Just time for one more post before I head off to start the weekend.

Herban Lifestyle is about well being. Recognising that everything we put onto our skin is absorbed into our bodies, Herban Lifestyle promises never to use chemicals, preservatives, synthetics, artificial fragrances, artificial colors or GMOs. Not ever. All of their lotions, potions and creams are made from natural and organic ingredients. And what’s more, they care about the planet too and have a pretty impressive list of what they do to lessen their carbon footprint. Right down to the inks they use on their rather attractive bottles.

Find out more and shop online at www.herbanlifestyle.com.

Don’t forget Fairtrade Fortnight.

Heidi & Seek was created from the idea that that ethical fashion does not have to be boring. Designs are one-of-a-kind, handmade and reconstructed from reclaimed materials. They are eco-friendly and sweatshop free.

The garments have a retro feel and combine colours and textures in fresh and often unexpected ways.

To find out more go to www.heidiandseek.com.

Don’t forget Fairtrade Fortnight.

Think of all those coffee / tea sleeves you throw away when you buy a drink ‘to go’. Consider a more eco-friendly and, I have to say, jaunty alternative, such as this Cable Knit Cozy by Wayside Voilet.

For more options go to www.waysideviolet.etsy.com.

Don’t forget Fairtrade Fortnight.

Fair Cake is a small London-based company that makes yummy cupcakes in every conceivable flavour and colour. They use only the finest ingredients, including free range eggs and Fairtrade chocolate and coffee. Small boxes can be delivered to lucky recipients throughout the UK.

They also make wedding cupcakes and cupcake towers for delivery within the M25.

Fair Cake is an environmentally and ethically conscious company. They are very aware of their carbon footprint and use recycled materials and locally sourced ingredients wherever possible.

Visit www.faircake.co.uk.

Mmm. Feeling hungry now.

Don’t forget Fairtrade Fortnight.

ella georgia jewellery offers a stylish range of ethically and sustainably sourced jewellery and accessories. Hence their strapline ‘jewellery with a heart’. Their beautiful online shop lists limited edition pieces from the ella georgia collections and those of over 20 other designers from the UK and worldwide.

Each listing is accompanied by a symbol which indicates which category the the item falls under. E.g. Fairtrade, ethical, locally sourced, sharing the profits, Evo branded or sustainable. This enables customers to make informed decisions about their purchases.

To shop online go to www.ellageorgiajewellery.co.uk. Quote offer code IQ10 at the checkout and receive an exclusive 10% discount. The offer ends on 30th April.

Don’t forget Fairtrade Fortnight.

Just a reminder that the next Skills Swap at Urbis is this Sunday 1st March, 2 – 4pm, £2.50 each. Bring along anything you’re working on or start something new on the day. Even the most basic skills or abilities will be really welcome, and it’s a great chance to meet new people and relax on a Sunday afternoon. There’s even a fantastic deal in the cafe for those attending the workshop.

What: Creative Skill Swap
Where: Urbis, Manchester
When: Sunday 1st March, 2-4pm
More Info: www.urbis.org.uk/learning.asp

Sarah Lucy Smith and Rose Cleary-Southwood started Green Knickers to prove that ethical choices can be funny, beautiful and sexy. They have put ethics at the centre of the business, from their choice of suppliers, to the use of Fairtrade cotton and sustainable fabrics including hemp and bamboo, right down to the use of recycled packaging and transport choices.

Their current range includes knickers, wedding knickers, boxers and cycling shorts.

Shop directly at www.greenknickers.org.

Pictures courtesy Ruth Richardson-Child.

Don’t forget Fairtrade Fortnight.

Today marks the start of Fairtrade Fortnight - 14 days of raising awareness on why Fairtrade is vital for poor producers in developing countries. To coincide with with this event, this week’s posts will focus on ethically minded designers / makers.

Our first feature is on Quail - a British label producing ethical and Fairtrade fashion. Incorporating South African shweshwe, Indonesian batiks, organic and Fairtrade cotton from India and recycled fabrics, Quail’s look is one of British nostalgia. Described by a customer as ‘funked-up land girls’ their style echos old war movies and alternative films.

Quail believes in ‘product provenance’. This means that the whole supply chain, from growing to manufacturing, provides a ‘benefit in kind’, which is either organic, Fairtrade or ethical.

You can buy direct from their website at www.quailbymail.co.uk.

To find out more about Fairtrade Fortnight and how you can get involved visit www.fairtrade.org.uk.