GreenFinder Blog

Fou Furnishings is not yet two but already the innovative certified-organic and fair trade bed linen company is making its mark.

A Natural and Organic Awards 2009 finalist for best organic textile product, online quality bed linen specialist, Fou Furnishings, has just launched its first children’s collection with a limited edition design range. The designs were winners of Fou Furnishings’ Design-a-duvet competition during 2009 Organic Fortnight.

Fou Furnishings designer and director, Stephanie McIntosh, says: “We wanted the next generation to think green. The winning designs in our Design-a-duvet competition celebrate nature with flowers and butterflies, and fishes swimming in the sea.” ‘Flowers are wonderful’, with appliquéd and embroidered flowers and butterflies, is designed by a primary school pupil from Glasgow, Scotland. ‘Love to learn’ is designed by a mother in Middlesex, England, with animals and numbers, also appliquéd and embroidered.

One of India’s longest-established organic companies have produced the limited edition bedding. The Fou Furnishings baby and children range is certified Fairtrade ensuring fair wages and an ethical and transparent supply chain. The limited design duvet covers launches Fou Furnishings’ new organic bedding collection for babies and children.

Why organic?

Fou Furnishings director, Stephanie McIntosh, explains: “We spend around eight hours in bed; organic bedding is wonderfully soft for sensitive skins because of its long fibres and is completely toxic-free. Organic production is sustainable, traceable and safe for farm workers. I want exceptional quality – the best yarns come from cotton grown and processed the organic way.”

The just launched baby and children bedding collection uses high-quality 330 thread count organic cotton which means its smooth softness lasts and lasts.

To view the collecton please visit their website.

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Feelgood Eco Beds who supply beautiful, handmade and environmentally friendly beds are offering 20% off selected lines this month to celebrate the relaunch of their new website.

The launch also includes a new range of children’s beds which are made from sustainable wood and come with a lifetime guarantee.

To see the Feelgood Eco Beds collection please visit their website

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Eco Bunting are now making Eco- Friendly banners for all those special occasions!

Made using water-based inks in a closed loop system where waste is recycled. Banners for birthdays, anniversaries and new babies with more to come. For use indoors or outside these 1.5m banners can be used over and over again for all your family occasions.

Visit the website for more details

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If you have gone organic in parts of your life, but never thought about organic bedding, read on as to why it makes sense. As a recent reviewer commented, “Why would you want to sleep in something that has been poorly made by underpaid staff and steeped in chemicals?” Conventional cotton producers consume $2.6 billion worth of pesticides; more than 25% of the world’s pesticides on 2.5% of farmed land. It’s not just about chemicals and Fairtrade. Why would you not want to sleep in soft, silky, comfortable organic cotton bedding that has been made from beautiful quality Egyptian organic cotton, by fairly paid producers? Also guaranteed to have used no allergy inducing chemicals.

What is organic bedding?

Certified 100% organic cotton bedding starts with natural cotton fibres which have been grown without the use of chemicals, synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. Only cotton from verified, organically cultivated, sustainable sources can be used, a process which takes a farmer three years to attain. The natural fibre must then be treated and finished using only natural and biodegradable means such as non-toxic bleaching or eco-dyes to arrive at the finished article versus conventional cotton which can be treated with a series of chemicals from the field to the finished product. Certification gives assurance at every stage of the cotton’s journey from field to the finished product on quality, absence of toxic chemicals and the payment and working conditions of producers. In the UK, the leading certification body is the UK Soil Association which adheres to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). Certifications by bodies such as the UK Soil Association or Oeko-Tex not only offer the consumer assurance on the organic integrity and quality of the bed linen but also guarantee no irritating nasties.

Why choose organic bedding?

Choosing organic cotton isn’t just a change in bed linen, but a change in attitude and one which is about value, not just in ethics, but also lasting comfort and value for money. Not to mention the apparent relief it gives to allergy sufferers and reducing carcinogenic chemicals.

The wider benefits of certified organic cotton are much quoted: decreased chemical exposure due to the absence of pesticides, chemical fertilisers or toxins which affect growers’ health and income, allergy sufferers and the environment. As well as being considerate to the environment and the people involved in growing and processing the cotton, certified organic cotton bedding collections also offer the consumer original design and natural, lasting quality for different budgets and for classic or contemporary interiors. Given we spend around eight hours in bed, choosing organic, chemical-free bedding offers the comfort of a great night’s sleep and is often the bed linen of choice for those with sensitive skins; with the added benefit that the product you are buying is from fair and sustainable cotton sources.

Why choose Fou Furnishings ®?

Fou Furnishings is (GOTS) certified by the UK Soil Association, the UK’s leading certification body and environmental charity. All their organic cotton bedding has been made with great care – from the original design, choice of long staple cotton fibres which are inherently strong, to the finished product.The company deals only in high thread counts which need to be woven from long staple fibres such as Egyptian organic cotton which is renowned for its quality. Bed linen fabrics which are woven with long staple fibres inherently contain the natural strength, softness and durable quality of the fibre which will withstand frequent laundering, outlasting those fabrics made from inferior or shorter staple cottons. All of their linens are certified by either the UK Soil Association or Oeko-Tex and have been specified and independently tested by Fou Furnishings for performance against the company’s own and external standards e.g. colourfastness, shrinkage, pilling and allergy inducing dye stuffs.

