by Andrew Williams |
February 14, 2015
|
Well, we have now just about recovered from our epic trip to Mexico. I cannot hand-on-heart claim that it was all work, but we did meet some incredible new suppliers as well as catching up with some of our existing far trade cooperatives. While we were in the USA we also took the opportunity to meet up with Mata Traders, who produce some of the amazing dresses we stock. They were exhibiting at the Atlanta Gift Show, and while we were there we also met another great new supplier called Refugee Beads - look out for their lovely jewellery coming soon!
Mexico was the main event however. We now have new (but limited) stock of some truly beautiful new pieces:
- Tin mirrors, beaten by hand - all slightly different. These now come in a lovely presentation pack, and are still just £5.
- Wooden "alebrije" figures, hand carved and painted. These are already going quickly!
- Tortilla warmers! perfect for the chef who has everything, or any aspiring Mexican cook.
- An incredible new selection of rugs from Oaxaca, woven on wooden looms using 100% wool and natural plant and mineral dyes. Obviously only one each of these.
We spent the last three days of our trip in Mexico City, and were lucky enough to meet some more incredible new suppliers. We will be adding new stock from all of our talented producers during the year so stay tuned!
Tagged:
alebrije,
eighteen rabbit,
fair trade,
Mexico,
rugs,
tin,
tortilla warmer
by Louise Davies |
August 29, 2014
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So, how have you been celebrating Spork Week? Perhaps you've been eating soup and salad with the same utensil? Maybe you've made your sporks dance, or contemplated how they represent innovations of our time.
We've been selling our spork n corks as usual from our shop in Hay. They're always popular with busy workers and happy campers.
There is certainly some truth about the innovative nature of the spork. Apparently Bill Clinton used the spork as a symbol of his administration due to its dual nature, and said that sporks are 'a big new idea'.
Our sporks from Bambu combine simple design with natural products, handcrafted by wood-workers in China. Yes, ethical sourcing from China is possible! The couple who set up Bambu wanted to merge their modern design approach from Portland, Oregon, with natural products from China, while ensuring safe and fair practices for the workers. Not easy, given China's political situation - where human rights organisations and trade unions are banned.
Bambu have successfully created simple and stylish hand-crafted products while supporting workers in China with sustainable business practices. I think that's also 'a big new idea'.
Tagged:
China,
fair trade
by Andrew Williams |
August 25, 2014
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Now that the Bank Holiday is upon us in England and Wales it can mean only one thing - torrential rain. Just like clockwork, the heavens have opened above us in Hay on Wye and it looks like it's here for the rest of the day. You have to feel sorry for the poor holidaymakers who are having to make the best of it, but at least Hay is blessed with lots of lovely independent shops which make running for cover that little bit easier!
We don't stock actual fair trade umbrellas just yet - perhaps you know someone who makes these? They would go down a treat I think! But we do have some lovely bits of jewellery which allow you to express your inner sunshine even in poor weather. Our "Umbrella" necklaces are made in Tamil Nadu in southern India by the Flowering Desert programme. We have matching earrings too, along with clouds and raindrops.
Fingers crossed for some sunshine soon, so we can blog about our sunny t-shirts!
Tagged:
bank holiday,
eighteen rabbit,
fair trade,
fairtrade,
umbrella
by Andrew Williams |
August 19, 2014
|
A little while back we told you the exciting news that we are now stocking an amazing range of socks from a new supplier to us, Minga Berlin. They have been incredibly popular in the shop and are now available to buy online too. They are GOTS certified, a system which ensures that only organic cotton is used and that fair labour practices are adhered to throughout the production process. Minga is (apparently) Bavarian slang for Munich, so I guess these would translate roughly to "London Glasgae" socks!
The range we are stocking is called "Mod Revival" and reflects the swinging 60's, Cool Britannia and zingy colours which will have you reaching for your coolest pair of shades. We think Jon Snow might look good in a pair while he's reading the Channel 4 News!
Here are two of the new designs we have in. The whole range can be found here.
Tagged:
eighteen rabbit,
fair trade,
fairtrade,
Minga Berlin,
socks
by Andrew Williams |
August 12, 2014
|
This year marks 20 years since the introduction of the Fairtrade mark, the now (almost) ubiquitous label of fairness when buying food and clothes. In the UK we have been slightly ahead of the curve when it comes to Fairtrade, though there's no room for complacency. There's also an argument that the mark has created some confusion as well as creating a reliable benchmark. Many products aren't covered by the mark, for example - it mostly applies to commodities like coffee, sugar, cotton and the like, and doesn't adapt very well to craft and artisan produce.
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Tagged:
ecommerce,
eighteen rabbit,
fair trade,
fairtrade,
Fairtrade mark
