Nifty Gift Tips – handmade packaging and gift wrap


Written on March 14, 2010 – 10:56 am | by elaine

Hi everyone, just a mini post to share some gift wrapping tips with you that I discovered over at Meylah. Whilst the article is mostly aimed at crafters, there are some great and simple craft tips that anyone can use to give their gifts that ultra-special twist. Meylah publish regular business advice for creative businesses and designer makers – I thoroughly recommend a visit to any designers out there.

Read the full article here….

At Pure Design, the majority of our customers are buying for a friend or relative….so in my view gift wrapping is more than just the icing on the cake for a online sale. We want to make the process of choosing a gift as easy and fun as possible for our customers.  Some great food for thought here….

It’s a wrap, for more great gift wrap  ideas check out Nice Package.

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Thinking about selling your hand made craft and design online?


Written on March 8, 2010 – 4:24 pm | by elaine

If you are designer maker, producing ethical or environmentally friendly craft/accessories Pure Design want to hear from you!

We are looking for new designer makers to join our online store. If you are looking to sell your products online why not join our stable of award-winning designers and benefit from our experience in promoting unique, eco and ethical products online?  Gain instant access to new ethically minded shoppers through our web shop. Below are a few tips from Elaine, founder of Pure Design, about selling hand made products online…

Returns & Refunds: No pain, No gain.
Returns and refunds are a legal obligation for all mail-order or online shops, with exception of bespoke/commissioned goods. Many designer makers struggle when it comes to implementing a refunds policy; especially those producing items that cost them a significant investment (time and cash) to make. Whilst you can insist that commissioned items are non-refundable, it will impair your ability to sell online. When I first set up Pure Design I had a very rigid returns policy, and was criticised by online e-commerce experts for doing so. When I opened our refund policy up, I saw immediate growth in sales. In the 18 months since, we have only had two items returned. So for us the benefits of a flexible refunds policy has certainly outweighed the negatives.  There are also simple steps you can take to limit returns like including clear and plentiful images of products on your website and publishing customer reviews and feedback on products, and of course quality check your products before they go out.  Anything that helps customers make a more informed purchase will help reduce returns.

How do you market handmade products that will vary slightly from what is shown on the site?
The closer a product is to what is published online the better. However, it is often the case that hand made products can vary slightly product to product – that is what makes them unique.  My position on this is, as long as you are very clear that you are producing products from limited edition materials, where shoppers should expect to see some slight variation in shade or pattern, this is acceptable. Shoppers are smart and as long as you communicate this fact, they will pick up on it.

So when do products need to be listed as separate designs?
This one is down to common sense; put yourself in the shopper’s shoes, would you be happy with the product or would you feel you had been mis-sold something? A good example of a product where we have chosen to list multiple colours are Katie Chaplin’s brooches.  As the brooches vary significantly in pattern, colour and style – even though they are the same product type – we thought shoppers would want to choose exactly which brooch to buy.  If we feel there are significant variations in pattern, colour or style we will list products as individual items. Although this might take a little more time, it means your customer is going to be happier in the long run (and less returns for you!)

When it comes to selecting which work to sell from a designer/collection, should it be all or nothing?
Without the space restriction of a real shop floor, it is tempting to put everything you have online, but remember that people will make judgements about the price, quality and style of your brand based on everything you show them. So be sure to put an item online based on its merits, not just because you want to get everything out there (so to speak!). Many succesful online businesses only sell one product or service, so more isn’t always better. Remember online customers who like you will visit again – so by holding designs back you have something to show them next time round. At Pure Design we like to introduce new products on a rolling basis, which gives us a great excuse to mention you in our marketing materials for press, and to our customer’s, gradually building awareness and trust in your brand.

Pricing – how much will people be willing to pay?
The best and cheapest thing you can do is ask around (but NOT friends or family).  Ask people if they would buy your product online, and if they would how much would it be to clinch the sale. Don’t give them a price to start with, let them tell you.  Having worked in the craft sector I am familiar with the formulas some universities teach students on how to price their work.  Something like….
….. X hours spent making multiplied by £X per hour (based on experience and reputation), plus £ cost of materials, plus commission etc.

