Fine distillers in Cognac, France have combine their expertise with exclusively produced fair trade ingredients from independent producers across the Andes of Bolivia. One such example is the FAIR VODKA made with quinoa, the humble grain that also happens to be a superfood and is full of phytonutrients and antioxidants that is also good for balancing your blood sugar level.

The other flavour is FAIR GOJI, the first ever liqueur made from the sacred goji berry, which tastes a little like cranberry, cherry and plum and comes from the remote, pure valley of the Himalayas

I’m not usually a fan of the flavour of goji berries, making a point of picking it out of my breakfast muesli, and so I approached FAIR GOJI from a somewhat dubious perspective.

I must admit, after a taste of this liquer on the rocks, I quite quickly changed my mind and has become my drink of the season! On its own its a very sweet drink and reminds me of children’s flavoured medicine, which I used to quite enjoy!

My friends who tried it however weren’t as keen, put off by its aroma.
What this liquer really benefits from is some mix and shake action, and so it was cocktail hour and some experimentation that the drink came truly alive.

It became a real fruity, fun and feminine drink for all when added to my favourite cocktail, the mojito. To create, add two cl of FAIR GOJI to 6 cl of rum (we recommend Utkins Fairtrade Organic White Rum from Paraguay), mint leaves, sparkling water and two tablespoons of sugar.

You may also enjoy the drink as a “Gojipolitan”, made with vodka and cranberry juice. Or add a few drops to some quality organic champagne for the perfect aperitif on the patio?

Verdict? Quite the therapeutic alcoholic drink for a hot day. If you’re looking for simplicity, go for the quinoa vodka. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the goji berry vodka as a cocktail (there are more recipes on the FAIR site) and you’re bound to feel pleased.

Available from Harvey Nichols and Selfridges in London, with further stockist details across Europe on the FAIR site.

The roar of Piccadilly Circus is just a moment’s stroll away and yet tibits provides a calm, informal haven for those wanting to benefit from a wide choice of fresh, vegetarian food and juices, at any time of the day.

And choice is exactly what you get with both hot and cold dishes served in a unique food boat that is the main focus of the ground floor of the restaurant.

tibits co-founder, Reto Frei explains: “The idea was born in 1998 of an own personal need as my two brothers and myself are vegetarians. We wanted to create a place we could eat tasty vegetarian food in a relaxed and modern ambiance, just a good restaurant without the lentil & hemp groove. After winning two prices for the idea at a business plan competition, we partnered with the Hiltl family, owner of Europe’s oldest vegetarian restaurant, and made our dream true.”

I arrived at lunchtime and had a wonderful time teasing my tastebuds with the various regularly replenished  and beautifully presented homemade dishes on selection, settling, naturally, on a “tibit” approach of a little of everything I fancied.

“At tibits, we want to offer a maximum of flexibility,” adds Reto. “With the ever increasing demand of self-determination and individuality, exactly chosing the kind of food you like and exactly getting the amount of food you need, is a fun and modern way of eating. And it is relaxed too, you can stay for a drink, have some nibbles or enjoy a five course meal. It is entirely up to you. Last but not least, people with food intolerances can easily pick ‘their’ dishes as everything is clearly labelled.”

For my starter I enjoyed various cold antipasti, salads (such as pepper, tofu and cucumber, below) and little puff pastry delights that added a perfect nutritional balance. Of particular note were the freshly stuffed jalapenos, aubergine antipasti and the delightful full-flavour of dried bean salad with walnuts – I have never tasted green beans that delicious before!

Main dishes continue to be a great tasting fusion of Asian and European flavours with carrot and plum tagine, completely vegetarian green Thai curries, noodle dishes and grilled vegetables.

For dessert, I enjoyed a little of everything, including a delicious traditional Swiss cheesecake, crème brulee and chocolate mousse. With the food sold on weight (minus the lovely selection of freshly baked bread rolls), it’s a fair system and the perfect venue for a group with diverse eating habits.

With vegetarian food this delicious, even the carnivores amongst you may be tempted, as Frei has noted in his clientele. “90% of our guests are part-time vegetarians. More and more meat eaters realise that vegetarian cuisine at tibits is fun and exciting. The old fairytale that you need meat every day to stay strong and fit is slowly but steadily disappearing. And it is fun and supports the climate too.”

Downstairs, there’s plenty of room for private functions, as well as a welcoming children’s area stacked full of wooden toys and books to keep little diners happily entertained, making it the perfect venue for a quick afternoon coffee and cake treat.

Tibit’s sourcing policy is simple: without losing out on taste and its ability to create innovative recipes, Tibits focuses on fresh and local produce where possible in a purely transparent approach. That’s not to say you won’t find a few tropical flavours on the menu and these are sourced as ethically as possible and by boat.

