Keeping Warm … the Fair Trade Way

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If you’re after a jumper to keep you warm on chilly evenings, why not take a look at the alternatives to mass-produced fast fashion? With these choices, you can support ethical, sustainable, and Fair Trade producers instead.

We’ve highlighted a few options …

For Men

Yukon Jumper

This Yukon jumper from Pachamama has been hand knitted with natural wool and even has a lovely snowflake pattern perfect for wintry weather. Pachamama supports the international charity Net4Kids who work in Nepal to ensure under privileged children have a better future.

Buy from Pachamama (£95.00)

 

Photo: Namaste

Patchwork Chic

From Namaste Fair Trade, a sweater that will work for everyone! Knitted in wool and lined with fleece, it will keep you stylish and warm throughout the winter.

Buy at £99.96 from Namaste: RISC and Just Trading of Wallingford also carry Namaste clothing.

 

On a tight budget?

Charity shops have amazing bargains – visit your local ones and see what treasures you can find. Or if you’d rather shop online, take a look at Oxfam’s online shop. When we last checked, they had 814 jumpers on offer – at prices from £4.99! (And if you’re not on a budget, you might want to take a look at some of their designer finds …)

Buying second hand gives money to charities and reduces both waste and use of precious resources. And we love the feeling when we’re searching and find something that just hits the spot!

For women

 

Photo: Pachamama

Star light, star bright …

Looking for something starry and stylish? Why not try this beautiful Tintagel wrap? Made with 100% wool and a showpiece wooden fastening, this Pachamama piece will keep you warm all winter.

Buy at £69.95  from Pachamama.

 

Warm amidst the winter snows …

You’ll be all ready for carols or winter walks with this wonderful fleece-lined jacket, with the outer hand knit by artisans working in Nepal. A wonderful replacement for coats and jackets … and so beautiful!

Buy at £99.95 from Pachamama

 

Photo: Black Yak website

Cheerful Stripes

From BAFTS supplier Black Yak, a gorgeously warm and stripy sweater, hand knitted from wool by artisans in Nepal.  Perfect for rambles outside on Boxing Day … or any time you want

Buy at £110 from Black Yak

 

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Fabulous Gifts under £10

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A Guide to Alternative Wrapping

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Why not ditch the non-recyclable wrapping paper and tape this year, and try an alternative – they can even showcase how crafty you are! Not only are the options below more sustainable and environmentally friendly, but they allow for a much-loved personal touch when exchanging gifts.

Furoshiki

You may or may not have come across this term… Furoshiki are traditionally Japanese wrapping cloths used to transport goods. There is an emphasis on aesthetics, so you can imagine how beautiful some textiles may be. In recent years, it has become more mainstream and is now promoted by retailers such as Lush, to encourage wrapping gifts in stunning fabrics instead of paper and tape that cannot be recycled. We’ve put together a little video of how you can use this alternative – why not pick up a Fair Trade scarf and that can be part of the present!

Brown Paper & Ribbon

Most people have ribbon lying around their homes, which have come from previous gifts. Instead of buying wrapping paper from the shops, why not bulk buy a roll of brown paper (fully recyclable) and then use ribbon to seal it. The best part is, you can add your own design or personalise the paper with drawings or a message. Here’s one we made earlier 😊

Washi Tape

If you’re worried about how you’ll cope without sticky tape, then why not swap it over to Washi tape. They can be bought pretty much everywhere now and because they’ve been created using highly renewable products, they’re fully recyclable! You can even find some Fair Trade ones if you look hard enough.

 

Recycling!

If like us, you never throw away gift bags – why not just reuse them? Get a little bit of tissue paper and scrunch it on top, and voila! You have a beautiful looking gift. Now, unfortunately, a lot of mainstream gift bags are not recyclable because they include plastics and glitter; but if we keep reusing them then at least we’re not adding to the cycle of purchasing and throwing into landfill. The one in this photo is onto its third recipient!

10 Favourite Stocking Fillers

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