I think this is a very useful formula to work out the cost of the product which you need to know in order to run your business. But it is important to remember that COST should not always equal PRICE.  Sadly some products, that boast amazing credentials and craftsmanship, are just too costly to be commercially viable. You need to look at your product objectively as a commercial proposition. If you have a range of products and some are more commercially viable than others, perhaps you can opt to sell just a selection online. You might find you are able to recoup costs and make a profit on more expensive pieces in galleries, or through Open Studio events? At Pure Design our best selling items are non-wearable gifts priced under £25.00.  Whilst we do sell items priced over £450.00 these sales are not as common and these products meet a very specific need.

High quality images are a must!
When products are viewed online, customers make snap judgements. Customers choose to view a product or click away to another page in seconds. So if your product image and pricing isn’t clearly displayed, you could lose the sale before you even get started. People shop with their eyes, so make sure pictures are engaging and you have lots of them. Go for a lifestyle shot and at least two cut out (white background) images if you can. Zoom functions are great as well and offer a way for shoppers to engage with your product – a bit like handling things on display in a shop.  Also, journalists visit websites too, we often receive press requests after hournalists have seen something on our website. So try to make sure that you have high resolution versions of all your images that are featured on the site (or at least a good range of alternatives). High resolution images for press should be jpeg, 300 pixels per inch, minimum of 1000 x 1000 pixels in dimension (usually between 1-5MB in size).

About Pure Design
At Pure Design we are passionate about great design, people and the planet. Elaine offers a personable service to artists and designers, promoting and selling handmade products through the online store Pure Design. Having worked in the UK craft sector, Elaine understands the challenges of selling and marketing craft online, and has a found an engaging and successful way to launch new designer brands and products through www.puredesigncompany.co.uk.

Top image: Particle Article, available from Pure Design.

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End of the line…Can you imagine a world with no fish left?


Written on March 7, 2010 – 7:56 pm | by elaine

Yesterday I watched Charles Clover’s documentary ‘End of line’ on Channel 4, and was flabbergasted by the extent of the damage already wreaked on worldwide fish stocks by over fishing. I was also ashamed about just how little I knew about the problem. I try to live an ethical life, I set up an ethical business, I only buy free range meats from my local butcher, I buy recycled, fair trade, organic and ecological products for my family and my home etc etc. When it comes to fish, I buy it at Tesco’s. I usually buy organic salmon and farmed fish, or sustainably caught fish when I see the label – but not really with any knowledge behind these decisions, other than it seemed to be the good option.

For anyone who didn’t see the documentary – you really should. For a start, did you know that it actually takes more wild fish (ground up into fishmeal) to produce the food for fish farms than the actual quantity of farmed fish produced? Crazy!

In one part of the documentary Charles Clover interviews a spokesperson from the restaurant Nobu – where Bluefin Tuna is on the menu. With the benefit of the footage preceding the interview, the viewer is well versed in the imminent collapse of the species (predicted to happen in just 40 years time if decline continues at current levels). The spokesperson responds to Culvers enquiry over Bluefin on the menu by saying that Nobu will take immediate action to put an ‘Endangered species’  disclaimer on their menu.  Culver responds “the question most of our viewers will want to know, is why don’t you just take it off the menu?”

Exactly!! I exclaimed at my TV, its’ not like you expect to sit down at the Ritz and see Panda on the menu! And somehow I think “but we wrote endangered on the menu” probably wouldn’t cut it with most patrons.  So why the hell is it okay to do this with fish???  Basically because people don’t know, and what they don’t know, can only hurt others. I was slightly wound up, to say the least….

I’m not saying we shouldn’t eat fish, or everyone should blindly agree with Culver. But I do strongly  recommend you look into this issue – because ignorance cannot be an excuse for inaction. Below is a trailor from the documentary….

Visit End of the Line website now. The website is full of updates about the campaign and how you can get involved. With downloadable letters to campaign your local restaurants with and an interactive guide that helps you check which fish are under threat – there are lots of ways to get involved.

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My blog is carbon neutral, is yours?…


Written on March 2, 2010 – 6:33 pm | by elaine

Article taken from Germany’s ‘Make It Green’ campaign.

