Amazing that chocolate can do such incredible things, change lives and be delicious. The story of Divine Chocolate began in 1997 when Ghanian cocoa farmer’s co-operative called “Kuapa Kokoo” (meaning “good cocoa”) set out to create their own chocolate bar for the mainstream UK market.
Not only do cocoa farmers and their communities receive fair-trade benefits, they also own 45% of Divine Chocolate, allowing them a share in management decision making and a share of profits. Even the packaging reflects the chocolate’s roots, with each ‘Adinkra Symbol’ taken from West African culture. For example, one to the symbols used represents a ‘spiders web’, meaning ‘wisdom and creativity’.
Bhumi offer a sensational range of organic cotton sheets, bath towels and clothing. They are a superb company showing what a difference conscious consumerism can make. They have a wide selection of products online and if you pop in ‘Levant’ in the code when you check out you will recieve free shipping.
Check out the great range at Bhumi and be inspired by nature.
Natural Fibres and Fair Trade and beautifully tailored Tammam Jacket.
Great Value at $99 and available online.
A recent story on Today Tonight which highlighted the growing issue of chemical sensitivities and allergic reactions really made me stop and wonder.
Even having dealt with allergies and chemical sensitivities for quite some time I find I still make assumptions that products that are imported into Australia have been checked and are safe for us to use.
The Today Tonight interview on Toxic Consumer Products really highlighted the fact that we live in a buyer beware society. The European Union lists 300,000 harmful chemicals and sets maximum limits for products that come into contact with our skin;Australia however has no enforced limits just guidelines and only lists 50,000 chemicals.
If you feel a little itchy after wearing something this could be the reason and as highlighted by Debra Walters it could result in a life threatening reaction.
With our ever increasing busyness we have a desire to want things faster and easier. A bit like that tag that reads ‘wrinkle free and stain resistant’ and we think awesome no more ironing, but in actual fact what it really means is that it has been treated with formaldehyde and consequently 5 minutes of ironing doesn’t feel quite so bad.
It is nearly impossible to know what is in our clothes however the precautions outlined in the article will give some protection: -
Wash new clothes before wearing them;
Look for natural fibres;
Choose certified organic Cotton and vegetable dyes ;
Avoid products labelled stain or water resistant.
Take time when purchasing items for you and your family – we really have an opportunity to change and create a better environment for future generations.
Do you think ethical and sustainable clothing is expensive?
I often hear this and have pondered the economic sense of this question.
I have a beautiful Pure Pod Wool Hemp skirt that I purchased three years ago. It is unique in style and a classic timeless cut. The purchase of my Pure Pod skirt was the catalyst for me to change career paths and open Levant.
Three years on I still wear my skirt, on average once a week, for the whole of winter and part of Autumn and Spring. According to my maths that would mean that the initial purchase price of $320 has been broken down to a cost of $7 per wear. ($320 divided by 15 wears per year for 3 years).
Every time I wear my skirt I receive a compliment and according to my mathematical logical that would mean that my skirt is definitely in the ‘green’!!
Sustainably yours,
Corrine
Hand knitted in Nepal. The hemp is grown wild in the Himalyan foot hills and hand dyed using natural colours. There is a small content of wild (not farmed or caged) Tibetan sheep’s wool to add softness . Due to the teraain in the Hamalaya, the fibres are carried on foot before being spun in the mountains and then carried on foot half way down to Pokhara before being transported to Kathmandu. The banana fibre is also processed and hand spun in Nepal.
Hemp 69%, wild wool 1%, banana 30%.
Beautifully crafted, vegan friendly, shoes from Charmone.
Stumbles across these gorgeous Vegan Shoes from Charmone.
Charmones’ mission is to create beautiful, luxurious, sexy shoes that are also sustainable and cruelty-free. Every shoe incorporates European design and quality while using only animal-free, eco-friendly materials. They believe no one should sacrifice their style conscious just to serve their social conscience. Charmoné is focused on compassionate design and takes into account the people, the planet and the environment.
To shop these beautiful designs visit our online shop.
New designs will be uploaded soon.
