Green and socially-conscious online shopping
Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009
It’s getting easier and easier to make every purchase a conscious choice, as the technology and the options get better all the time. The following is a personal survey of some of the sites out there that combine a social ethos and green processes to make products and gifts that can make everybody feel good. In the spirit of good globalism, some of them are in Ireland and others are international. And of course, please feel free to share your own favourites…
Starting at the beginning of life, Hug the Bundle is an Irish eco-parenting blog set up by a mother in order to share her experiences, generate discussions and generally provide a place were like minded mothers can ‘meet’ in order to chat about anything! They also stock great products like a new range of bamboo cloth nappies direct from Little Comfort based in Donegal Town.
Nest is a nonprofit organization dedicated to changing the lives of women in developing countries by helping them create sustainable entrepreneurial businesses. To do this, Nest provides micro-credit loans to be used for the purchase of the supplies and materials necessary to begin and/or maintain art or craft-based businesses. The funds for these loans are generated by selling a unique line of clothing, accessories and merchandise for the home produced exclusively for Nest by a group of artists and designers.
In the same vein, Global Goods Partners are dedicated to alleviating poverty and promoting social justice by strengthening women-led development initiatives and creating access to the US market for marginalized communities in Asia, Africa and the Americas. The goods are all fair trade and you get to see a photo of its creator and learn more about the enterprise group they’re working with. Unfortunately, they only ship to the US, but maybe you know someone there who would like a present?
At Etsy.com you can buy and sell all handmade goods; it’s a great outlet for small designers without a corporate brand behind them. This means that some of the goods are a little, well, quirky, but there are also high-quality pieces that are worth looking for. If you love making discoveries, this is the site for you. And to keep it local you can browse in the shops in Ireland.
Tom’s Shoes are really gorgeous, and for every pair sold, one pair goes to a child in a developing country. They also have vegan styles - that don’t look it! - but ship only to the UK and Northern Ireland. If you have friends in either place who might receive them for you, they really do have beautiful shoes, as well as being for the good.
For the rest of your body, check out Mountain Rose Herbs. Since 1987 they have been delivering quality certified organic products with a strict emphasis on sustainable agriculture. From their bulk organic herbs and spices, to essential oils and herbal teas, the quality and integrity of what they offer is “unparalleled with smiles guaranteed.” They also support organic agriculture, offer info on herbal education and sustainability projects. You can order online to Ireland – and they also ship wholesale.
If you’re not ready to buy in bulk, thanks to Susan Mulholland for the tip about Jo Wood Organics - a must if you want to pamper yourself with a guilt free eco conscience. In a word, yum.
The Irish company everyone must have heard of thanks to the rock n’ roll connection, Edun specializes in Organic Clothing, Graphic Tees, and Eco Clothing with a mission to drive sustainable employment in developing economies. The company was founded in 2005 by Ali Hewson and Bono.
And finally, ladies, if you want an eco alternative to going through the average 12,000 tampons or pads/pantiliners in your lifetime, check out the Diva Cup. It’s not, I stress, any kind of spongey/cloth thingy of which I have a horror. As blogger Mrs Micah testifies: “I can say without a doubt that it’s one of the few products which have revolutionized my life.” And they’re available in Ireland from thebabyorchard.com, which is worth checking out anyway for cool stuff.
And if you change your mind about any of your purchases, now even ebay is getting a social conscience! “When your shopping shapes the world” – fair trade and socially conscious goods of a variety almost equal to the old-school ebay and with a clear conscience to boot.