How much carbon dioxide does your blog create?
According to a study by Alexander Wissner-Gross, PhD, physicist at Harvard University and environmental activist, an average website causes about 0.02g (0,0008oz.) of carbon dioxide for each visit. Assuming an average blog gets 15,000 visits a month, it has yearly carbon dioxide emissions of 3,6kg (8lb.). This can mainly be tracked back to the immense energy usage from (mainframe) computers, servers, and their cooling systems.

Does your blog have more than 15,000 visitors a month? Just e-mail CO2-neutral@kaufda.de.

How much carbon dioxide does a tree absorb?

Unfortunately, no precise answer is possible. The carbon dioxide absorption of a tree can differ a lot. The amount of carbon dioxide that a tree can absorb depends on the type of tree, light exposure, length of the vegetation period, latitude, water balance, and the soil conditions.

1blog-1tree-carbon-neutralThere are many different calculations for the saving potential of a tree. The assumed values vary between 10 and 30kg (20 and 70lb.) for a tree each year. It is certain however, that in its first two to three years a tree absorbs relatively little carbon dioxide. In the growth phase following this, the absorption rate increases rapidly. During this time, the tree saves a considerable amount of carbon dioxide. The absorption rate decreases again from the age of 18.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) assumes a yearly absorption of one tree of approximately 10kg (20lb.) carbon dioxide emissions. “Make it green”, the environmental programme of kaufDA, is using a yearly absorption value of 5kg (11lb.) for its “My blog is carbon neutral” initiative. This is a very conservative calculation, ensuring that the neutralisation of each blog is achieved.

One tree neutralises the carbon dioxide emissions of your blog

As demonstrated in the above calculation, the atmosphere can be relieved by an average of 5kg (11lb.) carbon dioxide every year by planting one tree. An average blog causes 3.6kg (8lb.) of carbon dioxide emissions. Consequently, a tree neutralises the carbon dioxide emissions of a blog. Since a tree lives for an average of 50 years, carbon dioxide emissions of your blog can be completely neutralised for this time period.

How and where are the trees planted?

The trees are planted in Plumas National Forest in Northern California by “Arbor Day Foundation” our partner in US for the “My blog is carbon neutral” initiative. “Arbor Day Foundation” is a non-profit conservation and education organization with the goal helping reforest 5,500 acres of Plumas National Forest with 792,000 trees.

bildschirmfoto A series of lightning strikes triggered the Antelope Complex Fire on July 5, 2007,  which burned nearly 23,000 acres of  Plumas’ timber in less than a week. The  Moonlight Fire struck just two months  later, destroying 65,000 forest acres and  requiring more than three weeks to  contain.

For every single one of the participating  blogs,  “Make it green” and “Arbor Day  Foundation”  are planting a tree in Plumas National Forest. Incense cedars  will  be planted  alongside ponderosa pine, sugar pine, and Jeffrey pine  trees.  These new  trees will  help prevent soot and soil runoff into Plumas’  precious water supplies.  Now, we  are  reforesting it with your help!

bildschirmfoto-31

We plant trees, both in Germany (in the upper Harz region) and in Northern California. Why are we doing this? Because the reduction of carbon emissions by planting trees has the same effect, regardless of where in the world the trees are planted. It involves all of us to give something back to our environment.

Find out how to make you blog carbon neutral now.

Images and copy from Make It Green.

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Come and visit us at UK Aware this April (60% off tickets for Pure design fans!)…


Written on March 1, 2010 – 4:33 pm | by elaine

Come and meet us at UK AWARE 2010 -the UK’s leading green and ethical lifestyle show. Taking place on Friday 16th and Saturday 17th April in Olympia, London and expecting over 15,000 visitors, UK AWARE 2010 will offer consumers a ‘one stop shop’ for sustainable living. Scroll down for details of how to get 60% off the price of tickets if you book in advance with Pure Design.

Come to our stand and see bestselling designs by Studiomold and Who’s? Glass,  and sign up to get your hands on some delectable organic chocolate. The Pure Design ladies will be on the first floor right next to the eco fashion catwalk and our friends at Daisy Green. It’s going to be a hive of eco style activity! Buzzing!

