Buying ethical and fair trade products is becoming top of mind for many during the holiday gift-giving season. This is because ethical consumption means treating people and the planet with dignity, which has become more important to people over the past few years. We've put together this short checklist to consider when holiday shopping this year.

Ethical Shopping Checklist

1) Ask yourself, is this gift both sustainable and socially responsible? Meaning, does it contribute to plastic build-up or negatively affect the environment or water? And was the product made in a fair trade environment?

2) Read the label. Find out where the item is made and under what conditions. If it doesn't say, ask!

3) Find out if this is a 'give-back product'? This means, finding out if the item gives back to a community in need? And if so, what does the giving back really mean?

4) Can you find this item pre-loved or does the product contain up-cycled components? For instance, check out second-hand stores, or some of our up-cycled items like our Kantha Collection!

5) Consider supporting a local small business with your purchase and the impact it has on your community.

We have been working hard to fill up our store with products that meet this criterion for the gift-giving season. Swing by our studio at 4333 W 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC for our full collection, or visit us online for select items. 

Remembrance Day 2021

Lest we forget. We will be taking two minutes of silence on November 11th at 11 AM to remember those who have served in any conflict. We encourage the Marigold Collective community to do the same! And, don't forget your poppy.

Greenwashing 101

Greenwashing is a form of marketing, which is used to influence buyers that a company's products, aims, and policies are environmentally friendly. An example of this is a company that portrays their initiatives as green, but with a bit more digging, things are not necessarily as ethical as they seem.

For instance, our Jute Tote is made in a Certified Fair Trade cooperative in Bangladesh. Jute is considered to be the golden fibre due to its low CO2 footprint and allows for the release of tons (literally) of Oxygen into the air. In fact, 1 hectare of Jute plants consume about 15 tons of CO2 from the atmosphere and release about 11 tons of Oxygen during its 100-day growing season. Now, that is truly green!

However, there are other companies creating very similar tote bags, in much less ideal conditions. Meaning, they are made in a factory under unknown conditions. Also, many of these bags are made of Cotton, which is linked to controversial labour conditions and is causing water pollution, pesticide and chemical runoff contamination and water and energy waste. According to Globus Warwick, one cotton shirt can use up to 2,700 litres of water. 

You can be part of the movement against greenwashing by doing your own due diligence and research on the true source of your goods. 

Holiday Postage Reminder:

Be sure to refer to Canada Post's Holiday Sending Guidelines available at the link below!

Featured Ethical Prodcut

* Note Brave Soles bags are available in-store only*

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