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	<title>EcoChic Magazine</title>
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	<link>http://www.ecochicmagazine.co.uk</link>
	<description>EcoChic Magazine an online eco glossy magazine, celebrating sustanable fashion, natural beauty, fairtrade Jewellery, ethical design and cause. An Eco-Chic Magazine, dedicated to all things Eco Chic.</description>
	<pubDate>Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:31:01 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>WWF Earth Hour 2012 - everyone&#8217;s invited</title>
		<link>http://www.ecochicmagazine.co.uk/homepage-boxes/homepage-slot1/wwf-earth-hour-2012-everyones-invited</link>
		<comments>http://www.ecochicmagazine.co.uk/homepage-boxes/homepage-slot1/wwf-earth-hour-2012-everyones-invited#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:18:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Deborah Miarkowska</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[homepage-slot1]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Ecochic Magazine celebrates Earth Hour 2012]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[WWF Earth Hour 2012 - everyone's invited]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ecochicmagazine.co.uk/?p=9507</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[WWF’s Earth Hour is a simple idea that’s quickly turned into a global phenomenon. 



At 8.30pm local time on Saturday 31st March, Earth Hour 2012 will see hundreds of millions of people around the world cross borders of race, religion, culture, geography and society turning off their lights for one hour to unite in a single moment of contemplation for the planet and celebration of their year-round commitment to protect it.
Now in its sixth year, the annual lights out event has grown from a single-city initiative in 2007 to become the world's largest display of environmental action, with citizens of 135 countries and territories across every continent coming together for Earth Hour 2011 indicating a growing global movement of positive change in environmental attitudes


But it’s not to save an hour’s electricity. It’s something much bigger. WWF’s Earth Hour is about people coming together to put the focus on this brilliant world we all share – and how we need to protect it. Not just for an hour a year, but every day.


]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.ecochicmagazine.co.uk/homepage-boxes/homepage-slot1/wwf-earth-hour-2012-everyones-invited/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Co-operative Travel</title>
		<link>http://www.ecochicmagazine.co.uk/advert-top/co-operative-travel</link>
		<comments>http://www.ecochicmagazine.co.uk/advert-top/co-operative-travel#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:55:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Deborah Miarkowska</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[ADVERT-bottom]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[ADVERT-top]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Co-operative Travel]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ecochicmagazine.co.uk/?p=9496</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Co-operative Travel]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.ecochicmagazine.co.uk/advert-top/co-operative-travel/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>The Co-operative Personal Travel Advisors - ethical tourism unveiled</title>
		<link>http://www.ecochicmagazine.co.uk/sustainabilty/the-co-operative-personal-travel-advisors-ethical-tourism-unveiled</link>
		<comments>http://www.ecochicmagazine.co.uk/sustainabilty/the-co-operative-personal-travel-advisors-ethical-tourism-unveiled#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:49:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alex Bell</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[EcoChic Escape & Getaway]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Family Matters]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[People & Planet]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Responsible Travel]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Sustainability]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[homepage-slot1]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[The Co-operative Personal Travel Advisors - ethical tourism unveiled]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ecochicmagazine.co.uk/?p=9483</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Co-operative Personal Travel Advisors - ethical tourism unveiled]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.ecochicmagazine.co.uk/sustainabilty/the-co-operative-personal-travel-advisors-ethical-tourism-unveiled/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>UK Sustainability Update 2012</title>
		<link>http://www.ecochicmagazine.co.uk/sustainabilty/uk-sustainability-update-2012</link>
		<comments>http://www.ecochicmagazine.co.uk/sustainabilty/uk-sustainability-update-2012#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:25:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Deborah Miarkowska</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Climate Change]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Sustainability]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[UK Sustainability Update 2012]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ecochicmagazine.co.uk/?p=9477</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Latest Ministerial Strategy
Chris Huhne's support for higher 30% emissions cut target gets boost as European Commission analysis concludes it would actually save money over a smaller cut. Tougher 30% emissions cut would be cheaper than expected.



