices can lead to heightened environmental risks with a
rise in CO2 emissions and the destruction of ecosystems, biodiversity
and plant diversity. Also businesses can be affected greatly through
poor land management, with high cleanup costs, consumer boycotts and
increased pressure from environmentalists and NGOs. Alternatively,
sustainable land management can have beneficial factors in terms of
climate change impacts, wildlife, biodiversity, social well-being,
social equity and help the bottom line; for example:
Wangari Maathai: “Promoting ecologically viable social, economic and
cultural development”
(http://www.article13.com/A13_ContentList.asp?strAction=GetPublication&PNID=1091).

For more information please contact Fiona Banyard on
fionab@article13.com or call 020 8840 4450. Please also see Article
13’s website www.article13.com

Eco-Boudoir’s SS09 collection
available at Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge, John Lewis + Adili.com

Eco-Boudoir’s SS09 collection offers the first eco-friendly structured bras – underwire and padded bras made from organic silk and organic cotton, complementing soft and pretty one-pieces, indulgent hemp/silk dressing gowns, and lovely empire-waist sheer chemises.

Iconic pieces complete Eco-Boudoir’s collection, including complementary accessories of eyemasks and boudoir ties for added spice.

3rd Edition
Your organic lifestyle away from home
By Linda Moss. Published by Green Books

Revised and updated edition, now including Ireland

Are you looking for a bed and breakfast, guesthouse or hotel that serves organic food? Would you like to self-cater in a cottage on an organic farm and have an organic vegetable box delivered? Or would you prefer to camp on an organic smallholding where you can buy their fresh produce?

This completely revised and updated edition, with over 175 new entries,
including a selection of organic places to stay in Ireland, gives
you all the information you need for an ‘organic holiday’.

It includes:

• bed and breakfasts, guest houses and small hotels offering organic, local and sometimes home-grown produce
• self-catering accommodation on organic farms, generally in renovated farm buildings camp sites on organic farms and smallholdings, ranging from those where you pitch your own tent to more luxurious camping in a yurt

There are four new symbols in the the third edition of the book, so you can see at a glance if meals containing organic produce or fresh organic produce to buy is available either on-site or within five miles of your holiday accommodation.

Buy the Book > > > 

The Author: Linda Moss created www.organicholidays.co.uk ten years ago, and in 2004 her website won an Environmentally Friendly Website Award. She is married with three grown up children and two grandchildren, and has lived in Guiseley, West Yorkshire all her life.

Final Reductions at Purity

With up to 70% off some items, grab a bargain from the last of the winter stock at www.puritystyle.com

* All trousers and jeans are half price or less, People Tree Boyfriend trousers were £59 now £19
* All dresses half price or less People Tree Bora Aksu Drape front Dress was £84 now £39
* All dresses half price or less Bora Aksu Drape front Dress was £84 now £39
* All knitwear is half price or less e.g Giggle Organics Tara Cardigan was £59 now £19
* All Trevarno organic body care now half price

Beautiful clothes shouldn’t cost the earth

Show you love your Valentine – and the planet – with ethical gifts from Boutiko!

Though Christmas is barely over, the tree packed away and the cards (hopefully!) recycled, buying gifts and presents is back on the agenda!! With Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and even Easter fast approaching, not to mention birthdays and weddings galore – it’s now time to look for special gifts which are not only beautiful and express your emotions, but also come lovingly hand-made, ethically and environmentally produced and packaged, and even gift-wrapped for free!

Specialist on-line ethical gift store Boutiko – www.boutiko.co.uk – has a range of stunning gifts perfect for up-coming special days for Valentine’s and Mother’s Day – all made to the highest possible environmental standards. Boutiko offers free giftwrapping and next day delivery.

Great for new mothers on Mother’s Day – as well as loved ones for Valentine’ Day:
Chiming Heart Earrings (£20 – £18 till end January) – ideal for a First Mother’s Day – as these enchanting balls create a particularly soothing sound for babies. These handmade silver-plated earrings on sterling silver hooks resemble Mayan music balls following a tradition of several centuries. They are used for relaxation and in meditation or simply carried for their enchanting sounds! Each music ball is made by hand and no two will sound the same.

