Are you a Co-op customer? If so, get voting...

The Co-operative Bank is inviting its customers to vote. Up to £100,000 is available, and the proportion each cause / organisation gets depends entirely on how many people vote.

It's very simple & quick and you don't have to give any personal details.

* Go to the Co-operative Bank's You vote, we'll donate page:
http://www.goodwithmoney.co.uk/you-vote-we-ll-donate/

The Great British Refurb

Interesting campaign calling on government to offer new ways to pay for green refurbishment of their homes: www.greatbritishrefurb.co.uk

The theory is quite simple. We’ve got to massively reduce the amount of energy we use in the home and then try and source as much of the energy we do need from renewable sources. In practice, that’s quite a challenge across the UK’s 26 million homes.

The Big Lunch

Imagine a summer's day on which millions of us, throughout the UK, sit down to have lunch together. Well it's happening on 19th July.

Check out the website to find out where your nearst lunch is or, even better, set it up www.thebiglunch.com

Women in Ethical Business Awards.

Some inspirational people to read about and/or vote for at http://www.triodos.co.uk/uk/whats_new/events/WEBA

Had a great holiday recently?

Nominations for the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards are now open.

The central tenet of the Awards is that all types of tourism – from niche to mainstream – can and should be operated in a way that respects and benefits destinations and local people.

http://www.responsibletourismawards.com/

ethical.tv

www.ethical.tv is the first dedicated global online TV website for films, stories, news and views about ethical lifestyle issues that affect people across the world.

There's some great clips to watch about Fair Trade, including the story behind Divine and Sir Steve Redgrave's experiences with the Fairtrade cotton farmers in Mali, like the ones that supply many wonderful products to Fairgift.

Nominations Open for Women's Social Leadership Awards 2009

Great women in the world generate human and environmental wealth, across sectors.
These women are influential leaders, connectors and social entrepreneurs who change people’s lives for the better. We call them Social Leaders.

The Women’s Social Leadership Awards promote their talent.

Nominate yourself or another exceptional woman who has shown great social leadership through
1- A Social Business
2- A Network
3- An Employees’ initiative in a larger company

Show how this female social leader has contributed to generate a great positive social impact, how she is an inspiration for her peers and her communities, how she sustains her project, learns from it and is not afraid to be radical at times.

“Radical simply means ‘grasping things at the root’”. Angela Davis

To nominate, go to http://bit.ly/oI75g
Nominations open to UK residents only and open until 20th of April 2009.

Results will be made public on May 15th in London. Prizes involve unique learning opportunities.

“Growing according to ecological principles is key”. Julie Brown - Winner 2008 with Growing Communities

Fairtrade Fortnight Awards

Did you organise an event in Fairtrade Fortnight? Did you take a photo that captures all the fun and frolics of Fairtrade Fortnight?

If so, you could be in with a chance of winning a fabulous prize - photographic equipment or a cash prize for your campaign group. Read more and download an entry form here.

Are you a Fairtrade Mastermind?

Do you fancy giving Mastermind a go as a fairtrade expert? This just came through from the Fairtrade Foundation:

I am writing to let you know that we are producing a new series of the BBC Television quiz, Mastermind. We are currently welcoming applications and would be grateful of any publicity.
We are planning to hold auditions in London this week so for those wishing to apply, now is the time. The process is simple. Send us an application form or apply online and those who are invited for an audition will be asked 20 general knowledge questions, have a brief chat with the production team and be asked for their suggestions for specialist subjects that they would like to cover if they make it on to the programme. There is no need to revise specialist subjects prior to the audition.

I have attached copies of a Mastermind 2009 flyer as well as an application form and I would be grateful if you could pass on this information to your teams and contacts. If you require further information either email me back or contact Stuart Ellis on 0161 244 3575 or email stuart.ellis@bbc.co.uk.

__._,_.___

Wine Glorious Wine

Fairgift has a new category devoted to all things related to wine. We'll be expanding this category in the coming weeks, so if you're into your wines then please do take a look.

The quality of Fairtrade wine is growing rapidly and my personal favourite is the Soluna Malbec, which Fairgift doesn't sell yet, but you can find it at http://ethicalwine.com/browse_36

If you're also interested in discovering high quality, greay value European wines off the beaten track then check out the specialist wine merchants - SIP.

Ideas for Greener Living

The UK's green lifestyle exhibition for people who want to learn how to reduce their carbon emissions.

It's at Olympia in London on Friday 17 & Saturday 18 April 09 and loads more info is available at

http://www.ukaware.com/

Free tickets are available with the code UA09GF

It's Not Easy Being Green

Interested in having a "Green wedding"? If so then checkout the recent episode of the BBC2 show, "It's Not Easy Being Green"

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00hvbvf/Its_Not_Easy_Being_Green_Series_3_Episode_7/

The show follows the couple Jo & Martin in their attempts (with mixed success, especially on the honeymoon) to have an eco-friendly wedding. They had their wedding list with Fairgift and the TV show includes glimpses of the range available including the Fairtrade cotton towel bale.

