Featured articles
Make love not war on Valentine’s Day
If you're wondering what to get your love interest for Valentine's Day, it may be helpful to recall the legend of St. Valentine.
As the story goes, Valentine was a priest in ancient Rome. The Emperor, Claudius, was fighting various wars, but he was having trouble recruiting soldiers.
Believing that young lads without wives would be more likely to volunteer, Claudius decreed a ban on all marriages.When the kindly Valentine refused to stop marrying couples, he was imprisoned, tortured, and beheaded.
Years later, the Pope declared Valentine a saint, and the day of Valentine's death - February 14 - became a holiday for lovers.
Make love, not war
The message of Valentine's Day is as simple as that old 1960s slogan: make love, not war. And that's why, when you exchange gifts on Valentine's Day, it's important to be sure that you are not unintentionally contributing to wars, violence, or human rights abuses.
It's no secret that the international jewellery industry does not have the best track record for social and environmental responsibility. In fact, in many countries, the mining of precious gemstones and metals is more of a curse than a blessing. Brilliant Earth was established to pioneer a more ethical model for the jewelry business. We are dedicated to offering the finest in ethical origin rings, earrings, and pendants, as well as to raising awareness about the social and environmental consequences of the way jewellery is often produced.
The end of blood diamonds?
Probably the most well-known ethical issue associated with jewellery is the problem of blood diamonds, also known as conflict diamonds. In some countries, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Côte d'Ivoire, profits from the sale of diamonds are fuelling ongoing civil conflicts and government instability.
In other countries, such as Zimbabwe or Angola, the story is no less alarming. Mine workers, sometimes children, are often forced to work against their will. Workers that are paid usually receive meager wages and are subject to torture, rape, killings, and other devastating human rights abuses.
Many jewellers claim that the Kimberley Process, an international certification system established in 2003, has solved the problem of conflict diamonds. However, the Kimberley Process was set up specifically to sever the link between diamonds and civil wars against recognised governments. It makes little attempt to stop other human rights abuses that occur in the mining and trading of diamonds.
Just last November, the Kimberley Process decided to certify diamonds from Zimbabwe, even though Zimbabwe's government has used torture, killings, and child labour to extract diamonds from the country's mining fields. Thus, a diamond certified as "conflict free" under the Kimberley Process may nonetheless have a sordid history that associates it with the worst human rights violations.
Dirty pretty things
Beyond diamond mining, the jewellery trade abounds with unethical practices. Coloured gemstones, such as sapphires and emeralds, are frequently mined in ways that exploit workers, communities, and the environment.
Gold mining is an especially dirty process, releasing toxic chemicals such as mercury and cyanide into water supplies and generating about 20 tons of waste for every gold ring that is produced. Gold mining also fuels violence and human rights abuses - in the Democratic Republic of Congo, it is a major cause of a civil conflict that has claimed more than 5 million lives since 1998.
Sparkle with a difference
Brilliant Earth is proud to offer a wide assortment of stunning, high-quality jewellery from certified ethical origin sources. All of our diamonds come from mines in Canada and Namibia that adhere to the most rigorous labour and environmental standards.
We use recycled gold and platinum to avoid the need for dirty gold mining, and we also offer ethical origin pearl, emerald, sapphire and lab-created diamond jewellery.
Whether you're looking for that perfect diamond ring, shopping for a Valentine's Day gift, or perhaps both (Valentine's Day is a great day to propose, after all!), you'll want to check out our gorgeous collection of ethical origin fine jewellery. That way, you can proclaim your heartfelt affection while remaining true to the spirit of St. Valentine.
Find out more about Brilliant Earth - ethical jewellery
Seeing red - Free Greenland Ruby
Conflict diamonds hit the headlines in a big way - with a little help from Hollywood blockbuster, Blood Diamond - and while few would claim the issues are now resolved (read about the latest upset at the Kimberley Process), at least the word is out there and we know the questions to ask to track down that elusive, ethical engagement ring.
Much less well known is the controversy around the blood-red ruby. A legal war is waging in Greenland as the native Inuit Greenlanders fight for their rights to prospect for the ruby through small-scale, responsible mining just as their ancestors have done for centuries.
The 16th August Union
On 16th August 2007, native Inuit Greenlanders were arrested for mining ruby. True North Gems (TNG), a Canadian mining company, informed on the Inuit to the local police who were told by The Bureau for Minerals and Petroleum (BMP) to stop them prospecting for ruby - even though this violated the Danish Government's own Mineral Code and the UN Declaration of Human & Indigenous Rights.
Soon after, there was a clamp down across the island on the rights of indigenous people to mine. Mr. Lars Lund Sorensen, the head of a division at the Minerals Office at the time, said:
"We don’t want your sort of people having access to this kind of wealth."
The BMP then set about hiring lawyers who would twist interpretations of Danish laws to cover up their behaviour and protect the interests of TNG. They even instructed the Crown Prosecution Service to prosecute local people but offered to drop charges against miners if they signed paperwork stating they will not mine again. Where this bribe was refused, they issued fines.
