One of the most interesting consumer trends to emerge in the last few years, is an intense desire to buy once and buy well.
After years of rampant consumerism and following the bite of the cost-of-living crisis, we’ve done a big U-turn in our shopping habits.
Many of us report a dramatic cutback on buying for the sake of it, instead choosing to put our hard-earned cash into brands we feel meet ethical standards as well as our needs.
Sometimes a little retail therapy is just what the doctor ordered, so nobody is advocating not purchasing at all, but lots of us just can’t buy knowing there’s an ethical cost. So, we thought now was an excellent time to highlight some of our Fairtrade favourites in beauty and beyond.
The beauty of buying Fairtrade, is you’re investing in more than your wardrobe, cupboards, or makeup bag. You’re investing in other people’s lives, careers and futures – and what’s more beautiful than that?
It’s why we believe that opting for fair trade goods is one of the most important criteria an ethical shopper should consider.
What is Fairtrade?
Fairtrade certification encompasses a range of standards that protects the workers and farmers involved in growing and producing ingredients, like the sugar and shea butter used in the products at Odylique.
Look for the certification logo (pictured below), to ensure what you’re buying is genuinely Fairtrade!
If you see the logo, it means that:
- Buyers are paying a fair price for raw ingredients
- Workers are paid a decent amount for their labour
- Farmers work to ethical standards in their growing processes
Our Top Ten Fairtrade Faves
Whether you’re a Fairtrade enthusiast or if you’ve just discovered it for the first time, we have compiled a list of our favourite products and companies that supply fantastic everyday items and gifts.
1. Whitakers
Spot lit by the Fairtrade Foundation as a new fave, we’ve got to agree – we’re obsessed!
These moreish morsels are beautifully packaged in fully recycled boxes. Gluten-free, great for vegetarians and made with fairtrade cocoa butter.
Delicious AND decent – what’s not to love?
2. Kingdom Coffee
Kingdom Coffee is ethically sourced and fair trade, roasted twice a week for freshness and frankly, lush.
You can choose from beans to grind, Tassimo friendly, recyclable pods and freeze dried for on-the-go. You don’t, however, have to compromise on ethics or taste.
3. Arena Flowers
Brighten up someone’s day with a colourful flower arrangement from Arena Flowers. Arena sources from ethical suppliers and Fairtrade-certified farms that they have personally approved in line with exacting selection criteria. All staff are paid significantly more than a real living wage.
That’s real flower power!
For their full range of Fairtrade flowers, click here.
4. White & Green
Sari is an Interior Designer who was frustrated by a poor customer experience and by the poor quality of so many brands of bedding (sheets pilling, not fitting properly, being difficult to iron, etc). Together with her daughters she set out to create better bedding with the best designs and partners - sustainable luxury that lasts. The result is White & Green, cutting out the middlemen and working directly with a Fairtrade and Organic certified factory and cotton farmers in India.
With this emphasis on ethical practice you won’t only feel comfy in bed, but feel good knowing that you are supporting Fairtrade!
Shop White & Green organic & fairtrade bedding here.
5. Arthur & Henry
Never let it be said that ethical clothing means compromising on your sartorial splendour. For chaps who like to dress in style, look no further than Arthur & Henry's splendidly elegant shirts. In the words of brother-sister cofounders Mark and Clare: Smart organic and Fairtrade shirts for pub, work and play!
Shop Arthur & Henry fairtrade shirts here
6. Steenbergs Sugar
Take sugar in your coffee? Make it the perfect pairing with fairly traded sugar from family-run Steenbergs. Their sugar - and baking ingredients - aren't run of the mill, though; they provide a range of unique flavours including cinnamon, vanilla, lavender, and rose. Giving back tastes sweet!
Check out their Fairtrade range here.
7. Arabel Lebrusan Jewellery
Arabel Lebrusan is an award-winning designer and key founder of the ethical jewellery movement.
They create jewels to love, but NOT die for – the highlight of which is a bespoke ring is an 18ct rose gold engagement ring.
With central brilliant cut Canadian diamond and 2 pear shaped conflict-free cognac diamonds on the sides, it’s a breathtaking, but uncomonnly ethical way to share your love.
Buy this bespoke engagement ring from Lebrusan Studio
8. Ben & Jerry’s Cookie Dough Peace pop
Ben & Jerry launched their new Peace Pop (which is DELICIOUS btw) as part of their 30th anniversary celebrations, rolling out nationwide following huge popularity.
Based on their inimitable Cookie Dough ice cream, this is a stick version packed with fairtrade ingredients, with a side of joy.
Ben & Jerry’s are committed to using Fairtrade ingredients in every scoop, and first joined the movement in 2005 - do you need any more of an excuse to indulge? It’s for the good of the PLANET.
9. Hey Hun, It's Wine O'Clock
Having a glass of wine need not be a guilty pleasure, especially if you’ve chosen a treat from Hun wines.
Fairtrade bans the use of highly toxic agro-chemicals from being used in the vineyards, protecting both you and the vineyard workers.
Hun Wines developed this further into a super-cute, portable range suitable for summer, available at Tesco stores nationwide.
Explore Hun Wines here >
10. Odylique
At Odylique, we are committed to sourcing the most ethical ingredients possible and are proud of our Fairtrade certification for several of our products:
- Our Fairtrade facemask, which utilises Fairtrade sugar to help reveal natural, radiant skin.
- Our Fairtrade beauty products, such as our natural lipsticks include gorgeously rich Fairtrade shea butter.
We encourage you to feel the reward of ethical shopping. Over 7 million people including workers, families and farmers, benefit from Fairtrade in the developing world – which is why fair trade is important! If you aren’t already part of the movement, start now!
More Advice
If you’d like any more advice or information on our Fairtrade products, please do email us – customercare@odylique.co.uk, add your question as a comment below, or call 01638 491022 – we’re here to help.