Perfect for lover, mother – or even a wedding gift!
Handmade Wooden Signs (£25) – four designs, saying Dream, Home, Love or Mr & Mrs
New to Boutiko – these gorgeous, unique signs are handmade using reclaimed wood and water-based paints, and distressed for an age-old vintage look.

Women of any age will love these:
Daisy / Dragonfly Jewellery Roll (£11.99)
Gorgeous hand-embroidered silk and satin jewellery rolls made in Vietnam under fair trade conditions, small enough to squeeze into a corner of a suitcase or overnight bag, they contain three internal zipped compartments and a ring holder. Boutiko also stocks matching Coin Purses (£6.99) and Bags (£29.99).

The perfect gift for weddings or Valentines:
“Love” Porcelain Tealight Holders (£25)
Handmade by a British artist using offcuts of porcelain from other projects, these exquisite tealight holders spelling out the word L O V E in tiny holes to give a magical flickering glow, are a beautiful present for the one you love.

A practical, ethical gift for EVERYONE….
You’ll never want to use hemp or jute bags again – Boutiko’s ingenious One Less Plastic Bags are handmade from Indian saris with every single bag unique in its design! These bags fold away to a tiny pocket size but can carry up to 2kg – plus are machine washable, £10 – £8.99 until end January.

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

Ethical modelling agency seeks new faces for 2009

Flame teams up with Aveda to find real models for ethical fashion

This January 25th Flame modelling and talent agency is holding a Make up, Styling and Professional Photo Shoot at the Aveda Institute Spa in Covent Garden.

The workshop is aimed at aspiring models and will provide an opportunity to experience a real photo shoot.

Aveda’s professional make up and hair artists will make over the young women and men who will then be styled by Flame in the latest ethical fashions, followed by a professional photo shoot for their portfolios. The event will be filmed and highlights will be available to watch on the New Me TV online magazine.

Flame was set up in 2008 by Film Financing Executive, Mary Booth and Fashion Stylist, Lupe Castro, to oppose industry standards and demonstrate that real women and men can succeed as fashion models. Native New Yorker, Mary, is the creative genius behind the web TV drama Undercover Girl and has worked on several blockbuster films including, Bend It Like Beckham, Cold Mountain and Casino Royale. Lupe Castro is a fashion stylist who has worked with top designers and models and is looking to highlight the need for the fashion industry to adapt a more ethical view of modelling.

Strong ethical beliefs are at the heart of Flame with regards to the environment, from eco ways to travel to cruelty-free beauty and hair products and more. The philosophy also includes a broader range of ethnicity and age, identifying and creating opportunities for everyone. Already on their books is Leanne Nagel who rose to fame in the fourth series of Britain’s Next Top Model.

Flame also operates a strict No Size Zero Policy believing that models should be a fair and accurate representation of society today. Flame aims of change the face of modelling by giving opportunities to today’s talented young men and women to find out what it feels like to be a model and fulfil their dreams.

Come along and enjoy the experience?
Make up, Styling and Professional Photo Shoot at Aveda Institute Spa, Covent Garden, London.

The package includes a not-to-be-missed opportunity to learn more about the benefits of Aveda products, their corporate ethos, career prospects and an exclusive peek behind the scenes with a short tour of the Aveda offices to end the day with an Aveda goodie bag.

25th January 2009, 11am – 4pm (staggered arrivals)

Fee: £35

Book it now with Paypal through www.flamemodelling.com 

For any further information about the event of Flame modelling and talent agency please contact Victoria Dove at Pussycat PR on +44 (0) 7980 615 563 or victoria.dove@pussycatpr.com

Cause + Affect are having a clearance sale until the end of January with 50% off all end of line t-shirts.

This means you can now get a 100% certified fair-trade organic t-shirt, including p&p for either £7.50 or £12.50.

To take a look at the sale items just click the link below:

CAUSE + AFFECT CLEARANCE SALE