A recent Ministerial Statement from Chris Huhne on Solar PV Feed-in Tariffs has stated that the Department of Energy and Climate Change has proposed that the halving of the feed in tariffs for domestic solar PV will come into effect on 3 March if it loses its appeal against a judicial review. Read More HERE


Unilever Sustainable Living Plan
Unilever has one of the most ambitious sustainability programmes in the world. One of the keys to making it happen is to ensure employees understand what the Sustainable Living Plan is, why it's good for business and that it is part of everyone's job to help make it happen. In most companies sustainability lives in a department - the Sustainability Department. This often leads to a situation where staff think sustainability is a good idea but don't feel it is 'their department'. To help solve this problem Unilever Australia gave everyone in the company a new job title: Head of Sustainability. Read More HERE

Wind power passes the six gigawatt threshold
The country's wind sector has reached a landmark 6 gigawatts of installed capacity - enough to supply electricity to 3,354,893 homes. More HERE

Meanwhile, DECC has rejected Policy Exchange's report estimating that renewable energy policies will add £400 a year to household costs by 2020, claiming their research is ‘flawed'. Read more HERE

 

UKERC warns of 'alarming omissions' in Green Deal consultation
Key omissions and inconsistencies in the Green Deal are alleged by the UK Energy Research (UKERC) in its response to the Department of Energy and Climate Change's consultation on the deal. And research suggests that more than a million households will miss out on getting help to insulate lofts and cavity walls as a result of changes to government subsidies. Read More


The world of fossil fuels
In an open letter last week, Sir Mervyn King said overexposure to high-carbon assets by London-listed companies risks creating a 'carbon bubble'; Russian natural gas producer Gazprom has yielded to requests from several European companies for easier gas supply terms as it seeks to keep its market share in face of weakening fuel demand due to economic difficulties in the region; thirty years after Margaret Thatcher fought a 74-day war with Argentina over the Falkland Islands, the prospect of an oil boom is reviving tensions; and fossil fuels are subsidised in much of the world, causing billions of tonnes of additional CO2 emissions - take a tour of the data.

 

]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.ecochicmagazine.co.uk/sustainabilty/uk-sustainability-update-2012/feed</wfw:commentRss>
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		<item>
		<title>Body Beautiful the Natural and Organic Way</title>
		<link>http://www.ecochicmagazine.co.uk/ecochic-news-ecochic-magazine/about-us/ecochic-ebooks-ecochic-magazine/body-beautiful-the-natural-and-organic-way</link>
		<comments>http://www.ecochicmagazine.co.uk/ecochic-news-ecochic-magazine/about-us/ecochic-ebooks-ecochic-magazine/body-beautiful-the-natural-and-organic-way#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 19 Jan 2012 09:52:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alice C Doyle</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[EcoChic eBooks]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Publications]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Body Beautiful the Natural and Organic Way]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ecochiccollection.co.uk/magazine/?p=8015</guid>
		<description><![CDATA["A woman without paint is like food without salt."
- Roman philosopher, Plautus

The allure of fragrance and scented potions has been with us since the dawn of civilisation. From the Egyptians to the ancient Greeks, make up and essential oils have been applied for centuries in religious rituals, to enhance beauty, and to promote good health. But let’s not forget that in the pursuit of beauty, such allure has at times taken a uglier form. From the application of toxic compounds such as lead or arsenic to bestow pale skin to the use of crushed copper ores, lead and ash to form Kohl, beauty has at times, come with at an unhealthy cost.

Today the cosmetics industry is worth several billion pounds. But amongst the plethora of lotions, potions, perfumes and cosmetics, how are we to be sure that we are not at risk to ill health as the pale skinned beauties of the past. Daily we apply our chemical cocktails, but do we really know what is in them and more importantly what effect does this chemical overload mean for our bodies? And when we choose an organic product, does this really mean it is organic, a sign of purity, or are we falling foul to false promises in the pursuit of loveliness.

