Rin Hamburgh’s regular pick of the best ethical products
Walk the talk
Would you like your shoes made from sustainable coconuts? Po-Zu can offer you that and many more eco-credentials to boot.
It is keen to promote the comfort and durable nature of its shoes, designed to be slipper-like, with an energy-light manufacturing process using no harmful glues and mainly vegan and vegetarian components.
Styles for trainers, boots, sandals and shoes are very original and colourful, with a price tag of around £95. The shoes are very expensive to make and profits are minimal, according to the company.
Also check out Po-Zu’s shoe cream – quirkily, it’s also edible and can also be used as a lip balm, moisturiser, hair conditioner and more.
Are you sitting ethically?
You might think that an environmentally friendly sofa would be way out of most people’s budget, but at Eco Sofa prices start at £672 for an armchair and £782 for a two-seater.
The collection is a collaboration between furniture experts Trent Upholsteries and Nottingham Trent University. They’ve used FSC timber, recycled coil seat springs, and a range of natural and recycled materials – like waste coco fibres and horsehair – to create a range of eco sofas.
As well as being environmentally friendly, these products reduce allergens, which can make them ideal for those suffering with asthma and allergies, as well as reducing humidity and temperature.
Relishing the seasons
Food company Well Seasoned’s summer British Seasonal Pesto is delicious: full of freshness and flavour, and made using Kentish cobnuts, extra virgin rapeseed oil from Northamptonshire and traditionally made Wiltshire cheese.
All their stock is produced from seasonal ingredients. If you want to find out more, Well Seasoned has produced a number of seasonality charts, which are available on their website, along with recipes, competitions and events.
Good shopping
If you’re on the hunt for products that will support a good cause, look no further than Run Native, launched by Community Enterprise, which has spent 25 years working with community projects in Scotland.
The e-store sells an eclectic range of products including fashion, homeware and gifts. Products are sourced from a range of social enterprises – companies who run their businesses not to make a fast buck, but so that they can reinvest their profits back into a community or cause.
So if you fancy a retro leather satchel from Heart & Home, for example, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that your purchase will help support and train individuals with disabilities. Or, get some beautiful recycled glass Christmas decorations from Ten Green Bottles, and help support work placements for people with mental health issues.
