by Andrew Williams |
October 22, 2014
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We were delighted to be visited yesterday by our good friend Derek from Hay Deli, our local emporium for all things organic, fresh and sausage roll shaped. He was showing off his newest bit of kit - a mobile phone with a difference.
The Fairphone is a relatively new addition to the mobile phone market, but it certainly struck a chord with us. It aims to be a truly fair competitor to the likes of the iPhone which have, let's just say, a slightly sketchy backstory. The commitment to fairness starts at the mining stage, where the raw materials for the phone are extracted, and goes through the design and manufacturing process, continuing through to look at the life cycle of the device and what happens when it's past its sell by date. As well as supporting the rights of workers and the environment throughout the production process, Fairphone also operate as a social enterprise, ensuring that any profits are reinvested in the project, not split up amongst shareholders.
We loved the design, and the phone itself seemed like a really solid piece of kit. But the real clincher with Fairphone is the story behind the product. Find out for yourself at www.fairphone.com and look out for the hashtag on Twitter - #WeAreFairphone.
Tagged:
eighteen rabbit,
fairness,
fairphone,
fairtrade,
phone
by Andrew Williams |
October 04, 2014
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*UPDATE* - sadly we're no longer able to get any stock from Pants to Poverty - but we do have a wonderful new range from Mighty Good!
We're really pleased to have a new range of fair trade underwear in store and available online this week, courtesy of one of the coolest sustainable brands around.
Pants to Poverty began life in 2005 as an experiment to prove that fashion can change the world for the good. Their bold designs and flattering, stylish shapes have made them a big hit not just with ethical shoppers but also with fashionistas everywhere.
One of their key areas of expertise is working in partnership with cotton farmers to make sure that as well as being paid a fair wage they can also invest in the local community. This month, Pants to Poverty have moved their whole operations team out to India, so that they can observe and where appropriate assist with the cotton harvest. That's what we call hands-on fair trade!
We have a capsule collection of pants and vests available now. Pick your favourite and say Pants to Poverty.
Tagged:
eighteen rabbit,
fairtrade,
pants,
pants to poverty,
underwear
by Andrew Williams |
September 29, 2014
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The great British sense of "fair play" is a concept that comes up a lot when discussing the state of our nation today - along with stiff upper lips, queueing, and always saying "sorry" even if it's not your fault. It can be difficult to pin down what exactly we mean by fairness, and looking around us at the clear inequality in the world it can sometimes seem like a hollow boast.
Well - now is your chance to find out how fair you are, thanks to the good folk at the Fairtrade Foundation!
You can take their test to give yourself a score which will either give you a warm glow in your sense of fair play or perhaps leave you with a slightly guilty feeling that you're letting the side down. We scored a pretty respectable score which makes us "Action Heroes" according to the Fairtrade Foundation. However there is never any room for complacency - let us know what you score!
Tagged:
eighteen rabbit,
fairness,
fairtrade
by Andrew Williams |
September 11, 2014
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Fair trade is one thing. But what about UK companies who are working in other countries where the judicial standards may not be on a par with Britain? Is it right for British companies to be able to exploit weaker legislation overseas to treat their workers in a way that would never be permissible in the UK?
Traidcraft has recently launched their new Justice Campaign, calling for UK companies to be held to account for abuses they commit abroad, and for victims to be able to get justice in the UK. You can find out more about the campaign and take action here: http://www.traidcraft.co.uk/justicecampaign
For years the UK government has been encouraging better practices of businesses but has failed to stop bad practices caused by UK businesses’ decisions. In fact there is no easily accessible mechanism for UK businesses to be held to account in the UK for their harm to people overseas. The result is that victims continue to suffer, the harm continues to occur and in the UK market – leading businesses are undermined by laggard company practices. The UK government needs to provide Victims with access to Justice – as set out in the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
It can often feel like the old standby of "writing to your MP" is a waste of time, but as recent events continue to show, "people power" is underestimated at the government's peril!
Tagged:
eighteen rabbit,
fairtrade,
traidcraft
by Andrew Williams |
September 02, 2014
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We're delighted to have received a new shipment from our friends at Craftworks Cambodia. As well as some old favourites which are now back in stock, such as our ever-popular Elephant Cement bags or Tree of Life earrings, we have some great new lines, including slimline recycled tyre wallets with coloured inner linings.
Andrew explains all below - including a brief appearance from our cat, Stuart!
Tagged:
cambodia,
eighteen rabbit,
fairtrade,
wallet