Attractions include:
•Over 50 world class guest speakers
•Hundreds of exhibitors
•The Green Machines Expo
•The Green Business Surgery
•The Ultimate Clothes Swapping Party
•The Morsbagsinteractive area
•Kids Interactive Area
•GreenTechZone

Tickets usually cost £15.00 on the door, but can be bought in advance by Pure Design fans for just £6.00! Click here to purchase specially discounted tickets.

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Nothing says ‘I found you something really special mum’ this Mother’s Day, like a vintage kimono brooch


Written on March 1, 2010 – 3:19 pm | by elaine

picture of Blue vintage kimono broochWe think Katie’s accessories are the perfect way to show your mother how special she is this Mother’s Day 14th March, with a one-of-a-kind, handmade vintage kimono brooch from Pure Design. Place your order with us before the 10th March and your kimono brooch will be gift wrapped in a small purple gift box tied with a ribbon and posted out to arrive in time. Delivery takes 1-2 days to UK addresses.

When it comes to bold textiles and breath-taking detail, we think Japanese kimono silks are the most beautiful textiles in the world. Katie Chaplin (a Pure Design designer) creates a beautiful range of hand made kimono brooches, cushions and bags from these exotic textiles. And it is no exaggeration to say all our girlfriends who have visited Pure Design have gasped and cooed over them…, ‘oooh, I love the cushions’. Go to Pure Design now and watch the flash animation – I bet you’ll say it too!

picture of orange kimono brooch

These truly unique brooches are made from vintage Kimonos gathered by designer Katie during her annual trip to Japan. Each petal is made individually in the Japanese tradition and set onto a felt base. The brooch has a simple pin for securing to your scarf or clothes.  As these are antique fabrics each design is subject to availability. Don’t miss out on this perfect gift and order today.

We also have a range of Katie Chaplin’s silk brocade cushions made from the Obi (sash) of vintage kimonos available to order now from Pure Design. One delighted customer, Jillian,  said…. “My cushion is simply beautiful.  I bought it for my sister’s birthday and she is going to be thrilled to own something so unique.  Thanks very much; yours is a site I will definitely come back to at present buying time!”
Vintage Kimono cushion by katie Chaplin

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Spruce it up in time for spring – Rewardrobe’s top tips for a new and more ethical wardrobe


Written on February 22, 2010 – 10:35 pm | by elaine

Written by Guest Blogger Veronica Crespi

Hard to believe if I look outside right now, but March is almost here again! March is a pivotal month, especially when it comes to fashion – out with the dark and cold, and in with the light sense of hopefulness that spring brings with it. That’s when all those gorgeous colours appear in store windows, and the urge for a bit of style renovation hits again.  At Rewardrobe, we see this as an opportunity – to finally give your wardrobe that much needed spring clean, and to rediscover its potential.

That’s why I started Rewardrobe – to show a bright side to what is most often seen as just a chore, to make it a happy and rewarding experience, as glamorous and relaxing as a day at the spa and one out shopping all in once! That’s the result anyway: after a little rethinking and reorganising, you’ll find you feel lighter and you look better and more confident. Oh, and you can also add that you’ve done that sustainably and responsibly.

How? Here’s a few tips:

If your wardrobe looks like a dump right now, see it as a bundle of opportunity. Instead of tackling the mess, embrace the fun of rummaging through it in search of forgotten gems – you’ll be surprised at your finds!

Try everything on again: if it doesn’t fit, it goes. But maybe it only needs a small alteration?

Give everything a chance. Don’t just chuck stuff away: rethink it. Pair it with something you wouldn’t have before – unleash your inner stylist!

When it goes, where does it go to? Think of the possibilities – upcycling a cotton skirt into a strapless top, unravelling an old knit and crochet it into a warm beanie. Or, donating it to a good cause. As long as you don’t just dump it!

And all those beautiful things you own: put them back in your wardrobe, and make it look like a boutique you’ll feel like shopping in. Match colours, group up garments – create a visual order that will look as stylish as a store display. Then play with it!