Determined to fight back, the Greenlanders started their own small-scale mining union called the 16th August Union to uphold their right to mine ruby and to act as a united voice to the Greenland people and the world. They regard their local government to be acting in collusion with the foreign national mining corporation, TNG to create a ruby monopoly to the exclusion of all native Greenlanders.
The Union believes that the natural resources of Greenland belong first and foremost to their native peoples and asks that:
1) the inherent right of every native Greenlander to prospect, responsibly mine, cut, polish and sell their minerals is respected;
2) Section 32 of the Mineral Code that enshrines their cultural and historical rights to make a living from ruby is upheld;
3) they are treated in a democratic and transparent way with respect to their native traditions and world view;
4) the global community, civil society groups and the international jewellery industry support their just cause.
Read an introduction to the 16th August Union
The 16th August Union are asking you to sign their online petition in support of their indigenous rights to mine ruby on the island of Greenland and to make a living out of responsible, small scale mining. The petition will be sent to the Home Rule Parliament of Greenland.
They ask for their rights to be enshrined in a clear, transparent law based on the following simple idea:
"The fundamental rights for indigenous and native Greenlanders under section 32 of the current Constitution to be able to collect, transform, commercialize and export all natural minerals of any sort. (Except oil, gas and radioactive elements in areas with a monopoly)."
Read and sign the full Greenland Ruby petition
What next?
Fair trade jewellery activist, Greg Valerio of Cred Jewellery has got well and truly on board with the Free Greenland Ruby campaign. When Greenland got home rule on 21 June, Greg was there to negotiate with the new Home Rule Government in support of the 16th August Union. Find out how the campaign is progressing with Greg's updates on the Fair Trade Jewelry Blog.
Images from FreeGreenlandRuby.com
Supplier Focus: Good dates for sharing good news
by Simone Bennett, sales & marketing expert
When you're planning your news releases and blog posts for the year, it's always worth finding out what events or campaigns are coming up that could be relevant to your business.
Once you've pinpointed the ones that strike a chord with you and your customers, you can work back from the launch date to schedule a number of articles and releases. These might cover
- products or services you offer that are a good match for the event or campaign
- related events in your local area (you might even run one yourself)
- your opinions on the subject of the event
- relevant information from other sources that you bring together for your readers
Upcoming events
Here are a few dates to get you started. Do let us know if you think of others and we will add them to our list.
Organised by People & Planet, this is an annual national week of action on climate change in schools, colleges and universities. Why not join in the student activities?
Culminating on Valentine's Day, this is a natural (dare we say obvious?) fit for wedding suppliers. Find National Marriage Week on Twitter.
This year the Fairtrade Foundation is asking everyone to 'take a step for Fairtrade' - what could your business do in 2012?
Follow the Fairtrade Foundation on Twitter or like the Fairtrade Foundation page on Facebook.
- Mothering Sunday: 18 March 2012
A chance to celebrate the mother-of-the-bride perhaps?
This year's event will "focus on building the environmental movement and engaging new environmental activists around the globe".
Organised by the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO), this event will take place in May although the website still carries details for 2011.
Organised by The Vegetarian Society, this is the UK’s annual awareness-raising campaign promoting inspirational vegetarian food and the advantages of living meat-free.
Get the latest news on the National Vegetarian Week Facebook page, by following The Vegetarian Society on Twitter or by signing up to the newsletter.
The Soil Association has gone from an organic fortnight to a whole month dedicated to all things organic.
Follow the Soil Association on Twitter and like them on Facebook for updates.
Yum, yum, yum! You can't have a wedding without chocolate, can you? Event partners include Hotel Chocolat and the Fairtrade company, Divine Chocolate.
Follow Chocolate Week on Twitter or sign up to their newsletter (from the homepage).
Share your plans
If you are planning something special for any of these events (or others) do let us know as it's likely we'll be writing about them too. Photos very much appreciated!
What next?
Supplier Focus: No more guarantees? Conflict diamonds & accreditation schemes
by Katie Fewings
Accreditation schemes and group commitments can be a great thing when done properly.
You know that your strong ethics are the backbone of your business – but explaining these to your clients can take a lot of work and a lot of words.
Sometimes the symbol (and link to website) of a relevant accreditation scheme or commitment that validates what you're already doing – from the Soil Association to the Fairtrade Foundation - can say more and say it better than you could on your own.
It tells potential clients that you meet certain criteria (and must continue to meet them), that you’re part of a bigger movement for change, and that they are making a difference by supporting you.
But what happens when the credentials of that accreditation crumble?
The Kimberley Process could be a case in point. When conflict diamonds first came to the public’s attention there was confusion. How was the naive engagement ring hunter supposed to know if the diamond in this small token of love had helped to fund a bloody war?
Then the Kimberley Process (KP) was created with its scheme to certify rough diamonds as ‘conflict-free’. The message was clear – you want a conflict-free diamond? Ditch the long list of complicated questions (to which you might not understand the answers) and ask if it has been certified by the Kimberley Process.
And then the chinks in the KP’s armour started to appear. In 2010, human rights abuses in Zimbabwe led many to question the country’s place in the KP – and the narrow scope of the ‘conflict diamond’ definition.
