World Environment Day – what’s it all about?

According to the UN’s Food & Agricultural Organisation, we waste 1.3 billion tons of food per year across the world. To put that in perspective, if we’re talking about ton bags of rice, you’d be able to cover over 1,000 square kilometers with the amount of wasted food. And, to put that in perspective, that’s two thirds of the surface of London covered in food. It’s also the same amount produced in the whole of sub-Saharan Africa.

So, why do 1 in every 7 people still go to bed hungry? This World Environment Day (5th June) the theme is ‘Think. Eat. Save’.  It’s all about encouraging us to become more aware of the environmental impact of the choices we make about sourcing our food, and what we do with it.

It’s estimated that global food production occupies a quarter of all habitable land, accounts for almost three quarters of fresh water consumption, 80% of deforestation and 30% of greenhouse gas emissions, all of which hamper biodiversity and have a huge environmental impact.

Did you know, it takes over 1,000 litres of water to produce 1 litre of milk? It also takes about 16,000 litres of water (in feeding a cow) to make one hamburger. The amount of natural resource it takes, as well as the resulting emissions from the cow right through to powering industrial chilling cabinets that keep the food cool each our of each day. We waste an awful amount in the quest for convenience.

That’s why it’s important for us to take on the message of World Environment Day this year, and purposefully choose foods with minimal impact. Whether it’s locally grown fresh fruit and vegetables or organic products that don’t use chemicals in their production process, the food we buy must be responsibly sourced and sustainably made. Choosing ranges like our organic Suma food are a great way of thinking of the environment with our buying. Organic food is not a preserve of the wealthy; it’s simply a way of farming using no synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilisers, solvents or food additives. It ensures that harmful chemicals do not pollute our food, our planet or ourselves.

With the population of the world set to increase by almost 30% in 2050 (to 9 billion!) it’s more important than ever we look after this floating ball of rock we all call home.

You can find out more about World Environment Day here.

To see what you can buy more responsibly, you can also shop organic food right here at Ethical Superstore.

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World Fair Trade Day – What are we doing to make the world a better place?

11th May 2013 is World Fair Trade Day

Today is World Fair Trade Day – a day when we celebrate the contribution that fair trade producers, importers, retailers and consumers are making to changing the very rules of trade. Rules which are stacked against the poorest people around the world. Rules that often leave them in abject poverty despite working long hours, in sometimes terrible conditions. Fair Trade seeks to redress that imbalance. Fair Trade is a movement to empower those who have little power in the world’s supply chains.

The terrible tragedy that occurred just outside Dhaka in Bangladesh reminds us of what happens when we put cheap prices ahead of treating people with dignity and respect. With more than 1000 people now confirmed dead, it is difficult to comprehend that there is a direct link between our cheap cloths and this unprecedented tragedy. While many bigger businesses now need to give serious and urgent consideration to their supply chains, you can buy confidently from fair trade suppliers knowing that they already are putting people first.

So what are we going to do from today onwards to make the world a fairer place?



Why not buy commit to switching one product you buy to a fair trade alternative?

• Love coffee? Have you tried Cafedirect rich roast and ground coffee? It’s what we drink in the office and we’re pretty fussy when it comes to what we drink.


• What about chocolate? If your chocolate isn’t Divine Chocolate then you are missing out on a heavenly experience.(Sorry couldn’t resist that pun!)


• Or how about making your tipple a fair trade tipple? Whether you love you “blancs” Sauvignon or Chenin, or your reds Merlot or Cabernet then we have a box of delights for you. Our half case of mixed fairtrade wines brings you the best of South Africa and South American ethical wines delivered free to you front door. What could be fairer than that?


• Still not sure? Then why not look at the hundreds of other products that are working hard to make the world a fairer place – our full range of fair trade and ethical products can be found here.

Or how about committing to supporting those organisations who go the extra mile for the marginalised and disadvantaged growers and producers around the world? Fair trade pioneers like Traidcraft, Cafedirect, Divine Chocolate, Equal Exchange, People Tree, Tearcraft, Clipper Teas, Pachamama, Tropical Wholefoods, Zaytoun and Pants to Poverty.

Also make sure you support those campaigning to make trade fairer at a global level. Organisations like the World Fair Trade Organisation, the Fairtrade Foundation and the World Development Movement.

And finally, if you’re going to be in London on 8th June, join the Enough Food for Everyone If campaign to lobby world leaders to make the world a better, fairer place.

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Light up the Sky the Alternative Way

Eco Bonfire Night!

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Dreaming of a Green Christmas

Christmas is upon us. The lists have been made and the shopping has almost certainly been started. But what kind of Christmas are you having?

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Contact Us

You can email us at enquiries@ethicalsuperstore.com or phone us on 0845-0099 016.

Our address is:
Spark Etail Ltd
Follingsby Avenue
Follingsby Park
Gateshead
NE10 8HQ
UK

Phone: 0845-0099 016
Fax: 0845-0099 017
Phone (outside of the UK): +44-191 418 8260

Email: enquiries@ethicalsuperstore.com

Meet the Team

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  Andy Robinson »
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  Lindsay Devlin »
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  Andy Redfern »
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  Twanna Doherty »