by Andrew Williams |
April 03, 2019
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Another great new product which has been going down a storm in the shop! We first learned about Dr PawPaw when Louise's friend Suzanne gave her some. Since then, it's become a bit of a cult product for us, so we're delighted to finally be stocking it.
The soothing papaya balm is most commonly used as a lip balm, but it's also great for dry skin, irritation and even as a hair treatment. It comes in three "flavours" - a classic, clear balm, a peach tint and an ultimate red shade. All at just £6.95.
If you haven't discovered the awesome power of the PawPaw yet - now's your chance!
by Andrew Williams |
March 27, 2019
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Reusable cups are EVERYWHERE. Post-Blue Planet it can seem that reusable cups for your morning brew are the new equivalent of the "bag for life" - and it can sometimes be natural to wonder whether all the resources going to make these things are better than the disposable varieties!
Here comes a great alternative, in the form of the rCup, which we're delighted to now be stocking. These cups look great and come in two practical sizes. The real clincher, though, is that they are actually made from recycled cups and lids. It's an incredible, engineered solution, and it won't surprise you to hear that the lead designer, Dan, is a previous Dyson employee.
The innovation doesn't stop with the materials either. The unique click lid not only makes the rCup spill-proof (try shaking it - nothing leaks!), but also allows you to drink from any angle rather than a pre-cut "spout." There are loads of cool colours to choose from too.
You can probably tell we're rather keen on these so we hope you love them too!
by Andrew Williams |
March 20, 2019
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By now you will have seen some of the terrible images emerging in the aftermath of the devastation caused by Cyclone Idai. As is too often the case, we are insulated here in the northern hemisphere from the true scale of these disasters, so it's worth reading this Guardian article which spells out how the storm might be the worst ever to hit the southern hemisphere.
Worst hit has been Mozambique, though Zimbabwe and Malawi have also been affected. We are expecting a delivery shortly of jewellery from Botswana, and have been in touch with our contacts there to check that they are okay.
UN staff on the ground are clear that these people need help immediately. Many charities are active in the region - here are some links to allow you to play a part:
Christian Aid
Oxfam
British Red Cross
by Andrew Williams |
March 13, 2019
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We've just had a big delivery of these lovely toys, handmade in Bangladesh!
Our octopus friends come in a variety of colours, and we also have lovely monkeys and frogs. They are all suitable from birth, and the octopuses (or whatever you decide the plural of octopus is!) are incredibly popular.
Usually, when thinking about fair trade projects, we prefer to deal as close to the artisans as possible - so if at all practical we'll be importing directly from the makers. However, with items for kids we made a conscious decision to source our stock from UK based wholesalers. This means the toys and gifts go through rigorous UK safety testing. Our soft toys come from Best Years in Northamptonshire, while our wooden toys come from Lanka Kade who are just up the road in Market Harborough.
Do check out the new arrivals if you're passing the shop, or have a look online.
by Andrew Williams |
March 08, 2019
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Today is International Women's Day, and while we are proud to be a business which is co-owned and co-founded by a woman, it's worth remembering that there is more to IWD than "Mother's Day Part 2." This is a chance for us to underline our commitment to equality, support women who are oppressed, and express our solidarity with women who are making the world a better place.
In a happy coincidence, the theme of this year's Fairtrade Fortnight is "She Deserves," focussing on the role that women play in fair trade.
£1.86 is the amount a cocoa farmer in West Africa needs to earn each day in order to achieve a living income. Currently, a typical cocoa farmer in Cote d’Ivoire lives on around 74p a day. Almost all cocoa farmers in West Africa live in poverty.
For women, the situation is even worse. They may plant and harvest on the farm, look after children, carry water, collect wood, cook and clean for the family, and transport the cocoa beans to market but often with fewer rights than men.
This is why this year's Fairtrade Fortnight is campaigning for a living income to become a reality for cocoa farmers in West Africa. If we can work together with governments, chocolate companies and retailers to make the commitments and policies necessary, then we can make it happen.