EcoChic's collection Body Beautiful the Natural and Organic Way is the guide to set the record straight for every aethete and grecian goddess. What exactly do we need to look out for? What are the right standards and logos to authenticate organic and natural health and beauty. And what brands are not only trustworthy in their organic claims but technically deliver on promise.

With contributions from the Soil Association to cutting edge beauty brands, Body Beautiful is the consumer guide for all you need to know. Beauty is very much more than skin deep, EcoChic showcases a hand picked selection of the very best products proven to restore natural vitality and radiance, whilst working in natural harmony with your body. From cosmetics to soaps, candles to perfume, brands that clearly list their ingredients and also manage a traceable and clear supply chain, guaranteeing confidence of purity but also sustainability.

Beautifully you, with respect to people and the planet.

 


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		<item>
		<title>Inspiring Women with social and environmental impact</title>
		<link>http://www.ecochicmagazine.co.uk/eco-fashion-expo/human-rights-in-fashion/inspiring-women-with-social-and-environmental-impact</link>
		<comments>http://www.ecochicmagazine.co.uk/eco-fashion-expo/human-rights-in-fashion/inspiring-women-with-social-and-environmental-impact#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 19 Jan 2012 09:50:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Aine Treanor</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Human Rights in Fashion]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Inspiring Women with social and environmental impact]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ecochiccollection.co.uk/magazine/?p=8439</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[With the 100th year anniversary of International Women's Day and the subsequent International Women's Week a recent memory, the recognition of the contribution women all over the world make to social and environmental issues like ethical fashion is as relevant today as it was in 1911 (a day created as a result of the deaths of 146 women at a garment factory in New York city in March of that year).

From an industry made wealthy off of the backs of exploited female factory workers to an industry being led by the compassion and determination of strong women on a long path of fair and just reform, fashion is and has always been very much a woman's issue.

With Fairtrade Fortnight another important occasion of recent weeks, it is only fitting to begin by celebrating the woman whose successful campaign for Fairtrade is no longer a niche market but a multi million pound movement, running in 59 developing countries worldwide and benefiting 7.5 labourers and farmers around the world. Harriet Lamb, has spent much of her life between the UK and India where she lived as a child then worked in adult life on various co-operative projects with local farmers. Lamb became executive director of the Fairtrade Foundation in 2001 and in 2006 she received a CBE for her work and commitment to Fairtrade.  She now lives in south London with her husband and two boys and continues to promote Fairtrade  in the UK and abroad. The recent launch of the Fairtrade &#038; Fairmined Gold mark is ttestament of the hard work and determination of a pioneering few.

There are certainly similarities in the level of passion and committment  Safia Minney emulates when campaigning for Fairtrade Fashion. Minney a leading figure for reform in fashion moved to Tokyo in her early twenties and after some time working at Tokyo's first Body Shop she realised the significance of ethics in consuming. She soon began ‘Global Village', a publication inspired by Eco friendly issues, which then developed into a business selling products that were produced ethically. This became known as People Tree. Today, this very same  fairtrade company is the UK's leading ethical brand, it is endorsed by green celeb Emma Watson and is constantly raising the bar on ethical fashion, improving the lives of artisans and manufacturers throughout the developing world.

Both Harriet Lamb and  Safia Minney demonstrate how focusing on reformed and fair labour can be embraced in an often hostile and commercial market which are constantly competing with cheaper, faster and increasingly more unethical products from value and high street brands. Furthermore, ethical fashion is evolving on a much larger scale too. Female Eco designers such as Linda Loudermilk and Stella McCartney have both shown how versatile organic and natural materials can be, how they can become transformed into fashionable and beautiful garments and how women can create fashion that is both inspiring and created with genuine care.