That’s right, pick up garments and create outfits that will make you look back in the mirror with a smile.

Not easy? Think of some additions that would enhance your basic looks.

The first thing I find is lacking from most wardrobes is colour. If you don’t feel too daring, try with small pieces first. Like Ann Ellis’s jewellery at Pure Design, shimmering and kaleidoscopic – take one with many hues, and match it with different tops and knits. Or a bright scarf to instantly update that grey basic coat.

When you go out shopping again, think about what you buy. The first rule is to buy quality – it will last longer and will give you more wear, making you feel like you’ve spent your money smartly. Remember to read the label, and try to buy into natural fibres where possible. If you can, also read ‘behind’ the label – if it’s organically grown or ethically produced, give it a chance! You’ll find it’s the brands that produce under these guidelines that, being new and innovative,  often also come up with the most interesting and stylish concepts – look at Tamasyn Gambell gorgeous silk scarfs or Elvis & Kresse surprising firehose reclaiming for inspiration.

Lastly, a sustainable wardrobe is not just made up of the garments in it. Think about how you manage it as well.

Remember natural fibres can generally be washed. Use natural detergents and cold water, and avoid dry cleaning! Remember we said your new approach to your wardrobe should make you feel like after a day at the spa… well you wouldn’t want horrible chemicals being used for your facial, would you? Just as well as you wouldn’t want to ‘clean’ your clothes with a bath of hazardous stuff that will linger in the fabrics and transfer onto your skin.

And just as much as you’re going to enjoy the outdoors in the spring, let your clothes dry outside and breathe some air, too.

Consider how you hang your clothes, too – keep them well, and they’ll look better on you. After taking so much care in washing them, what’s the point of hanging them back in the wardrobe on wire hangers, for instance. Why not instead grab yourself some sustainable and funky looking Zylka recycled hangers by amazing eco-designer Ryan Frank.

It doesn’t sound like a daunting chore after all, does it? Think of the results, and I bet you’ll be immediately inspired.

Pure Design subscriber Lyndsay, tried a Rewardrobe, and was kind enough to tell us what she thought…

1.What problem with your wardrobe did you ask Veronica to help resolve? I’ve been at home for the past 12 months on maternity leave and am returning to work in just a few weeks time.  I wanted to go out and get a few new items to wear, but really didn’t know what my style should be.  Not to mention I had a bunch of clothes that I hadn’t worn for almost 2 years and was trying to figure out what still fits/suits and was in fashion. When I saw Veronica’s flyer I thought it was exactly what I need.

2. Having a stylist visit sounds wonderful – but quite expensive. Do you think it was money well spent? I went for a four-hour session with Veronica, and it would be all too easy to spend that same £150 on three or four items of clothing that didn’t flatter or go with anything else in my wardrobe.  Veronica helped me get my entire wardrobe re-organised.  I am now wearing a whole load of things that I had completely forgotten about (easily of the same value that I spent on ReWardrobe) and I feel really confident that the few items of clothing I have bought as a result, I am going to wear loads.  So great value as far as I am concerned.  If I manage to sell the items we pulled out for ebay I might even make a profit!

2. What top tip did you takeaway from the day? Not so much a tip but the single most effective thing Veronica did was to divide my wardrobe into winter and summer and suddenly I am seeing all my clothes and lots of new exciting combinations when it comes to putting together outfits.

3. Were there any recommendations Veronica made that surprised you? I would never in a million years have pulled on a pair of leggings but it’s a real confidence boost when someone from a professional fashion background tells you that they will suit you.  Now I am a total convert.

4. What will you be wearing on your first day back at work? Before Veronica’s intervention I would have said my very safe work dress but now I think I’ll be a little more daring/hip in a shirt and knit combo.

Visit Veronica’s website now to find out how to Rewardrobe your style.  Call Veronica on 07726781198 for an initial consultation and to find out what service might help you.

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Make an alternative Valentine’s meal to remember


Written on February 9, 2010 – 11:13 pm | by Nadia Bunce

Valentine’s Day…probably the most lucrative evening of the year for restaurants, and guaranteed to be fully booked. Why go through the stress and hassle of trying to get into one of the coveted places to eat, drink and whisper sweet little nothings? When you can have a perfectly romantic, much more private evening in – and a much more original meal.