Conflict diamonds or blood diamonds?
As JCK Magazine reported in its article 'The 'Other' Blood Diamonds':
“But most consumers don’t use the term conflict diamonds. They say blood diamonds. The two terms are generally considered interchangeable, but there is no generally accepted definition of blood diamond. I think most would define it as a diamond whose extraction is directly associated with blood, whether that’s because of a war (the traditional conflict diamond definition), or other kinds of violence.”
At the end of 2010, ethical jewellers Ingle & Rhode wrote for Ethical Weddings on what they considered to be ‘The death of the Kimberley Process’ highlighting how a rough diamond could be certified ‘conflict-free’ from one country but cut, polished and sold into the wholesale market elsewhere with no further checks.
This particular loophole was jumped on by the Boycott Israeli Diamonds Campaign in the summer last year when they said:
“Every year, consumers the world over unwittingly spend billions of dollars on diamonds crafted in Israel, thereby helping to fund one of the world’s most protracted and contentious conflicts. Most people are unaware that Israel is one of the world’s leading producers of cut and polished diamonds.”
Finally, at the end of 2011 came the news that Global Witness, one of the founders of the Kimberley Process, had withdrawn from it. Which begs the question: does it mean anything anymore?
What can you do?
In many ways it’s back to the drawing board. The Ethics Committee formed in March last year by the National Association of Goldsmiths (NAG) and the British Jewellers’ Association (BJA) is recommending caution over the origin of all diamonds.
The CEO of NAG said:
“The BJA and NAG have long advocated their memberships take every reasonable precaution in diligently checking the provenance of the diamonds used in British made jewellery”.
Go beyond the Kimberley Process - tell your clients the extra steps you are taking to be as transparent as possible and ensure their diamonds are not contaminated by blood.
- Use alternative precious stones - if you can be sure of their provenance (read 'Seeing red - Free Greenland Ruby' for ethical issues with another precious stone)
- Don’t forget the rest of the ring - are you using recycled precious metals? Do you sell or remodel vintage rings? Can you offer Fairtrade and Fairmined gold?
- Tell the client either as you go through the process or in a leaflet that accompanies their purchase and they will soon spread the word so that their contemporaries expect and demand the same.
Lessons for us all
While the Kimberley Process applies specifically to the jewellery industry we should all keep a close eye on the accreditation schemes and commitments we sign up to to make sure they are still delivering on their promises.
We can’t afford to become complacent.
Over to you
In your opinion, what are the most trustworthy accreditation schemes relevant to the wedding sector?
Want to know more?
Follow:
See Ethical Weddings jewellery suppliers here
Supplier Focus: Know your mission, know your goals, go go online marketing!
by Robin Dally, ethical SEO specialist
Our primary mission has always been to help people who are preparing for their weddings choose products and services that have a positive social and environmental impact (read more on Why Ethical Weddings?).
Since we started Ethical Weddings in 2006, ethical and green issues have become more mainstream.
However, the wedding industry is still flooded with distinctly unethical products: chemical-soaked cotton, gold mined in horrendous conditions, carbon-hungry, out-of-season flowers and more.
So we have decided that now is the time to help ethical wedding suppliers compete better with the mainstream - to help them get found online not only by couples looking for green or ethical products but by anyone who is planning a wedding.
Online marketing - where to start?
It is easy to feel overwhelmed when it comes to the online marketing of your business. It’s not hard to find advice and tips on what you could or should be doing, the internet is full of it!
And you probably receive numerous emails and phone calls with dubious offers of help with ‘guaranteed’ results.
I want to take away that overwhelmed feeling, make it easy, and show how everyone can achieve their goals by making the most of their online marketing efforts.
My first big tip is to make sure that all your online marketing efforts are focused on your business mission and goals. A clear mission for your business makes it much easier when deciding what to do with online marketing.
Whether you are working out your mission and goals from scratch or digging them out of your business plan, be ambitious: remember, you don't have to target your products or services only at the socially-conscious minority - with the right online marketing they can compete in the mainstream.
Useful guides
For tips on writing mission statements I like:
Once you know your mission, it is easier to work on your goals, for example how much you need to turnover. A good way to do this is to carry out a cash forecast.
Next time
I'll be showing how you can make the most of your existing online relationships.
Want more?
Wood you? A look at wooden wedding bands
By Wenona Napolitano, author of 'The Everything Green Wedding Book'
Has the truth about dirty gold and blood diamonds made you afraid to even consider purchasing a new engagement ring or wedding band?
Do you think your eco-conscience just wouldn't allow you to live with yourself knowing all the damage that mining does to our precious planet?
Have you considered the eco-friendly alternative of wooden wedding bands?
You might be thinking "OK, how is a wood wedding ring any better than metal? We're trying to save trees, too!"
Reclaimed wood rings
Well, many wood rings are made from salvaged lumber, like those made by Gustav Reyes the artisan for Chicago Joinery. Gustav says that "most of my wooden wedding rings are made of salvaged lumber; some simply found."
Gustav handcrafts every wooden ring "to bring out the warmth and honesty of the wood". He creates each ring from a single piece of wood and makes them by hand so that the "structural integrity of the wood is maintained".