From one area of ethical manufacturing to another, so many top social justice movements have been initiated and developed by strong passionate women. From Janet Lacey, founder of international development charity Christian Aid to Alice Tepper Marlin, founder  &#038; CEO of the Social Accountability International (SAI) which serves internationally to improve workplaces, communities and the ethical treatment of workers.

Alice Tepper Marlin summarises her passion and committment to issues of social justice...

"Imbued with a newly influential concept, consumers have begun to embrace the simple, quiet activism of casting their economic vote conscientiously at the checkout counter, an act which can empower us all."


History demonstrates that strong and passionate women  are the frequently drivers of social and environment justice and continue to be heard in fighting for the rights of individuals on a global level.
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		<item>
		<title>Designers in Ethical Fashion - beyond the boundaries</title>
		<link>http://www.ecochicmagazine.co.uk/eco-fashion-expo/fairtrade-matters/designers-in-ethical-fashion-beyond-the-boundaries</link>
		<comments>http://www.ecochicmagazine.co.uk/eco-fashion-expo/fairtrade-matters/designers-in-ethical-fashion-beyond-the-boundaries#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:43:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alex Bell</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Beautiful Trends]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Ethical Fashion]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Fair Trade Matters]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Human Rights in Fashion]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[homepage-slot1]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Designers in Ethical Fashion - beyond the boundaries]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ecochicmagazine.co.uk/?p=9446</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Designers in Ethical Fashion
Whilst the principles behind it may have been universally respected (in theory, at least) since it first began, eco-fashion has not always had a very good reputation when it comes to being stylish, chic and elegant. For some, eco-fashion is still synonymous with unflattering hemp skirts and ugly sandals. What better way to dispel any lingering traces of this outdated prejudice than with the beautiful results of some of the best and brightest minds in the world of elite fashion design?

In June 2011, Vivienne Westwood launched a new range of bags in her latest Ethical Fashion Africa collection. Everything is made from recyclable materials by marginalized communities of women (including widows, single mothers and HIV/AIDS victims) living in Nairobi. They are supported by the International Trade Centre's Ethical Fashion Programme of the United Nations but Vivienne Westwood is quick to point out that this is work, not charity. The women are able to earn a living to improve their own lifestyles and, in the process, they benefit their communities and learn a valuable trade they can pass on to their children.

Fashion label, Armani, developed a process to recycle denim back in 1995. Later on they developed new materials using recycled wool and cotton, and have since worked with fair-trade cotton projects in Peru and Bolivia. Unfortunately, despite a statement in 2007 to Time Magazine by Giorgio Armani that they had decided to no longer use animal fur in their collections, it continues to feature to this day. Considering some of the laudable work Armani has done elsewhere in the realms of eco-fashion, it would be a very welcome development to see them follow in the footsteps of designers such as Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger and Stella McCartney and commit to going fur-free and staying that way.

Eco-designer Jeff Garner was named ‘2010 Eco Men's Designer of the Year' with his sustainable, organic label, Prophetik. His clothes are stocked in high end boutiques in the US, UK, Japan and Switzerland. Garner has designed for, amongst others, Miley Cyrus, Kings of Leon, Barry Manilow and Donna Summer.

The Komodo fashion label creates clothes using organic and eco-friendly fabrics and dyes. They use traditional manufacturing skills were possible, and their factory in Kathmundu is currently the only factory in Nepal to have achieved certification that it conforms to the recognised international standard of human rights within the workplace. Champion of ethical fashion, Stella McCartney counts Gwyneth Paltrow, Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johnasson amongst her patrons, and is the only top-tier designer who refuses to use any animal fur or leather whatsoever in her designs. The label's headquarters is powered by wind, and their bags are made from recycled paper.

People Tree creates ecological and fairtrade clothing and recently joined forces with Emma Watson to design a teenage clothing range. In preparation for this, Emma Watson paid a visit to Bangladesh to see how the clothes are made and to meet the people who make them. She was moved by the stark contrast between the slums of Dhaka, where the factory workers live, and Swallows where the People Tree workers make clothes by hand, are paid decent wages and have a safe working environment.