Yes, I present to you the ‘Alternative’ Valentine’s meal!

There are two options to choose from; firstly the ‘locavore’*, seasonal meal, hence very much the environmental friendly option.  The best places to source your ingredients are local farmers markets, as these will usually reflect what’s in season. However if scouring your local shops and greengrocers is not an option,  I’ve always found www.eattheseasons.co.uk as a perfect guide to what is in season for vegetable, fruit, meat and fish.

Option two is the more colourful, undiscovered route…my Christmas meal was based wholly upon this and created a wonderful twist to a traditional meal. It was a wonderful ensemble of chestnuts, pheasant, purple and yellow carrots, and roasted blue potatoes. Once again farmer’s market are a great source of inspiration and remember the greater range of colours on your plate, the more vitamins and minerals there are.

And most importantly don’t forget to include some known aphrodisiacs: Pine nuts, Celery, Basil, Carrots, Oysters, Dark Chocolate, Chilli, Aniseed, Ginger, Strawberries, Raspberries, Pineapple, Ginger, Figs, and Wine!

Option 1-Seasonal meal suggestions:

  • Starters- Oysters
    Keep it simple with a squirt of lemon and then swallow the oysters whole. Accompany with small slices of rye bread and butter.
  • Main- Celeriac lasagne
    A pasta free lasagne which is composed of layers of sliced celeriac, topped with parmesan.
  • Alternatively a Venison and Seasonal Vegetable Bake
    Using the recipe below in the links, incorporate as many seasonal vegetables as possible: parsnips, leeks, celeriac, carrots, cauliflower, and swede.
  • Dessert- Pear Frangipane Tart

Option 2-Valentine Rainbow Surprise:

  • Starters-Mixed salad
    Red chard leaves, avocado, purple and yellow vine tomatoes, orange banana tomatoes, finished with a sprinkle of pine nuts, a twist of olive oil and your finest balsamic vinegar. (Source: http://www.realseeds.co.uk/vinetomatoes.html)
  • Main- Purple Potato Gratin with Bacon
    For vegetarians this can be omitted or substituted with wild mushrooms.
  • Dessert- Chocolate Fondue
    Italian alpine or woodland strawberries, yellow raspberries and sliced red bananas dipped in melted chilli chocolate.Alternatively a delicious creamy natural yoghurt (Onken Natural Set is one of my favourite), yellow raspberry coulis (see here on how to make one) topped with golden passion fruit seeds.

All washed down with a superb glass of wine…..

*a term I first stumbled across in the wonderful Barbara Kingsolver book ‘Animal, Vegetable, Miracle’ to denote those who aim to consume only locally produced ingredients.

Links to help you plan your meal:
• Stockists of more unusual and heritage vegetable and fruit varieties – http://www.solstice.co.uk/index.html
• By entering your postcode you can find your nearest farmer’s markets- http://www.farmersmarkets.net/
www.eattheseasons.co.uk
• Gordon Ramsay’s Celeriac Lasagne – http://thepassionatecook.typepad.com/thepassionatecook/2004/06/celeriac_lasagn.html
• Hearty Venison and Vegetable Bake – http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Hearty-Venison-and-Vegetable-Bake/Detail.aspx
• Pear Frangipane Tart – http://www.goodtoknow.co.uk/recipes/130591/Pear-frangipane-tart
• Purple Potato Gratin – http://www.eatingoutloud.com/2008/02/purple-potato-gratin-with-bacon.html
• A really simple recipe for Raspberry Coulis – http://www.ivillage.co.uk/food/tools/recipefinder/display_recipe/0,,6171,00.html

Nadia Bunce currently works for Wedge Card, a reward card for independent and local shops. Wedge Card gives cardholders access to hundreds of offers from traders across London, helping to keep your high street independent. Follow her occasional tweets @nadiabunce on Twitter.

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Swap your usual stuff for Fairtrade stuff


Written on February 7, 2010 – 8:22 pm | by elaine

For this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight (22 February to 7th March) we want you to join us and the The Big Swap. It’s easy to take part and will make a real difference to peoples lives.