Fou Furnishings’ linens are available in three qualities in very high thread counts of 330 to 475 and luxurious finishes which means their linens are gorgeously soft and comfortable against your skin and will withstand frequent laundering and still look great. Choose from organic essentials sateen, crisp percale or lustrous Italian sateen for different budgets and classic or contemporary bedrooms. A recent reviewer’s experience of sleeping in Fou Furnishings’ elsa bed linen was described “as though I was sleeping on a cloud, or at least in a really swish boutique hotel. The product washes really well too.”

For readers who want to sample organic bedding, the company would be delighted to send out swatches of their linens. Simply visit their website and click on ‘request sample’ or call T: 0141 644 5211 for friendly service and information.

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Global Kids are chuffed to bits to be adding Kite Kids Organic Clothing to the Globalkids Clothing Range. Not only is it the first time they have found a range they are happy with for up to 11 years of age (they know how many of you have asked for organic clothing for older children!)

But, and this is the best bit they have secured some stock at 50% OFF. Stocks are very limited so please take a look and if you like what you see don’t hesitate to order as they only have a few of each size.  See the range here

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Recent government announcements and the need for the UK to play catch up with its European counterparts point to an environment sector with the potential for significant growth and that means opportunities for the investor.

But what does going green mean in financial terms and what are the options?

Julian Howes, of Go Green Investments – the environmental business arm of Cotswolds-based Graduate & Professional Financial Services – looks at how to invest and poses the key questions.

1) What shade of green are you?

Light green or green with a small “g”: These are funds that allow investments in well established companies that have clearly articulated environmental policies and environmental management systems, but whose main business is not directly related to the environment.

Dark green: or green with a capital “g”. You want your money to be invested in companies directly involved in the green sector and helping the UK reduce its carbon footprint through renewable energy, waste management and carbon-reduction technology.

Mid-green: as well as being involved in green technology, there are companies that have a mix of products and services, some of which are not directly connected to the green sector.

2) What’s your focus – environmental or broader ethical?

There are funds that invest solely in the green sector and there are funds that invest across the gamut of ethical measures and, as well as environmental performance, includes companies’ records on human rights, supply chain, governance, community engagement, employee welfare, animal testing, alcohol and stance on arms and defence.

3) How often do you want to invest?

Capital sum or regular contributions?  In either case, plan carefully the amount you are realistically able to invest.

4) What’s your view – short or long-term?

If you are only investing for the short term, green cash funds are probably what you need. Investing in companies involved in the green sector, as with any other equity investment, should be considered a long term proposition.

5) What’s your risk?

Consider whether you are cautious or you enjoy higher risk in the hope of greater returns. Some investors prefer to balance their investments across a portfolio.

6) How knowledgeable are you?

It’s a wise move to seek guidance from a professional adviser to help shape your portfolio and ensure you have the risk and balance that suits your needs. Your financial adviser must be registered with the Financial Services Authority

7) How do you want to invest?

There are several investment vehicles designed to suit individual preferences as follows:

• ISAs: each year, individuals are permitted to invest up to a certain amount through their ISA allowance in either cash or shares or both. Gains are tax-free.

• Unit Trusts, OEICs and Investment Trusts: collective investments whereby money from savers is pooled and then invested to spread risk.

• Pensions: accorded the most favourable tax breaks because they are intended to provide for your retirement, you can hold a wide variety of investments within your pension fund

• Enterprise Investment Scheme and Venture Capital Trusts: these provide tax breaks for people investing in predominantly unquoted companies.

Build up a rapport with your financial adviser.

Like so many other sectors, the financial services arena has its fair share of terminology. An adviser will help you understand the terms and make informed decisions. A good adviser will understand your financial position and what you want to achieve.

For further information visit Go Green Investments or telephone: 01285 642 507.  You can also email julian@gogreeninvesments.co.uk or follow them on Twitter

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Adullam Homes a specialist Housing Association have teamed up with Ebico a not-for-profit gas and electricity supplier to provide EcoFlaps to Adullam’s housing association tenants.

Adullum Homes’ motto is “Restoring hope and dignity through quality housing and support.” They provide good quality residential accommodation and support for vulnerable people in the Midlands, Merseyside and the North West. Ebico Ltd is a not-for-profit gas and electricity supplier aiming to offer a better, fairer deal for domestic energy to British households. They are also an expanding enterprise committed to working both for social justice and the wise use of the earth’s resources.

Their partnership with Ecoflap will mean that Adullam’s housing association tentants can take advantage of the energy saving properties of the Ecoflap in the cold winter weather.

