Here in the Youth Team, we asked staff their favourite ethical shops:
Arkadash - www.arkadash.co.uk
Sweatshop free and organic clothing for men, women and children
“This is a really cool web based company who are starting their own shop with a label called Kitnkabu. My current favourite item of clothing is from Kitnkabu. The collection is printed on sourced organic and ethically traded cotton in the depths of Moss Side, Manchester! They will even personalise clothing for you. Their website is currently under construction but take a look at it for more info on their new shop. I can't wait!” Abi, Year Team Manchester.
Howies - www.howies.co.uk
Organic sporty clothing
“They have a really good website and they seem like really genuinely nice people. I always buy my t-shirts for my brothers at Howies.” Carrie, PA to Youth Director.
Conflict Free Diamonds
In many African countries the mining of diamonds are often linked to terrible human rights abuses.
“My wedding ring isn't 'fair-trade' as such but the diamonds are conflict free. If you want to know that your jewels aren't linked to human rights abuses then check out www.amnestyusa.org/diamonds for more info on what to look out for when purchasing your rock!” Abi, Year Team Manchester
HUG - www.hug.co.uk
Organic fairly traded clothes
“Great service, funky baby and adult clothes. Good quality. I like HUG!” Rachel, London Youth Co-ordinator.
Natural Collection - www.naturalcollection.com
Clothing, Accessories, Home stuff – all Organic or Fairtrade “Natural Collection is full of a wide range of locally and internationally sourced goods, many organic, many fairly traded, and all of good quality and reasonable cost.” Jan, Transform Team Administrator.
People Tree Ltd - www.ptree.co.uk
Funky organic, Fairtrade clothes, jewellery and other accessories
“They have lovely jewellery and bags and nice girly gifts.” Marian, Youth Team Administrator.
“People Tree are legendary for Fairtrade clothes!” Hannah, Year Team Leeds.
Silverchilli - www.silverchilli.com
Fairtrade jewellery.
“I just got engaged and we are currently considering getting our wedding rings from Silverchilli.” Helen, Year team Oxford.
Tearcraft - www.tearcraft.org
Tearfund’s Fairtrade catalogue
“Perfect for Christmas gifts – I bought for my whole family from the Tearcaft catalogue one year!” Marian, Youth Team Administrator.
ZeroPointZero - www.zeropointzero.co.uk
Fairtrade and ethical lifestyle goods
“I have to plug www.zeropointzero.co.uk if you want to by products that respect people and the planet online. There's loads of fair trade gifts there including plenty of chocolate!” Abi, Year Team Manchester.