21st Century Network

The 21st Century Network was set up to "discuss the great issues of our millennium and bring back the hope that we can do something about it".

It's well worth taking a look at and if you're able, then to come along & participate in their outstanding events:

http://21stcenturynetwork.ning.com/

Eco-chic Weddings

If you're planning a wedding & if you're interested ethical or eco matters, then the 2 best uk websites to take a look at are www.ethicalweddings.com and www.greenunion.co.uk

Others with a focus on North America include www.greatgreenwedding.com and www.blueplanetwedding.com

And there's also a growing number of great books on the subject, both in the UK & North America. For an overview, take a look at: http://ethicalweddings.com/blog/green-wedding-guides

If I've missed anyting out either online or in print, then please let me know.

The Age of Stupid

Your invitation to the premier of a new film: http://www.ageofstupid.net/news/peoples_premiere

The Age of Stupid stars Pete Postlethwaite as a man living alone in the devastated world of 2055, looking at old footage from 2008 and asking: why didn’t we stop climate change when we had the chance?

According to a review in the Guardian it's "the first successful dramatisation of climate change to hit the big screen"

Let me know what you think.

Bargains & Money-off Vouchers Fairtrade style

Make great savings at top ethical retailers by using a discount voucher to save on fair trade fashion, food and home essentials:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/consumertips/4799340/Discount-voucher-codes-for-Fairtrade.html

Free Fairtrade Chocolate from Divine

Get yourself a free bar of tasty Divine chocolate in return for filling out a short online questionnaire before 8 March...

http://surveys.verticalresponse.com/a/show/184455/fd8e3ad98f/0

2 for 1 tickets to Eco Wedding & Home Show

Enjoy 2 for 1 tickets to the Ecochic Wedding & Home Show on 8 March.

Just quote 'ECWHS evite09' online at http://www.ecochicweddingandhomeshow.co.uk/ Or call 0121 454 1860

Recession = Fewer Weddings!

The number of marriages is apparently closely tied to the fortunes of the economy. So, whilst weddings are already at a 100 year low, they are set to fall further in 2009. From The Times:

Married couples are in a minority for the first time since records began as fewer people choose to tie the knot, new figures indicate.

They showed that couples are less likely to get married now than ever before, with the number of weddings at a 100-year low. The marriage rate, a more accurate guide to the long-term trend, also fell sharply to a record low in 2007

However, although the average cost of a weddings is now £20k, there are also a thousand ways to avoid spending such a fortune when you say ‘I do’...

The world’s first Fairtrade Olive Oil

“The olive trees root and anchor us in our land, provide a sense of belonging, home and hope, investing in olive oil is investing in our future.” - Abu Suleiman (farmer)

Discover more here about the world's first Fairtrade Olive Oil, made from Palestinian olives.

It's Not Easy...

This Wednesday, switch the telly onto 'It's Not Easy Being Green' (BBC2 8pm). The team follow the lovely Jo & Martin in their attempts to have an eco-friendly wedding. Jo considered Oxfam Bridal for her wedding dress and they had their gift list with Fairgift. Will the programme include their less eco-chic choice of honeymoon destination I wonder?!

The Fairgift team have an exciting few weeks ahead....

Come see us at the National Wedding Shows in Olympia (20-22 Feb) or NEC (13-15 March).

Or if you're anywhere near London on 7 March, then why not come along to the Ealing Fairtrade Fair from 11am to 5pm. It's free to attend, includes a funky Fairtrade fashion show and a mountain of bananas. Oxfam, Traidcraft & others will be there and Fairgift will be showcasing some new products as well as offering a few bargains from last year's range.

Win Tickets to See Wayne Hemmingway

Fairtrade Fortnight starts on 23 February and our friends at Cafédirect, the UK’s largest 100% Fairtrade hot drinks company, are staging the first ever 'TasteFair'. That's nine days of exciting eco-lifestyle events at Whole Foods Market in Kensington High Street, London.

TasteFair will run from 21st February to 1st March and will feature an impressive line-up of some of the UK’s best-known ‘eco’ celebrities and experts including Wayne Hemingway and Oliver Heath. There will also be food tastings, music evenings, story time readings, coffee classes and a specially created photographic exhibition tracing the incredible journey of coffee. The full programme of events is available at www.tastefair.co.uk

One of the highlights is the daily ‘seed to cup’ sessions for coffee lovers and novices alike to learn about the coffee-making process, providing a unique opportunity to hand-roast and taste coffee beans under the expert supervision of Amen Mtui, coffee cupper from the KNCU coffee co-operative in Tanzania

Fairgift is offering a free pair of tickets to the Wayne Hemmingway evening or, if you can't make it to the event, a Kilimanjaro Gift Pack of fresh coffee & a lovely cafétiere. To be in with a chance to win, all you have to do is answer the following question: Amen Mtui from KNCU will lead seed to cup sessions at TasteFair. In which country is KNCU located?

