Magazine Musings
The eco power of the thirty-something purse was revealed by Marie Claire this week following their survey of 3000 women. Apparently 70% of them consider whether products are Fair Trade or ethically sourced as a factor when purchasing fashion. Exciting -- although concerning is that 80% are prepared to spend more on designer fashion items, beauty products and luxury goods, if they know they are ethically sourced -- does that mean that we don't care about the normal stuff we buy every day? And especially when so much is ripped off the designer catwalk and sold in the middle sector -- why don't we shop for *everything* in an ethical way. We need to carry out convictions and not be swayed otherwise by Fair Trade and ethical fashion being less accessible -- by buying it, we make it more accessible.
Over at Conde Nast Traveller there is a certain irony, as they run a prize for 'Sustainability' amongst The Innovation & Design Awards 2008. However, People Tree was nominated, then short-listed, but pipped to the post by 'Solar Tree' -- an Austrian solar sheet light installation. (Great design and nice idea) -- should People Tree do a collaboration with Solar Tree? I found myself wondering -- make a solar panelled raincoat to charge up some energy as we walk to the tube or walk 'round and about during lunch? mmm...
Lovely that Conde Nast Traveller readers should nominate People Tree -- Thanks! But really wouldn't Conde Nast Traveller be better off dedicating their prize for 'Sustainability' to promoting sustainability in their sector -- tourism? It could celebrate the best in eco-tourism or even conventional hotel chains that go green. Not green-wash messages alone about not keeping the tap running whilst you brush your teeth, but a genuine programme of charge -- they could link up with Green Globe. Some of the most progressive, larger hotels I've partnered with have launched Fair Trade shops in their foyer (aren't hotel gift shops dire?! -- a Fair Trade shop thoughtfully produced can add a human touch to even the coldest marble 'luxury' hotels -- where else would you long to be touched by the warmth of handicrafts and natural materials?) Hotels have put Fair Trade matches at tables -- matches are often made by children in India, and hung hand-woven Fair Trade curtains at the windows and plumped hand-embroidered cushions on the sofas. Some have hosted a World Fair Trade Day Seminar and Fashion Show and Fair Trade lunch banquet for hundreds of family people. So, come on -- let's get real -- we need a revolution in the tourism industry, as we do in every industry, could our friends at Conde Nast Traveller not help promote that with their 'Sustainability' prize?
Anyway, I wore a hand-woven Fair Trade green dress to the Awards, rather too short revealing my 'porky' thighs (as my ex calls them -- that is not why he is my ex) -- and drank a little too much with Sarah Tolley who assists me in planning and Antony Waller, Head of Communications and James Minney.
Conde Nast Traveller -- if you want me as a judge for the 'Sustainability' Award, specifically for Eco Tourism, I am yours! :)
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