Livia Firth, wife of Colin Firth and so-called Queen of the green carpet is working on a clothing line for Yoox's eco-brand Yooxygen, in partnership with Reclaim To Wear, who help designers utilise recycled waste from the fashion industry. Livia Firth is a big fan of ‘upcycling' - rather than simply reusing old clothes (or recycling them) she prefers to reinvent and recreate them for the better. She is also a champion of the ‘green carpet challenge' - wearing only clothes produced by ethical companies and - best of all - she has started persuading others to join her. She is in the process of giving ten top designers (including Guccii, Alberta Ferretti and Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen) the challenge of making ten celebrities green dresses for the red carpet.

It seems that ethical fashion is no longer a case of eco-warriors trying to produce sustainable clothing, but rather designers of the highest calibre looking to produce beautiful clothing more ethically. The high street often aims to emulate the red carpet and so the fact that so many A-list designers and celebrities are now embracing eco-fashion means good news for high-street shoppers as well as the environment, exploited animals and vulnerable workers all over the world.

Jeff Garner of Prophetik believes that having a social conscience will never go out of style and, indeed, the eco-fashion movement has now gathered such momentum from the combined forces of so many individuals and organisations, that it is difficult to see it slowing down any time soon.
]]></description>
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		<item>
		<title>Source - Jewellery&#8217;s Fairtrade Journey</title>
		<link>http://www.ecochicmagazine.co.uk/ecochic-news-ecochic-magazine/about-us/ecochic-ebooks-ecochic-magazine/source-jewellerys-fairtrade-journey</link>
		<comments>http://www.ecochicmagazine.co.uk/ecochic-news-ecochic-magazine/about-us/ecochic-ebooks-ecochic-magazine/source-jewellerys-fairtrade-journey#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 02 Jan 2012 21:45:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Deborah Miarkowska</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[EcoChic eBooks]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Publications]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Source - Jewellery's Fairtrade Journey]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ecochiccollection.co.uk/magazine/?p=8474</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[2011 is an inspirational year for the fairtrade jewellery sector. With the launch of the fairtrade and fairmined gold mark, we have a landmark that is truly worth celebrating. At EcoChic we're bringing together the work of companies that we admire in this sector - and we'd like to invite your brand to be part of this exceptional story in our forthcoming printed publication,

Source - Jewellery's Fairtrade Journey, putting ethics &#038; the environment at the heart of fashion.

Please view our Sample Pages of Source via our  Source-Sampler.

Over the coming weeks, myself and our EcoChic Features Writer &#038; Graphic Designer, Jo Swannell Owen will be putting together our first fully published and beautifully illustrated book: "Source - Jewellery's Fairtrade Journey, putting ethics &#038; environment at the heart of fashion". Within this stylish coffee-table publication we will tell the inspirational stories behind the pioneers within the fairtrade jewellery movement, share their brand stories and vibrantly illustrate each brands' fairtrade jewellery collections, exploring the life story behind every piece. From Fashion dilema, what's wrong with a bit of bling? to our Ore Inspiring Industry Narratives, this publication digs deep and examines the jewellery industry in detail to demonstate how the industry is changing, with both cutting-edge designers and independents trying to clean up fashion's dirty image.

Inclusion in this exciting fairtrade jewellery publication includes a copy of the book, which will be a high quality promotional tool for you to use with your customers.

If you work as a Fairtrade Jewellery Designer and are interested in being part of Source please email hello@ecochiccollection.co.uk for further details.
]]></description>
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		<item>
		<title>Wild Planet Products - delightful &amp; natural effusions</title>
		<link>http://www.ecochicmagazine.co.uk/ecochic-directory/ecochic-directory-organic-organic-skincare-brands/wild-planet-products-delightful-natural-effusions</link>
		<comments>http://www.ecochicmagazine.co.uk/ecochic-directory/ecochic-directory-organic-organic-skincare-brands/wild-planet-products-delightful-natural-effusions#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:57:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Deborah Miarkowska</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Made in the UK]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Organic Skincare  & Spa Brands]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Wild Planet Products - delightful & natural effusions]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ecochicmagazine.co.uk/?p=9430</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Wild Planet products - bring the delightful scents of nature into your home with new Wild Planet naturally handmade scented candles and diffusers. Perfect for any room; whether setting the scene for a relaxing bath, creating an ambience for entertaining or making your whole home smell divine.

