All our products are selected against our founding principles of Fairtrade, Recycled, Organic, Sustainable and Local.  It is no accident that fairtrade heads-up the list.

Fairtrade

Over 80% of our product range is fairly traded, we are proud to be recognised by BAFTS (British Association for Fairtrade Shops) as a fairtrade retailer.

Our fairtrade gifts are made by producers in Vietnam, Cambodia, India, Sri Lanka, Guatemala, South Africa, Kenya, Mauritius, Argentina, Nepal, The Philippines, Thailand, Madagascar, Mexico, Peru and Columbia. Every product has a story, we aim to pass on as much information as we possibly can so not only can you make an informed purchase, but also pass on the story with the product.

Fairtrade is a simple way for you to make a real difference to the lives of others. Fairtrade gives people the chance to change their lives for the better through honest work, making use of their skills and labour. A fair wage, decent working conditions, no exposure to toxic chemicals, no child labour, access to affordable loans, fair and guaranteed contracts for production - just some of the benefits of fairtrade for the workers themselves. The 'Social Premium', paid on top of fair wages, is possibly the most important and visible benefit of the fairtrade system. The Social Premium is pooled by all and what it is spent on is decided democratically for the benefit of all - health care, irrigation, sanitation, roads and transport, education, loans to new businesses etc.

Fairtrade builds people, families and communities, it really is a 'win win' - you get a great product, others get the chance of a better life!

Read more about fairtrade on the Fairtrade Foundation website.

As an ethical business we buy fairtrade wherever possible. We regularly speak to local community groups, churches and schools on the topic of fairtrade, showcasing some of our amazing fairtrade products. We support fairtrade events and are proud to be a member of the Scottish Fairtrade Forum.

Recycled

With a keen eye on the welfare of our planet we stock a large number of gifts made from recycled materials. Many of our fairtrade gifts are also recycled - when communities have very little to work with they often make use of what they have, which is often what others throw away!

As an ethical business we insist on recycled and recyclable plastic and paper bags for passing on our products in person. When sending products by post, we reuse packaging that has been sent to us. All our stationary is recycled and recyclable, often being saved from going to landfill. All our printed materials are on recycled and recyclable paper, our business cards and flyers are carbon neutral.

 Organic

We're huge fans of leaving things to mother nature, we could all do with less chemicals in our lives. We are happy to support local businesses making great organic products, find organic products in our Bath and Kids ranges.

As an ethical business we choose organic whenever and wherever possible.

Sustainable

With ever increasing pressures on resources we all need to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle. From supporting sustainably grown crops to buying locally, recycling and reusing it all adds up to a positive difference. We are happy to stock towels woven in the UK from sustainable bamboo; wooden fairtrade handicrafts made from off-cuts, natural wastage and FSC certified sources; stunning jewellery made from sustainable Tagua Nuts and traceable, sustainable palm oil in our range of bath products. 

As an ethical business we look at all the resources we require to run Green Gift Company and make the sustainable choice wherever possible. We reuse and recycle all we can and support local businesses to nurture the local economy and reduce carbon footprint.

Local

Last on the list but by no means least. Here at Green Gift Company we are passionate supporters of 'buy local'. We stock a number of fabulous gift items produced locally by hugely talented crafters. We are delighted to support local social enterprises making practical and decorative items, these purchases make a real difference that's close to home and clear to see.

The 'one-off' nature of much of the locally produced craft makes it less easy to sell online, we try our best. Our local range is available at events and Green Gift Parties.

As an ethical business we source all our business needs as locally as possible, supporting other small businesses is hugely important to us. By sending our online orders via Royal Mail we support our local Post Office, through which we also bank - it all makes a positive difference. We are proud to be a member of the Federation of Small Buinesses, FSB.

So there we are, that's why we do what we do here at Green Gift Company. We hope we've inspired you to go on and make a fabulous ethical purchase!