For two weeks (that’s it!) you’re being asked to swap your usual stuff for Fairtrade stuff. Your usual bananas for Fairtrade bananas, your usual cotton socks for Fairtrade cotton socks, and your usual cuppa for a Fairtrade cuppa.  This means that every time you go shopping, you can use your wallet to make a stand. So please, please, please  don’t be a MUG, pick up some fair trade brew and get involved!

Watch the video below that explains why you should swap your cuppa…

Keen to buy some fair trade products right now?
Pure Design is proud to stock a variety of fair trade  and eco products. Check out Tamasyn Gambell’s organic fair trade silk and cotton scarves, Oria Ethical Jeweller’s fairly traded gold and silver jewellery and our fair trade journals from Betty & Betts. Each of our products has a great story behind it. To read more about these products and how they make a difference visit our ethical store now.

Join us and register as part of the Pure Design Swap!
When you register your swaps at The Big Swap, join us by registering as an organisation ‘Pure Design’ and together we can see the swaps soar! Remember all your swaps count towards the million and one swaps needed! Why not host a tea or coffee morning with your friends this month?

Send us your photos. Email us your photos  showing you and your friends enjoying a fair trade cuppa, or modeling your gorgeous new fair trade cotton socks and we will put them in our Big Swap flickr photo album! Email your pictures now to sales’at’puredesigncompany.co.uk.

Need some ideas for what to swap…
Visit the Big Swap website now and read more about how to get involved, what you can swap and most importantly, how to register your swaps with the Fairtrade Foundation. Because the Fairtrade Foundation want lots of swaps made. One million and one in fact. Every single swap will be proof that the people of the UK want producers in the developing world to get a fairer deal.

Find out more about The Big Swap Fairtrade foundation

Already swapping to fair trade? Make sure you record your fair trade swaps now by clicking on the button below.

Images courtesy of The Big Swap.

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Best foot forward


Written on January 29, 2010 – 12:49 pm | by elaine

Exactly what is carbon footprinting, and how useful is it?

Jane BurstonArticle by Jane Burston, Founder Director of Carbon Retirement.  Carbon Retirement is a new ethical carbon offsetting company that uses funds from individuals and organisations to reduce industrial pollution in Europe.  See how it works by watching the animation at www.carbonretirement.com

Increasingly, footprint logos are popping up on leaflets, TV ads and products.  They tell us to ‘act on CO2’ by measuring our carbon footprint, or communicate the grams of carbon emitted by a packet of crisps or carton of orange juice.

A ‘carbon footprint’ is simply the emissions associated with a particular entity, be that an organisation, a product, or an individual.  There are international guidelines for calculating footprints, and in some cases these have been translated into carbon calculators – such as the UK Government’s Act on CO2 website – that generate your carbon footprint when you fill in data about your energy consumption and travelling habits.

Measuring a carbon footprint and communicating it to customers is something that progressively more companies are doing – both for their organisation as a whole and for particular products.  A recent example is Walkers crisps: a little stamp on the front of a packet of cheese and onion crisps shows that there are 80g of carbon associated with that packet you’re eating.

But does that mean Walkers are better than Sainsbury’s own?  How are we supposed to tell unless every packet of crisps has the same information on it?  And if we can’t use the information to choose which is the most environmentally friendly product, how useful is it?

Carbon footprints are useful because, as the old adage goes ‘you can’t manage what you don’t measure’. In measuring emissions from a particular product, companies get a baseline from which to start reducing their carbon footprints.  The exercise also helps them to see where the largest sources of pollution are in the supply and distribution of their products – and that in turn helps them to decide where to focus their emission reduction efforts.

On measuring the carbon footprint of Ariel washing powder, Procter and Gamble realised that the most polluting activity in the lifecycle of the product was actually the energy customers were using to operate their washing machines at high temperatures.  This led the company to focus its efforts on developing and promoting a washing powder that washed well at 30 degrees C.

Whilst we’re not yet choosing products or companies based on their carbon footprints, carbon footprint information does allow you to see which companies are taking steps to measure – and hopefully reduce- their impact on the environment.

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