The amazing craftsman, David Finch, of Touch Wood Rings creates beautiful works of ring art from trees that have fallen on his over 50 acres of land in British Columbia, from trees from family properties and from wood that was scrapped at local factories.
Wife Nicola states on their website that "we use such a tiny bit of wood to create a ring that we couldn't use up a tree in a lifetime of making wooden rings."
David and his wife Nicola live simply out in the middle of nowhere British Columbia. They believe in "right livelihood" which is about living a sustainable lifestyle that values simplicity rather than material possessions.
David and Nicola do their "utmost to cause no harm to people or the environment," and while they don't think that their wood rings will change the world they do hope that with each ring that they make a little less gold and diamonds will be mined.
Wooden rings as unique as you
You can purchase wooden rings already made but usually it is better to have one custom created for you.
The process is part of the uniqueness of the wooden ring experience. You can be a part of the ring's design.
Each type of wood has meaning and you can select the wood for your loved one's ring by its special meaning and by the colour and feel of the wood.
Wooden rings do have a few setbacks like not being able to be sized so you need to be extra sure on the size of the ring needed when ordering. The other downfall is that they are not as sturdy as a metal ring, you don't want to wear in the pool or immerse it in water too often, but through proper care your wooden ring can be a treasure that lasts a lifetime.
Wooden rings - a green wedding choice
So if you want to stay away from mined metals and be a part of the creative process of designing the perfect ring for your fiancé or the perfect set of wedding bands for your marriage -wooden wedding rings may be the perfect green choice for you.
Visit David and Nicola Finch at www.touchwoodrings.com
Learn More about Gustav Reyes at www.chicagojoinery.com
Read about the meaning of different trees and wood: Qualities of Wood
About the author
Wenona Napolitano is a freelance writer, author and poet in Flint, MI USA.
Her eco-friendly wedding planning book, The Everything Green Wedding Book will be out in December 2008.
To pre-order your copy go to The Everything Green Weddings Blog.
Read more ethical wedding featured articles
Totally vintageous - search for an eco chic wedding gown
By Wenona Napolitano, author of 'The Everything Green Wedding Book'
Are you considering a green wedding but don't think you're going to find a "green" gown that fits your style? Hemp not your thing? Organic cotton or bamboo doesn't fit the bill either? Maybe you think that eco-friendly gowns don't fit into your image of wearing high fashion.
Don't worry you can still go green and wear high fashion... by wearing a beautiful bridal gown from another era.
Are you a gal that loves the styles from eras long gone? The glamour of vintage fashion, gowns from the golden age of Hollywood. Well, did you know that vintage gowns are a very green option?
Why, you may ask?
They are so vintageously green because no new resources are needed to create them. The greenest choices are the ones that require no energy or new resources to create- a vintage gown fits that definition perfectly.
A touch of history
Vintage gowns have become very popular in recent years, not just because of the massive movement towards going green but a renewed interest in the beauty and style of the past has emerged. Many celebrities have donned vintage gowns for red carpet events and for their own weddings.
Just imagine all the styles and elegant fashions you can choose from. The quiet elegance or flapper styles of the 20s, the understated beauty of the 30s, the glamour of the 50s, and the psychedelic fun of the 60s and 70s. Maybe you wish to go back even farther in time to romantic Edwardian or Victorian fashions.
Do your homework
To research vintage fashions and styles of wedding gowns two fabulous books are Vintage Wedding- Simple Ideas for Creating a Romantic Vintage Wedding by Daniela Turudich and Accessorizing the Bride-Vintage Wedding Finery through the Decades by Norma Shephard.
These books will help you see what kinds of dresses were popular during different decades. That way when you start looking for a vintage bridal gown you'll have a better idea of what to search for.
So where can you find vintage gowns? You never know you may find a gem at a local thrift store, consignment shop, or antique store. You might even be lucky enough to have a vintage clothing retailer in your town.
Online vintage
If not, there's always eBay and a host of online retailers that specialize in vintage gowns. Two well known online retailers are VintageWedding.com and VintageVixen.com. If you are in the UK check out VintageDress.co.uk.
How to find that vintage gown
Be careful when shopping for vintage gowns, especially if you purchase from an online retailer.
- First of all make sure the gown is not a reproduction but an actual vintage gown. Several popular stores offer vintage "style" dresses. They are not real vintage gowns. That means they are not green. New materials and resources were used to create them.
- Also be sure that you get a gown that is wearable. Some real vintage gowns are so old and fragile they cannot be worn, at least not without a lot of expensive and time consuming restoration which only a very qualified seamstress could accomplish
- Ask for full disclosure of the gowns condition. Any stains, rips, or tears? Do the zippers, buttons, snaps, etc all work properly? Is anything missing? Is the elastic in good condition?
- Ask for plenty of good quality photos so you can examine the gown you are considering.
- Another big issue with vintage gowns is sizing. Sizes have changed over the years. You'll want to ask for measurements of any gowns you are considering. Get accurate measurements of yourself and an item of clothing that fits you well and compare them.
- Ask the retailer about refund policies and get insurance on anything shipped to you.