Picture shows from left to right Louisa King (Ebico) Richard Jessel (Jessel Innovations and Inventor of Ecoflap) Anne Jessel (Partner/Marketing-Jessel Innovations – Ecoflap) Lauren Ottley (Ebico Energy Supplier Marketing) and Laurence Dolby (Project Manager Adullum Homes)

For more info on the Ecoflap please visit www.ecoflap.co.uk

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If you are looking for the ultimate in green gifts then Woodland Ways have put together the perfect gift for the bushcraft enthusiast. How about a Woodland Ways Weekend gift voucher valid for 18 months, complete with your own unique Karesuando Bushcraft Knife, a Reindeer Handle Fire Steel, A DC4 Sharpening stone in a black leather sheath, and a hand made tinder bag to prepare for your fire, all  for just £269.

The Woodland Ways Weekend is the intermediate Bushcraft and Survival Course, and has quickly developed into one of their most popular courses! An ideal starting course for the beginner and for those who wish to try their hand at something different. It is also relevant for those who have an outline understanding of the concept and techniques of Bushcraft & Survival but wish to practice their techniques.

This course is not an endurance test, but is designed for you to get practical hands on experience of the basics of Bushcraft & Survival, in a fun and a safe run weekend. No prior experience is required for you to attend this course.

Beginning in an expedition style camp on the Friday evening, their instructors will guide you through the following sessions throughout the weekend: knife choice and care, fire lighting techniques, tinder choice & preparation, game/fish & mammal preparation, shelter building, natural navigation, natural foods, traps & snares, natural cordage, knot work, tree & plant identification, water collection, filtration and purification. Participants must be 18 years+.

For GreenFinder visitors only we have extended this offer to include all of the above kit, plus a week long course for just £458. You cannot book this online so you’ll need to give them a call to sort this one out, but we guarentee it will be a present never to be forgotton! (and dont tell too many people please, just our gift to you). Please ring 07843064114 and quote GreenFinder.

To learn more about their woodland courses please visit the Woodland Ways website

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Can buying green really save us from climate change peril?

The environmental challenges of climate change, pollution and diminishing resources are no longer predictions of what might be, they are here right now and we all need to tackle them head on. With global emissions in developing countries escalating and the existing developed nations struggling to make significant reductions in carbon emissions, can we really expect to make a difference through our daily purchases?

Research in both the U.K. and U.S.A. has shown that buying green has a positive impact on health, the environment, and local economies. Purchasing is a way of voting with your pound. As consumers, it is important that we are aware of the growing range of environmentally friendly items available to us. By choosing to buy green products, we tell producers and suppliers that we want products that are not harmful to our environment.

The new wave of environmentally focussed companies are answering the consumers call to action and in turn they are helping to drive the market and develop new products, if the momentum keeps up then maybe buying green could change things in a big way. Green phoenix is one such company with environmental issues at its core, focussing on green gifts including tree dedications, carbon offsets and more quirky ideas involving sponsorship of lizards and newts! (The company issue a certificate and construct wildlife habitats on your behalf)

The company is a not for profit organisation and manages a woodland nature reserve in the Cambrian uplands of Wales. The company’s web site also features a section on sustainable living, including lots of free resources and recipes and more information about their nature reserve, “Coed tan-y-bryn”.

Scott Roe the company director says they have seen a large rise in interest and orders of their products this year, “We’ve been amazed at the growth of the green sector and interest in environmentally focused products this year. Our double cherry tree planting for people getting married or celebrating an anniversary has struck a real chord with people who want to give something different and something that gives back to nature”.

You can find out more details about Green phoenix and its nature reserve project by visiting their website. They are currently offer 25% off all items in their online store, just select the “d/voucher” option when choosing your items.

http://www.thegreenphoenix.co.uk

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During the Copenhagen Climate Summit, Green Award Winning Mazzard Farm holiday cottages will plant a tree for every guest making their personal climate pledge.

Being constantly on the look out for ways of taking sustainable travel to yet another level, Green Award winning Mazzard Farm holiday cottages in Devon has many plans to continue to reduce its environmental footprint. It is now taking this one step further by offering to plant a tree for every guest who – during the current Copenhagen Climate Summit – makes his or her own climate pledge.

A small holiday cottage complex which takes green travel very seriously, Mazzard Farm holiday cottages in Devon is constantly on the look out for ways of making travel even more sustainable. Having been awarded recently with a Silver Award for Sustainability in the 2009/’10 South West Tourism Excellence Awards, and carrying the prestigious Gold Award from the Green Tourism Business Scheme, the business is currently developing a number of new plans to further reduce its environmental footprint, as well as making guests (even) more aware of what they can do to help.

In line with this, and to help raise awareness of the role of travel in the current Climate Debate, Mazzard Farm offers everyone booking a holiday during the Copenhagen Climate Summit (7 – 12th  December) the opportunity to provide its own personal climate pledge. In return, a tree will be planted for every pledge received.

Owner Ruud Jansen Venneboer comments: “The way we travel can make a huge difference to our planet, and here at Mazzard Farm we have worked hard to offer people a luxury holiday alternative that leaves only the smallest possible environmental footprint. And from talking with many guests, we know that quite a few have changed some of their habits after having experienced first-hand what possibilities exist. Asking people to make a personal pledge is just a small further step in that process.”

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