All l the dairy ingredients (including milk, cheese and free-range eggs) are organic and Tibits is always trying to improve and include more organic and Fairtrade certified ingredients across the homemade dishes. You’ll find a lovely selection of coffee creations, speciality teas and fresh juices. With a contemporary bar, it’s a great place to enjoy gorgeous cocktails and organic beers and ciders after work.

Photo courtesy of Pretty Vintage

‘We’re all mad here’ at Greenmystyle.com for all things Alice in Wonderland!  While the beloved tale has been interpreted in Tim Burton’s latest movie, it has managed to creep up as an inspiration in everything from cute blue bows to afternoon tea parties in cafes everywhere. Have a look at some of our picks to recreate Wonderland at home or have a wicked wonderful time about town. Eleni Sardi goes down the eco rabbit hole.

Britain seems to have surrendered to the charms of Alice as Tim Burton’s 3D film has managed to consecutively win the top spot in the box office.

The novel by English author Charles Lutwidge Dodgson under the pseudonym Lewis Carroll has been a constant source of artistic inspiration because of the fantastical world it brings to life and it still manages to be well-loved and resonate with people of all ages.

Last year Heston Blumenthal treated his guests to a Victorian feast much inspired by Alice’s adventures as he offered them a ‘Drink Me’ infusion and an edible watch out of stock that was dissolved in a rather Victorian-looking cup.

Mad Hatter’s tea parties have been very popular lately and we have the scoop on where you can enjoy some of the most lavish cakes and teas in town. And why not host your own Mad Hatter’s party at home? We’ve found the perfect eco considerate homeware that will add a fantasy note to your own little Wonderland. Without further ado…

If you think of a homeless person the chances are you will conjure up an image of someone with no purpose and no potential. Someone who is the embodiment of all that we would least like to be.

Emmaus demonstrates that given the opportunity and the right support, people whose lives have become derailed can not only get themselves back on track but can also make a valuable contribution to the lives of others.

Next time you need to clear some clutter, are looking to re-home a sofa or to complete your collection of glassware or simply want to browse a little and visit a Community cafe you will be very welcome. You can shop or drop safe in the knowledge that your contribution will make a real and lasting difference.

Making furniture go further

Although all Emmaus shops sell good quality second hand furniture, the emphasis of each shop is slightly different. Some shops sell mended and tested white goods, or repaired bicycles, or vintage clothes or plants grown in Community gardens and allotments.  Others have craft sections for which volunteers use remnants of fabric and wool to create something new. Still others customise furniture or make bird boxes and planters or transform unwanted video cassettes into works of art.

With a double bed coming in at £45, a chest of drawers at £15 and a sofa at £50, a visit to an Emmaus shop will guarantee you a bargain. Those seeking quirky and retro pieces that they would be unable to find elsewhere will not be disappointed either. Stock varies according to what has been donated but recent finds include a 50’s picnic hamper complete with its original napkins, a neat sewing box disguised as an occasional table and an art deco lamp.

Recycling is a core value at Emmaus. Donated furniture, the buildings in which Communities are based and even the neighbourhoods in which Emmaus Communities are located get a fresh start thanks to the efforts of Emmaus Communities.

Recent independent research indicates one Emmaus Community can save nearly 900 tonnes of waste from going to landfill sites by the work that they do! Many items that can’t be refurbished or mended are stripped down to their component parts and sold as scrap. In addition, when Communities reduce the need for production of new items, they prevent production processes that harm the environment.

Abandoned factories, schools and convents become viable again when Emmaus Communities renovate them and move in, also providing a boost to local neighbourhoods and offering both a recycling service and affordable furniture.

The focus of work

Emmaus has 19 Communities across the UK in which previously homeless and unemployed people live and work. Each resident is required to sign off unemployment benefit and to work full time at the business of the Community, which is collecting and re-selling donated items of furniture in the Community shops. Not only do Emmaus Communities pay their own way, but any surplus income generated by the efforts of the residents is donated to other local charities and facilities.

Although a safe place to live is, of course, vital for everyone, simply providing shelter for someone who has been without adequate accommodation for a period of time is sometimes not enough. Being marginalised and ignored as many homeless people have been often has the effect of eroding self respect and confidence. Emmaus offers the focus and discipline of work which goes a long way towards restoring in the residents a sense of their own worth and potential.

Dave a resident at an Emmaus Community describes this process;
“Having work stops you brooding about the past and it gives you skills that you didn’t have before. Every time I collect something in the van or sell an item in the shop, I know that I am playing a part in my future and the future of the Community. I can look people in the eye now.”