Simple beginnings..... 
Wild Planet sourced natural ingredients for our bath, body &#038; home fragrance range since our inception and it all began back in 2005 with a humble bar of soap.....

The founder, Eileen Holford produced her first batch of handmade soap in her kitchen using pure essential oils from around the world. "It was so satisfying to produce something that was natural, felt great to use and smelled wonderful that I quickly became hooked. I couldn't wait to receive the latest supply of plant oils and herbs from all corners of the planet and began producing more products with essential oils including perfumed candles, lotions and balms. The aromas I managed to create took me right back to when I went backpacking in my 20s reminding me of the different sights and scents from the souks of Marrakech and beaches of Indonesia to the jungles of Central America and was the inspiration behind 'Wild Planet'".

More research and development into the ancient use and origins of traditional plants, their aromas and benefits continued and the first products were launched at local artisan markets in Kent and were so well received that specialist retail shops including the National Trust, spas, galleries and Boutique Bed &#038; Breakfasts began stocking Wild Planet products.

Wild Planet scented candles and diffusers made with natural ingredients, richly infused with only pure high quality essential oils to indulge your senses and promote a sense of well-being. So, no synthetic smells just beautiful natural aromas in your home.

Scented Candles
At Wild Planet traditional methods are used; blending, melting and pouring - the artisan way - with no mass production and no cheap chemicals. Blended with natural wax from soya beans - sourced from growers with sustainable crops - the candles produce a clean burn with no black soot from genetically modified materials. This soy wax is melted using a very low heat so as not to interfere with the quality of wax. Once melted, the essentials oils are then blended by hand incorporating them throughout the wax not just on the surface. Natural cotton, lead-free wicks are attached with organic beeswax (no toxic glue!). The mixture is then individually hand poured into re-usable glasses and left to set naturally.

Delightful blends to  choose from
Candle in Jute Bag - Soft Embers - Reminiscent of Autumn walks, smoky wood fires and cosy nights. The Soft Embers candle combines zesty orange with hints of spicy Madagascan organic cloves, blended with deep woody base notes of Moroccan cedarwood with its' exotic earthy fragrance to produce a rich, comforting and grounding aroma. Costs, £19.95 for a 200g candle with minimum 40 hours burn time. Comes in heavy base glass individually hand wrapped with tissue paper encased in a reusable jute bag. Also available in these tantalising fragrances: Spice Night, Lime Light, Midsummer, Vintage Rose, and Warm Hug.

Wick Scented Candle in Gift Box - Spice Night - A spicy and zesty aroma this is one of our bestselling candles. With top notes of refreshing Indian lemongrass, perfectly complimenting the spiciness of Sri Lankan black pepper and nutmeg, combined with a hint of Indonesian patchouli to create an exotic yet uplifting aroma. Costs, £29.95 for a 350g candle with a minimum 50 hours burn time. Comes in a natural coloured gift box with ribbon. Also available in these charming fragrances: Lime Light, Midsummer and Vintage Rose.

 Scented Candle Jar - Wild Lime &#038; Bergamot - To perfectly compliment our bath &#038; body range we have created three candle jars. Ideal to use as travel candle or in the bathroom each is hand poured with natural soy wax into amber glass jars that glow beautifully when lit. From the Wild Lime &#038; Bergamot range this very aromatic candle has a really uplifting scent, great to burn for a fresh scent of juicy citrus fruits with a just a hint of cleansing herbal rosemary. Costs, £18.95 for 200g candle with min 40 hours burn time. Also available in:- Wild Rose Geranium and Wild Lavender.

