Tuesday, 9 March 2010

A Dung-Ho Approach to Cutting Carbon Emissions

The Guardian reports that Paignton Zoo in Devon is planning on using elephant dung as part of its 10:10 campaign. Paignton, along with Newquay Zoo in Cornwall, has already started to cut carbon emissions by growing food on-site for animals and using a voltage optimisation unit to radically cut down on wasted electricity.

The government campaign to cut 10 per cent of the UK emissions during 2010 is in full swing and all around the country people, businesses and schools are joining in with initiatives to make this possible. Paignton Zoo plans to do its bit – and hopefully cut down on its energy bills – with the help of 'biogas' made from elephant dung and animal waste.

This is just one of the many environmentally sound uses for elephant dung. Not only can it be used to create energy by turning it into biogas but perhaps surprisingly, elephant dung can be used to create some pretty beautiful eco gifts.



Eco gifts that can be made from elephant dung include Elephant Dung Photo Albums, Elephant Dung Address Books, Elephant Dung Notecubes, Elephant Dung Photo Frames and even Elephant Dung Greeting Cards!

Monday, 8 March 2010

Supermarket Recycles Fabric For Fashion

The Guardian has reported that Tesco is to collaborate with From Somewhere, the environmentally ethically forward fashion label, to make six pieces for the Florence & Fred (F&F) line. Rather than send old Tesco stock to the landfill, the material from these 'end of line' pieces has been recycled to make six fashionable outfits, which will hit Tesco stores under the F&F brand.


Sir Terry Leahy's speech regarding Tesco's pledge towards reducing its carbon footprint by 50% by 2020 was sure to be at the forefront of Tesco's managerial minds as they embarked upon their new venture into the world of eco fashion. With prices for the Tesco recycled fashion pieces starting off at the low figure of sixteen pounds, consumers are sure to take a liking to this new direction too!

The pieces being produced for Tesco are very much influenced with 'From Somewhere's' own individual style and will appeal to the teenage to late twenties market. Orsola de Castro from 'From Somewhere' is pioneering in her 'up-cycling' stance and has been pushing her environmental ethos - succeeding in forcing not just supermarket giants but also London Fashion Week to take notice.

It is always good to see a big company taking a step in the right (eco) direction and where Tesco leads, others are sure to follow. Being eco friendly, stocking eco friendly goods, eco gifts and Fair Trade products are all steps towards reducing the harmful impact consumerism can have on the environment.

This latest move by Tesco further proves that fashionable products can look as good as you can feel about them. Take our range of eco gifts such as Naveh Milo handbags and purses for example: these eco gifts are produced to the highest standard, completely gorgeous and completely Fairtrade!

Tuesday, 2 March 2010

It Is Fairtrade Fortnight!

Fairtrade Fortnight 2010 runs from 22nd February until 7th March 2010. Metro was amongst the many news providers reminding the public as to how they too can do their bit to support this Fairtrade event.

During Fairtrade Fortnight, the Fairtrade Organisation is asking consumers to swap one item from their regular shopping list for an equivalent Fairtrade product. The idea behind this promotional fortnight is of course to draw attention to the plight of workers from developing countries.

Fairtrade Fortnight sees both national brands and local shops brimming with offers on Fairtrade products and eco gifts. Amongst the many Fairtrade products that you can swap are chocolate, coffee, tea (look out for the 'Swap Your Cuppa' Campaign'), cotton, nuts and cosmetics. You will find big guns such as Cadbury's, Boots and Tesco selling Fairtrade products in amongst their own lines.

As well as everyday items, you can also find a wide range of Fairtrade eco gifts which are suitable for all the family. Choose children's toys such as Fairy Magic Wishing Wands from Fairtrade producers in India, or Fairtrade Wooden Construction Trucks from Thailand. Other Fairtrade eco gifts include handmade Recycled Small Purses from Cambodia and Fairtrade Beaded Pens from Rajasthan.