Email your answer to competition@cafedirect.co.uk before midday on 16 February 2009 with 'TasteFair competition' in the subject line. Winners will be chosen at random. You can read the terms and conditions here:

http://www.cafedirect.co.uk/fairgiftnewslettercompetitiontermsandconditions/

Vote with Colin Firth

Choose your favourite ethical retailer, campaigner or politician, or enter yourself in the ethical garden, conservation, big idea, ethical kids, business or fashion categories.

The Observer Ethical Awards highlight the individuals and companies that have gone the extra green mile here in the UK.

Colin Firth, Ken Livingstone, Jo Wood and Deborah Meaden are just some of the judges confirmed for the Observer Ethical Awards 2009.

Are you getting married before May'09 or do you someone who is?

We've just been forwarded this message...

"Channel 4 are making a unique observational documentary about weddings in the UK for the prestigious Cutting Edge series and we are looking for a huge cross section of couples to get in touch!

From traditional weddings to jetting off to Vegas or planning the alternative ceremony of the year, we would love to hear from you.

If you’re the lucky bride or groom, or you know someone who is getting married, get in touch now. By contacting us, you are not committing to being filmed, we are keen to speak to anybody for research.

Call Angela on 020 7749 3112 or email myweddingday@monkeykingdom.com"

Wayne Hemingway & Eco Design

Wayne Hemingway discusses the future of the design industry in these testing times.

How does environmental design respond to the current economic landscape – is it possible to achieve ‘eco design’ on a budget?

For this & other interesting events in London during Fairtrade Fortnight (starting 21st Feb), check out http://www.tastefair.co.uk/

Ethical Wedding & Home Show

The first ever Eco Chic Wedding & Home Show will take place in Birmingham on Sunday 8 March 2009.

Couples in search of inspiration for forthcoming nuptials can plan their "ethical wedding" and find out more at: 2009 Eco Chic Wedding & Home Show.

From Bling to Green Tip #5: Be a Local Yokle

Thinking about location of your venue & suppliers is one of the biggest & best ways to be eco & ethical in your choices.

Companies like County Marquees supply the most amazing opportunities for couples to have a reception at home, and yet in amazing style - together with the flexibility to start & finish when you like. Asking local caterers and other local suppliers is a great way to make a wedding unique and special to you.

So if you're West Country, how about a toast with cider rather than traditional champers? Or serve your drinks in the handmade, recycled Bolivian glasses from Fairgift – and you even get to keep them for yourself to use after the wedding.

From Bling to Green Tip #4: Go Alternative

If you're a surf dude at heart, then why not look into a beach wedding and/or reception. Or if you want a traditional wedding but don't know where to start then take a look at http://www.yourchurchwedding.org/

If green or global issues are important to you, then choose an Eco-friendly, Fair Trade wedding list rather than the usual High Street stores. It’s a great way to support marginalised communities around the world whilst also enjoy hundreds of beautiful & original gifts.

From Bling to Green Tip #3: Cut the Fluff

If a Bentley isn’t important to you then stick a ribbon on a tandem or your friend’s Fiesta. On the other hand, if arriving in style is your thing – then invest the money on the perfect horse-drawn carriage and leave some other nice-to-have things off the list.

Think long about your invitation list too. If your preferred reception venue charges lots per head for food, then perhaps those long-distant second cousins are fine with just an evening invite...

From Bling to Green Tip #2: It's cool to recycle

The old adage of something old, new, borrowed & blue has never been more appropriate.

As well as choosing some shiny new things if that's your style (conflict-free diamond anyone?), there are some amazing eco-friendly, recycling options to enjoy.

One inspirational example is the stunning dresses available from Oxfam Bridal, set up by the inspirational Barbara Walmsley. They now have a dozen or so branches around the UK & Ireland with hundreds of beautiful dresses, most donated by designers from end-of-line or from ex-catwalk designs.

From Bling to Green Tip #1: Go D.I.Y.

Tip #1 - Do it Yourself

If you have a friend or relative who is a useful flower-arranger, photographer or musician – then why not ask them to play a part in your big day? Or alternatively, pick up some DIY tools yourself.

Be aware this isn’t for the faint hearted – you’ll need to be very clear about what you want & be prepared to go elsewhere if they or indeed you can’t deliver. However, it's a great way to avoid spending excessive amounts of money & resouces on professional services.

For example rather than thousands of pounts towards personalised stationery, you can now buy some beautiful outers such as the handmade, Fair Trade cards from http://www.fairgift.co.uk/ and then print the personalised inners at home.

Ethical Wedding Tips - From BLING to GREEN

After years of ever-increasing BLING, many marrying couples now prefer GREEN. Or in other words to have a wedding that better reflects their interests and values. Given current economic woes, this is also a great way to be ‘lean and green’.

With that in mind, this blog will feature a series of tips on how to have a green & ethical wedding this year.