- The last thing to consider when purchasing a vintage wedding dress is undergarments. You'll want to know what kinds of undergarments were worn with that specific style of dress. Some styles may require a corset or a hoop skirt.
One of the greatest things about going vintage is you can centre your whole wedding theme around the era of your gown. Think flapper 20s, 50s retro, 80s glam, or the restrained elegance of Victorian times.
You'll see that going totally vintageous can be a lot of fun in addition to being so very trendy and green.
About the author
Wenona Napolitano is the author of 'The Everything Green Wedding Book' out in December 2008. To pre-order your copy go to The Everything Green Wedding Blog.
Fair trade weddings
With Fairtrade Fortnight fast approaching, we are again taking a look at ways in which we can make fair trade a part of our weddings.
In 2007, to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight, we took on a challenge to find a fair trade item related to a different aspect of wedding planning for each day of the fortnight. Read about our Fairtrade Fortnight Wedding Challenge.
This year, we want to hear from you about the fair trade products that will be putting in an appearance on your wedding day, from making your own fair trade wedding cakes to working some serious aisle style in fair trade jewellery. Or if you've already celebrated your wedding, we'd love to see any pics showing a fair trade wedding in action!
To get the ball rolling, we've dug out a few photos from our 2005 wedding...
Fair trade favours with Divine chocolate eggs and fair trade wedding cake courtesy of the groom!
Charity shop wedding dresses
How do you recycle, save money and give to charity all in one wedding shopping trip? Go for a charity shop wedding dress of course!
Usually with only one previous owner, these wedding dresses are generally in pretty good condition and can be nipped and tucked to fit your curves.
Here are a selection of UK charity shops with dedicated bridal departments. So let's go shopping!
- EACH - East Anglia's Children's Hospices
They say: "We've had some truly beautiful gowns donated, some of them are designer one-offs so any local Brides would do well to come and have a look! I think it is great that these gorgeous dresses are going to be used again and will benefit our charity at the same time."
Brigitte Young - Manager
13 Short Wyre Street
Colchester
Essex
CO1 1LN
Tel: 01206 574754
They say: "The Wedding Haven is based within the Havens Hospices Charity shop on Alexandra Street in Southend-on-Sea.
The Wedding Haven is separate to the charity shop section and aims to give the same experience to brides-to-be as other high street specialist shops including appointment-only visits.
To complement the wedding experience, Havens Hospices also offers other such initiatives as wedding favours, Gift Catalogue and Challenge Honeymoons, all of which benefit the charity too."
To make an appointment at The Wedding Haven or to donate items please call: 01702 338 965
To find out more on the Havens Favours, Havens Honeymoons or Gift Catalogue please call: 01702 220 350
They say: "To make the most of your visit, please call the shop beforehand to make an appointment and feel free to ask questions about the sizes and styles available. When you visit, a trained assistant will be on hand to help you (with no hard sell!), and you will be able to view and try on the dresses in comfort."
Bracknell
96 Broadway
Bracknell
RG12 1AR
Tel: 01344 427698
Bradford
54/58 Darley Street
Bradford
BD1 3HN
Tel: 01274 306700
Cambridge
20 Burleigh Street
Cambridge
CB1 1DG
Tel: 01223 329841
Chippenham
5 The Bridge,
Chippenham,
Wiltshire
SN15 1HA
Tel: 01249 447061
Please telephone for an appointment
Coventry
300 Walsgrave Road,
Walsgrave,
Coventry
Tel: 024 76 448909
Heswall
258/258a Telegraph Road,
Heswall,
CH60 7SG
Tel: 0151 342 8416
Leicester
22 Market Street,
Leicester
Tel: 0116 2556455
Poole
136 High Street
Poole
BH15 1DN
Tel: 01202 674086
Please telephone for an appointment
Southampton
76/78 High Street,
Shirley,
Southampton
SO15 3NE
By appointment only, please call Sue Hutchings on 07969 668939
They say: "The first floor of the shop in High Street, Cheadle has been transformed into a dedicated bridal department complete with a large changing room, relaxed viewing area with special lighting and soft furnishings perfect for those all important wedding advisors."
3 High Street
Cheadle, Cheshire SK8 1AX
Tel: 0161 428 5949
Open Monday to Saturday
9.30am to 4.30pm
They say: "The Sense shop in Kingswinford and the Margate shop both stock a wide range of pre-owned wedding gowns and bridesmaids' dresses, plus an extensive range of mother of the bride attire, new items and accessories.
With donations being received and re-sold all the time, it's not uncommon to discover a real gem of a designer or vintage outfit that would make that special day truly exceptional."
Sense Charity Shop
21 Market Street
Kingswinford
West Midlands
DY6 9JS
Tel: 01384 402564
Trading Hours: 9am - 5pm (Mon - Sat)
Sense Charity Shop
126 High Street
Margate
Kent
CT9 1JW
Tel: 01843 297666
Trading Hours: 9am - 4:30pm (Mon - Sat)
They say: "We stock an extensive range of nearly new bridal gowns, beautiful bridesmaid dresses, mother of the bride outfits, and fantastic hats and accessories - all at wonderfully reasonable prices. So you can look a million dollars without spending it!
