A few weeks ago, I received an email from a reader who is starting to think about the impact of her purchases and was looking for pointers on where to start. I’m going to write a longer post on this soon, but my short advice..?
Start where you are.
Whatever you need to buy next – a new dress, new jeans, new underwear – search for an ethical alternative. For my reader, she needs a new bag – a black bag or a compact backpack, to be specific. So I thought I would #MAKETHISFAIRTRADE and offer up some options for a great, classic black bag and a couple of fun backpacks.
1. Aure Que Square Leather Handbag from Fashion-Conscience for £77.50GBP/ 2. Nisolo Lori Tote Slate Grey for $158.00USD / 3. Everlane ‘The Magazine’ for $325.00USD / 4. Sseko Black Suede Bucket Bag for $87.99USD / 5. Everlane ‘The Twill Snap’ Backpack for $65.00USD/ 6. Stone + Cloth Nautical Stripe Lucas Backback from Zady for $74.00USD
DETAILS
1. Aure Que Square Leather Handbag from Fashion-Conscience for £77.50GBP (on sale from £155.00GBP)
This medium-size bag is a great shape – casual, but still with enough structure to rock at work.
Ethical credentials: Handmade with transparency in Nepal (using leather that is a by-product of the Nepalese food industry)
2. Nisolo Lori Tote Slate Grey for $158.00USD
Not quite black, but I included this slate grey tote because I love it’s size and shape and, well, I love Nisolo.
Ethical credentials: Handmade with transparency in Peru
3. Everlane ‘The Magazine’ for $325.00USD
It’s at the higher end of the price spectrum, but this Everlane classic black tote will last years and will never go out of style.
Ethical credentials: Handmade with transparency in Italy
4. Sseko Black Suede Bucket Bag for $87.99USD (on sale from $109.99)
It made me so excited when Sseko launched their latest line of new shoes and accessories. This is one of many beautiful bags available.
Ethical credentials: Handmade with transparency in Ethiopia
5. Everlane ‘The Twill Snap’ Backpack for $65.00USD
This backpack is available in several different colours.
Everlane is one of the most transparent in the business in terms of where their products are made. I would love them to challenge themselves and go even one step further and start talking about the origins of their materials (where is this cotton from?)
Ethical credentials: Made with transparency in China
6. Stone + Cloth Nautical Stripe Lucas Backback from Zady for $74.00USD
I love this compact backpack and the story behind it.
Ethical credentials: Handmade in the USA, proceeds benefit scholarship funds for Tanzanian schoolchildren
Will you start were you are? What do you need to buy next?
Yours Fairly,
Ashlee
Love the second option.