Rather than assuming that everyone has the same problems Emmaus aims to treat people as individuals with very individual needs and aspirations.
To find out more about Emmaus visit, Emmaus.org.uk

1. Jacks Harvest Yummy Bunny Carrots £4.65

Each bag of Jack’s Harvest Yummy Bunny Carrots contains 12 heart-shaped cubes that have a little bit of added ginger for taste. Each delicious serving provides 190% of a baby’s daily value of Vitamin A and 6% of Vitamin C and the pinch of ginger adds extra potassium while aiding digestion and regulating blood flow. Jack’s Harvest baby food is USDA certified 100% organic and contains no preservatives, artificial flavours or colours, salt, sugar or fillers.

www.jacksharvest.com

A break away from the usual kids toys Cosytots are artistically handmade but hard wearing enough for your children to pass onto their children one day.

Available from Minimyne.com, Felix are based on artist Kathy Brussart’s French childhood and made from organic cotton.  A little expensive at £25, but it ensure you get something truly unique.  Plus it will look great on your shelve for years to come.

1. The Natural Store Daisy Dumpling Organic Baby Alpaca Crocheted Booties £18

This sweet booties are 100% organic Baby Alpaca wool, that is spun using a water mill so very environmentally-friendly. It is a natural product that is so soft against your baby’s skin.

The booties are available in the wool’s nature cream colour and are made in three sizes, newborn, up to 3 months and up to 6 months. They come in different styles from crossover slip on, butterfly slip on and pink flower on toe with strap and coconut button closure.

Each pair comes complete with shoe fresheners filled with lavender flowers and a calico drawstring bag.

The Natural Store

1. Gossypium Continental baby grow £15

This pretty garden printed baby grow has a lovely bug print design with rich reds and purples. The baby grow is made from soft pure organic cotton, and have long sleeves with integral feet. The poppers are nickle-free, it has a continental back fastening and it is fair trade. It is available in sizes, newborn, 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-9 months and 9-12 months.

Image: Olivier Asselin

Join young people from the city of London celebrated the last day of this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight at a heart-warming event taking place at the Barbican with the support of Divine chocolate. Eleni Sardi writes.

Divine has had one busy calendar over the past two weeks as the company has been taking part in the Big Swap campaign of Fairtrade Fortnight and offering all kinds of events and activities to educate people and celebrate the joy of fair trade.

The 100% Fairtrade chocolate company partly owned by cocoa farmers in Ghana has been working hard to make sure the people of Kuapa Kokoo earn a fair wage but also to let them get their own stories out to the world. That’s why Comfort Kumeah and Kojo Aduhene-Tano, two of the Kuapa farmers, have been touring the UK to share the success story of their cooperative which now owns 45% of Divine Chocolate and how this ownership has benefitted them and their community.

This year they have already visited Leicester, Stamford in Lincolnshire and the Channel Islands to talk to schoolchildren, shoppers and retailers, church groups and local businesses, government officials and Fairtrade Steering Groups. Their last stop was a special concert at the Barbican in partnership with the Guildhall School of Music. Inspired by the themes of fair trade, the performances explored the fusion of African drumming, Mc-ing and Song writing and was introduced by Comfort and Kojo.

Of course, as with all Divine events (as we’ve been lucky to discover before), there was plenty of gorgeous chocolate to go around for everyone as well as the chance to talk to the people behind the Divine vision who are always more than willing to share their love not just for their chocolate but most of all for what they do.

NEW PRODUCT ALERT: Delightfully tasty Butterscotch Milk Chocolate, launched during Fairtrade Fortnight. Made with Divine’s smooth and creamy milk chocolate, it’s studded with crunchy toffee pieces and it comes as a snack-size bar for some Fairtrade sweetness on the go. Available all year round at Wholefoods Market and Fresh & Wild stores in London, Oxfam stores nationwide and also online at the Divine Chocolate Shop and Ethical Superstore.

Determined not to leave one shelf and cupboard in your house out of the big swap, we’ve found a pair of gloves that will make your cleaning chores just a bit fairer -but maybe not for you.

Traidcraft has created this pair made with natural rubber latex which is supplied under fair conditions. It’s designed for a smooth fit and increased resistance to household detergents. Perfect for any household task you can imagine, the gloves feature a smooth cotton flock lining to protect your skin.

The product is a result of Traidcraft’s collaboration with BM Polyco, the UK’s leading supplier in gloves and hand protection. The rubber is provided by Sri Lankan rubber manufacturers who pay the farmers a fair wage for the latex and aid them with the necessary technical support and assistance.

The pair is available on the Big Green Smile website where we’ve found a huge and exciting offer to reward all big swappers out there.  Exclusively on BigGreenSmile.com, you can enjoy Ecover 5L sizes value for less with the 3 for 2 offer. You can buy any of the selected products on offer and get the cheapest absolutely free. Choose from Ecover’s detergents and washing up liquids or hand soap and shower gel and give your home some natural TLC. The offer ends 26th of March.

Buy the gloves online here.