The bridal department is set on it's own floor with a spacious and private dressing room. You can book an appointment to suit your schedule and have the whole department to yourself to try on as many outfits as you want, in complete comfort and privacy."
Call Sue or Sheila for more information on: 01179 427744
Or visit us at
The Bridal Department at Tenovus
181 Gloucester Road, Bishopston
Bristol BS7 8BG
(on the A38 opposite the old swimming baths)
Find a charity shop near you
If you don't live near a charity shop with a dedicated bridal department, it's always worth having a scout around your local charity shops as wedding dresses do pop up all the time. The Association of Charity Shops helps you to locate your nearest charity shops Select the 'bridal' option to find out which ones might have your dream dress!
Donate your dress
After the big day, if you think your dress is going to be gathering dust at the back of the wardrobe, why not donate it back again? Charity shops are desperate for your donations and if it was your dream dress, chances are it will be another bride's too!
A girl’s best friend? The blood diamond debate
So who is a girl’s best friend when it comes to weddings? According to the marketing it isn’t your chief bridesmaid, it’s that shiny sparkly bit of carbon commonly known as a diamond.
But diamonds inevitably lead to a dilemma for the ethical bride: how do you avoid conflict or ‘blood’ diamonds?
The United Nations definition of conflict diamonds is: ‘…diamonds that originate from areas controlled by forces or factions opposed to legitimate and internationally recognized governments, and are used to fund military action in opposition to those governments, or in contravention of the decisions of the Security Council.’
For a very emotive account of what this could mean in reality, click here.
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, set up in 2002 after 2 years of negotiations, was intended to wipe out the trade in conflict diamonds. According to its website, it is: ‘…an innovative, voluntary system that imposes extensive requirements on Participants to certify that shipments of rough diamonds are free from conflict diamonds. The Kimberley Process is composed of 45 Participants, including the European Community. Kimberley Process Participants account for approximately 99.8% of the global production of rough diamonds.’
However, this is not a complete solution – note the dreaded word ‘voluntary’ for starters. And as one diamond supplier, DiamondHunt.co.uk, say on their website: ‘One of the main faults with the KP is that there are no requirements for individual mines to be monitored by own governments. […] Therefore it will be relatively easy for a determined RUF [Sierra Leone's Revolutionary United Front] controlled mine to continue to mine conflict diamonds then simply smuggle them into the mine of a non-conflict country. These conflict diamonds would then be certified as coming from the non-conflict area and away they go.’
Two years after the KP had been set up, Amnesty conducted their own investigation and found that: ‘New survey shows diamond shops can't assure customers that stones are not conflict diamonds’. Click here for the summary of their findings.
And of course nothing is ever simple. DiamondHunt.co.uk declare that: ‘‘All the diamonds on our http://www.DiamondHunt.co.uk database come from cutters who source their diamonds from De Beers mines only. This way we can guarantee our diamonds are CONFLICT FREE.’
De Beers, however, is currently the target of a high profile boycott by Survival International over the eviction of the Central Kalahari Bushmen to make way for diamond mining.
Director of Survival International, Stephen Corry, believes: ‘It is not OK for people to wear diamonds by De Beers until the Bushmen are allowed back to their ancestral lands.’ And not forgetting Boycott De Beers!
Despite this doom and gloom, it is possible to find jewellers stocking ethically sourced diamonds. Here are a few companies who are really passionate about the ethical element of their jewellery. In many ways, this passion is one of the best assurances you can get that your diamond is ethically sourced.
Brilliant Earth (based in the US) introduce their new collection ‘…of the finest quality conflict-free diamond jewellery founded on the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility. All of our diamond jewellery is certified to be conflict-free, environmentally responsible, and untainted by unethical labour practices.’
HK Jewellery, with branches in Weston, Hertfordshire and Cambridge, declare on their website: ‘We have always been passionate about using conflict free diamonds and ethically mined gemstones and together with the British Jewellers' Association and our diamond suppliers put a lot of effort into ensuring that the diamonds that we use are not sourced from areas of Africa controlled by forces rebelling against the legitimate and internationally recognised government of the relevant country.’
Stephen Einhorn, based in London, state on their website that: ‘Our aim is to run an ethically responsible company. All our fine jewellery is handcrafted to the highest standards in our London workshops using ethical labour and materials.
As we are particularly concerned about where our materials come from we only use ethical Diamonds and refuse to use “Conflict Diamonds” which are inexorably linked with human rights abuses and conflict in many parts of Africa.’
Stephen Einhorn also works with wood. See Thames Wood Jewellery below.
Dejoria believe that: ‘… you should always insist that the diamonds used in diamond engagement rings, diamond eternity rings, diamond rings or diamond jewellery be "conflict-free".
‘After all, not only do conflict diamonds wreak untold misery upon innocent and defenceless people (and all ethical diamond jewellers need to make a stand against this) but we recognise that our customers need the assurance that the diamond they are buying - a symbol of their love for another person - is a legitimate, genuine, conflict-free gem.’