Diffusers
Each Wild Planet diffuser is handmade using pure essential oils. Diffusers offer an ornamental way to softly fragrance your home with minimum effort. The natural reeds are placed in a pretty glass jar containing a special essential oil blend, enabling them to gradually draw up the aromatic oil releasing these wonderful aromas into the surroundings. Created from two of our signature candle scents: - Limelight and Midsummer.
Limelight - Bursting with energising and cleansing juicy citrus fruits this is the perfect aroma to really perk you up and bring a bit of zing into your home. A zesty blend of Italian lime and bergamot with revitalising lemongrass. Available in two sizes; costs £19.95 for 100ml, £29.95 for 200ml diffuser. Refils also available at £16.95 for 200ml bottle.

 Visit the Wild Planet Website HERE]]></description>
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		<title>Tools for Self Reliance - Giving fair trade livelihoods to Africans.</title>
		<link>http://www.ecochicmagazine.co.uk/ecochic-directory/ecochic-campaigns-we-love/tools-for-self-reliance-giving-fair-trade-livelihoods-to-africans</link>
		<comments>http://www.ecochicmagazine.co.uk/ecochic-directory/ecochic-campaigns-we-love/tools-for-self-reliance-giving-fair-trade-livelihoods-to-africans#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 18 Dec 2011 21:43:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Deborah Miarkowska</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Campaigns We Love]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Tools for Self Reliance: Giving fair trade livelihoods to Africans.]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ecochicmagazine.co.uk/?p=9402</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Tools for Self Reliance takes a practical approach towards decreasing poverty. Their method is combines tools and training, in trades such as tailoring and carpentry. This Hampshire-based charity currently focuses on six African countries - Ghana, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Tanzania and Malawi - and works with local organisations within those countries. With funding from Tools for Self Reliance, the African NGOs provide training courses in mechanics, carpentry, blacksmithing and tailoring. The impact of the projects is like a ripple in water. 




The beneficiaries are people who are often marginalised in African communities, including women, AIDs orphans and the disabled. By equipping them with skills of their own, they can have secure employment for the rest of their lives and avoid being caught in dangerous livelihoods such as prostitution or bondage labour. They are taught the technical side of their chosen trade, as well as business skills to help them set up a shop and grow their enterprise.

In workshops all over the UK volunteers recycle donated tools, including sewing machines, drills, and vices to name a few. Everything is refurbished to a high standard to ensure that the tools last. These are then shipped out to Tools for Self Reliance's partners to give to their trainees.

Individuals have secure, sustainable work for the rest of their lives, whether self-employed or hired. They can provide their families with good food, education and medicine. The products created by these artisans are a vital resource for the community, and they often expand their businesses meaning more employment for more people. Through tools and training there is long-term change. 


Maurice Fomba (24) is training in carpentry with Tools for Self Reliance partner Youth in Action Sierra Leone (YASAL). 



"I'm an orphan. Before the project I used to work in the local mine but I hated it. I wanted skills that would help me build my own life, not be stuck working a hard, dirty job and living alone. Some friends told me about the project and I went to YASAL to enrol for carpentry. I started out at a training centre then moved to a workshop to be an apprentice. I can make tables, chairs, beds and more, and I learned how to interact with customers and price products according to labour and raw materials. The programme has been an excellent move for me. It's taken me away from the mines and is helping me overcome the traumas of my past, including the war. I'm able to have a better life and make my own money. I miss playing football with friends like I did at the training centre, but I'm looking forward to starting business with others after the course is over. Thank you YASAL and Tools for Self Reliance for the help. Remember there are many more people like me needing to be trained, so please continue your support!"


Tools for Self Reliance is always in need of funds, used to pay for vocational training and shipping large containers of tools to a partner. If you like the sound of their work and want to help them transform lives, please visit HERE  

 

 

 

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