by Andrew Williams |
March 31, 2014
|
We love these fair trade cutlery sets! They make a lovely gift as they come in a hemp denim carry case, and feature a bamboo knife, fork and spoon. Just the thing for summer festivals, a hike in the hills or just a picnic in the park.
Bamboo is the world's fastest growing plant, which makes it a sustainable choice for raw materials. These sets are made in China, which can be unusual for fair trade products. The couple who own the company spend part of the year living in China so they can ensure that standards for workers making these products lives up to their ethics.
Tagged:
bamboo,
China,
eighteen rabbit,
fair trade
by Andrew Williams |
February 23, 2014
|
Fairtrade Fortnight is almost upon us. Tomorrow sees the start of two weeks of promotion around the benefits of fair trade. We'll be doing everything we can to help spread the word and get people thinking about how they spend their hard earned cash.
The Fairtrade logo we're all familiar with is applied mostly to commodities - things like coffee, cocoa, sugar and tea, and of course bananas! While we don't sell may of those things, we believe we can still play a big role in promoting fair trade by telling the stories of the talented and creative people who produce the beautiful items we sell.
We have some great new products which have arrived just in time for Fairtrade Fortnight and will be online very soon - including beautiful scarves, a great new range of bags and some fantastic cushions and picture frames.
However you celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight, have fun and go bananas!
Tagged:
2014,
bananas,
eighteen rabbit,
fair trade,
fairtrade,
fairtrade fortnight
by Andrew Williams |
February 03, 2014
|
It's a bit of a tongue-twister, but we're taking a short break from fair trade tomorrow to go to a trade fair - Spring Fair at the NEC in Birmingham. The start of the year is a great opportunity to look back at what has tickled our customers' fancy over the past twelve months, and think about which styles and designs may be hot for 2014.
We're hoping to see some new suppliers who may have interesting new products for the shop, and to catch up with some of our existing partners. Wherever possible we will source products directly from the artists or cooperatives which produce them, but our UK-based suppliers play a hugely important role in making fair trade products accessible to a home-grown audience.
We hope to have the results of our latest expedition online soon - keep checking back for some fantastic new lines in 2014.
Tagged:
2014,
eighteen rabbit,
spring,
spring fair
by Andrew Williams |
January 26, 2014
|
We're back in the shop after an incredible trip to Cuba. A really remarkable place, and without adding to the cliches, a "land of contradictions." The country seemed to be teetering on a see-saw balanced between left and right. Friends we've spoken to who have visited previously tell us it has changed a huge amount over the past decade, and I've no doubt the next ten years will see that change continue. At its heart though the story of the revolutionary struggle was quite remarkable to see played out in reality.
Now that we're getting back into the swing of things we have big plans for 2014. We want to increase the diverse range of products we're stocking to reach as many potential customers as possible. We hope to grow our online audience so that customers outside of Hay can still join in the fun - if there is anyone you can recommend us to we would really appreciate it!
We are also planning an exciting event for the spring - Hay Green Fair, a celebration of all that's great about green Britain. We'll have inspiring speakers, great stalls, activities and fun for all the family. More news on that soon.
Thanks for choosing to shop fair trade in 2014 - you are making a real difference.
Tagged:
2014,
eighteen rabbit,
fair trade,
fairtrade,
hay green fair,
hay on wye,
spring
by Andrew Williams |
November 26, 2013
|
"Black Friday" is one of those strange American traditions which is gradually seeping into the UK (they'll have us celebrating Independence Day next!). Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving, which falls on the fourth Thursday of November. In the US it's a feeding frenzy of 5am openings, crazy deals, mad consumerism and the start of the Christmas rush.
Doesn't sound like there would be a lot in common with the ethics and ideals of fair trade, does it? We try to run our business in a way that encourages our customers to think about the people behind their purchases, and a mad supermarket sweep doesn't quite fit with that approach. Nevertheless, as a retailer we have to see Black Friday as an opportunity to spread our message that fair trade is a better way of doing business.
We are always clear to our customers that we are not a charity - we are not here with a begging bowl looking for donations. We are simply a platform that allows incredibly talented artists, producers and creatives from around the world to sell their products at a price that makes sense for them. The producers we represent aren't necessarily poor souls who need our help - they're entrepreneurs, business people, the future of their nations. They don't want a free pass - they just want a level playing field.
By choosing fair trade products this Christmas you can help make life fairer and more equitable for people around the world. Better than another electric toothbrush, right?!
Tagged:
Black Friday,
Christmas,
eighteen rabbit,
fair trade,
fairtrade,
why poverty