Dejoria also ploughs back a percentage of the revenue they generate from sales into worthwhile projects in the countries where the diamonds are mined such as education and health projects.
The Diamond Jeweller assures its customers that: ‘…all the diamonds used in our diamond jewellery are "conflict-free", whether it be in our diamond engagement rings, diamond eternity rings, diamond rings, diamond pendants, diamond earrings, diamond bracelets, diamond necklaces or diamond cufflinks. After all, a diamond is a beautiful symbol of love which must not be tarnished by a dark history.’
Touch Wood Rings. Or forgo the diamonds altogether! Touch Wood Rings (based in Canada) contacted us about their services: ‘We believe that wearing a wooden ring speaks volumes about your commitment to the environment and to the concept of simple living. Give someone you love a Touch Wood Ring as a socially and environmentally responsible alternative to precious metals and gemstones.’ Check out Al's review of his Touch Wood Ring here.
Thames Wood Jewellery features 2000 year old Roman Oak taken from the first port facilities built in London by the Romans around 63AD. Stephen Einhorn state that: “We are the exclusive owners of this unique wood, which is in effect being “recycled” and used in our fine jewellery and is rarer than a Diamond. If you want to skip wearing gold you can also opt for titanium instead.”
If you are heading off on a diamond hunt, don’t forget to go primed by your Global Witness / Amnesty buying guide and armed with their handy downloadable 2-page leaflet with the key questions to ask.
Ethical-living Leo Hickman also puts in his 2-carats-worth in this good overview piece for The Guardian.
Be my ethical guest
By Sarah Nicholson
As increasing numbers of couples stop to count the cost of their wedding – to the earth as much as to their bank balance - wedding magazines and websites are starting to devote space to environmental and other ethical issues.
A quick Google search reveals dozens of sites dedicated to helping the happy couple make socially responsible decisions about their wedding day, from the purchase of an ethical engagement ring to romantic destinations that avoid clocking up the air miles.
But what about the guests? You might already try to ‘do your bit’ and feel disappointed that a friend or relative hasn’t paid a moment’s thought to ethical issues.
Or you might have been invited to a carbon-neutral wedding – and haven’t a clue what it means.
Or, as is so often the case, your lifestyle and the event you are planning to attend may be an ongoing compromise between ideals and reality.
Whatever your situation, there is always something you can do and, as the saying goes: ‘every little helps.’ Even if you do just one thing, you will be making a difference to the planet.
1. RSVP
If you were asked to reply by email – why not?! It saves paper and the cost of transporting your letter to its destination. If you really want to send a card, choose one made from recycled materials, or a fairly traded one. Of course, you could also send an e-card rather than a straightforward email. The money you save by not buying a card and a stamp could go on the couple’s present, or to a charity collection box.
2. What shall I wear?
Charity shops might not be your usual cup of tea, but it’s worth keeping an open mind as often (especially in more affluent parts of the country) they can be a goldmine of designer or unusual one-off items. But there are other options too: M+S have a strong ethical policy, and even if you don’t find anything to wear there, you could always take a break in one of their cafes which sell only fair trade tea and coffee. Some Fairtrade outlets, like Traidcraft, sell a small selection of clothes as well as beautiful accessories like scarves, jewellery and bags.
3. How am I going to get there?
Of course, it depends how far away the venue is from your home, but consider the options. If several of you are going from the same place, could you hire a minibus? Or share cars? Or use public transport?
If the venue is abroad can you get there by train rather than flying?
If you live in London or the South-East, hiring an electric car is an option, but not unfortunately for people in other parts of the country.
4. They’re getting married in the middle of nowhere!
As I heard someone comment about my own wedding, although I doubt the inhabitants of a market town between Leeds and Bradford would agree!
But if the venue is in a part of the country that you don’t know, why not make a weekend of it and visit the local tourist attractions while you are there. It will help the local economy, especially if you visit small, independent shops…and you might discover a hidden gem!
5. Where shall I stay?
Staying in local B+Bs rather than big hotels helps the local economy, and if you can find one that serves Fairtrade tea and coffee, or uses energy efficient lightbulbs – so much the better!
6. What shall I get them?
This is the biggie. There are so many options now for ethical giving that the hard part is choosing!
If the couple have specifically asked for Fairtrade, or environmentally friendly gifts, then the easiest way is to do as requested!
There are many beautiful and original gifts that can be bought (online or in an independent retail outlet) that make a difference, either to some of the world’s poorest communities or to the preservation of the environment.
The couple may have asked for contributions to a specific charity or to a charity gift list. If they have, and you still feel you want to give them something ‘to remember the day by’, why not buy a small fairly traded present and make a slightly smaller contribution?
If the couple have asked for big-store items, you could always buy something smaller and make an unusual addition – planting a tree in their married name, for example! If the couple have a good sense of humour, a ‘condom kit’ (the money goes to providing contraception advice in Africa) from Oxfam Unwrapped can be a humorous present to remember!
7. I think it’s easier to give them money and let the couple choose what they want
So it is…but how about suggesting that the couple put that money into an ethical investment fund, which buys shares in companies that make a positive contribution to the community or environment. Socially responsible savings and investments are becoming more mainstream nowadays, and (hopefully!) the investment will do well –at the same time as doing good.
8. Yes, but I don’t want to choose something from a list. I want to do something different!
Fine! How about making up a hamper of Fairtrade products – not just the staples like tea and coffee, but wine, pasta, rice, honey and jam would make a tasty addition to any kitchen! Or if you want to be really unusual you could make up a box of environmentally friendly cleaning products from Ecover and throw in some energy efficient lightbulbs!
9. On the day itself…
Tissues made from recycled paper, biodegradable confetti and digital cameras (not disposables!) would all help to save the planet.
10. It’s their anniversary already!
A year has gone and it’s time to send them a card to celebrate. How about a beautiful Fairtrade one? And the present? Well, traditionally on the first anniversary paper gifts are given, so how about some recycled paper products – or a book about ethical living?
Green is the new white - when it comes to tying the knot
Anyone who is considering saying “I do” in the next few months might want to consider following in the footsteps of South West Tourism’s Sustainable Tourism Manager, Neil Warren, who ties the knot this summer.
The couple, determined to practise what Neil preaches in South West England, where there are now over 200 businesses signed up to the Green Tourism Business Scheme, have planned their nuptials with the colour green in mind.
Here are some of the ideas Neil and his fiancée came up with for their big day:
1. Cutting their carbon to church – Neil is taking advantage of the church’s proximity to a canal and arriving with his Best Man, Master of Ceremonies and Head Usher by Canadian canoe. (This is on the promise to the bride that there will be no capsizing!)
2. Alternative Accommodation – Neil is recommending plenty of local, independent accommodation to friends and family. One recommendation is Larkbeare Grange – a five-star, Silver Green Tourism Business Scheme award winner: “It’s great to recommend places to stay that will not only offer high quality but a flavour of the local area.”
3. A Worldwide Wedding – As well as the standard department store list Neil chose to offer one of the increasingly popular ‘alternative gift lists’ which fund projects in the developing world. Fair-trade products will also be a feature.
Fruit juices, coffee, tea, red wine and, even most of the ingredients of the wedding cake will benefit producers around the world. Neil adds: “Having been fortunate enough to stay with a Costa Rican coffee farmer and his family and seen first-hand the difference that fair trade makes, it’s great to feel that our big day could benefit them too. I’ll even be wearing my fair-trade socks!”
4. Eat the View – A reception venue was chosen for its commitment to using local food suppliers which stretches all the way through the menu – even a West Country cream tea for dessert, West Country fudge (as an after-dinner alternative to chocolate) and, to finish, a West Country cheeseboard. The happy couple have arranged for this to be washed down with fruit juices, white wine and even some “Devon Bubbly” (Ashridge Vintage Cider) for the toasts.
5. Travelling Lightly – With guests gathering from near and far, and a honeymoon to follow, the miles soon mount up. To minimise the impact, the carbon emissions have been estimated and will be offset through Climate Care. And rather than jet-off, the train will take the strain for the honeymoon (although the destination remains top secret!).
For more information on hotels, B&BS, party venues, restaurants and attractions in South West England that are accredited by the Green Tourism Business Scheme, and ideas for green holidays in the South West, visit www.visitsouthwest.co.uk/feelgood
Supplier Focus: How can online business directories increase sales?
by Simone Bennett, sales & marketing expert
It wasn’t so long ago that people looked to that old faithful the Yellow Pages or local magazines to get information about a particular business.
The same process still applies today but online directories are the modern alternative to the big yellow book.
We can now access company profiles from all over the world at the click of a button, so being a part of this could be essential to the success of your business.
I joined the Ethical Weddings team at the end of 2011 because I was keen to work with people who are dedicated to bringing targeted ethical information to both suppliers and readers. We aim to be more than just a directory - we want to be an ethical weddings hub, creating and curating relevant content so that everyone involved with Ethical Weddings benefits.
If you aren't already an Ethical Weddings supplier, why should you join?
For one thing, a supplier directory listing will increase the potential for your business to be seen by a large demographic. What's more, our readers are ‘qualified traffic’, which means that they have made a conscious decision to look at your profile because they are searching for a specific product or service that you offer.
It is also a great way to increase awareness for human visitors as well as search engines such as Google.
And let's not forget that online directories can be accessed by anyone, anywhere - at home, work or on a mobile phone - so your profile can be looked at and even shared 24 hours a day.
We know that businesses have varied budgets and advertising priorities so we have different ways for you to optimise your listing at any time. An enhanced listing will gain the most benefit and increase traffic to your website as well as maximise your sales.
A quick summary of the benefits of our suppliers directory
- You will see a natural increase in traffic to your own website as people use Ethical Weddings as a search directory and find your website.
- The link we use to your website will be listed in the search engines, which makes it easier for people to find your website directly through Google.
- We can optimise your listing so that your advert is enhanced and your business is seen by the maximum number of potential customers.
- An entry on Ethical Weddings is a relatively inexpensive way to advertise your business and increase your online visibility. Compared to some of the high costs of print advertising, spending a much smaller amount of money online can help your business reach thousands of potential customers all over the world at any time of the day.
What next?
