Latest news on ethical and eco friendly living in the United Kingdom

published twice a week

Food, drink and nutrition

Fair Miles not Food Miles for a just and sustainable world 12.12.09

Western consumer concern over climate change can do more harm than good if it cuts demand for food produced in developing nations, warns a new book by Oxfam and the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED).

A healthy diet is a sustainable diet says new report 11.12.09

A new report published today (Friday 11 December) by the Sustainable Development Commission finds that eliminating waste, cutting fatty and sugary foods and reducing meat and dairy consumption would make the biggest contribution towards improving health and reducing the environmental impacts of the food system.

The Big Swap- launched for Fairtrade Fortnight 2010 04.12.09

RETAILERS and companies are being urged to back Fairtrade Fortnight 2010 (22 February - 7 March) by making it easy for shoppers to choose Fairtrade goods. Fairtrade Fortnight 2010 has the theme of ‘The Big Swap’ and will encourage shoppers to swap everyday shopping basket items such as tea, coffee, chocolate, cotton Tee-shirts, bananas, cakes, sugar and a host of other products for Fairtrade ones.

Top 10 tips for low water organic gardening on a budget 11.08.09

Difficult as it may be for most people living in the British Isles this summer, in theory summer is a period of low rainfall. For the gardener dry weather throws up a number of problems, and with water prices rising, not to say the words ’hose pipe ban’, maintaining a traditional ’English’ garden during a period of drought can be a heart breaking experience. Here Peter Shield gives his top 10 tips for a low water approach to gardening on a budget.

10 top tips for organic food on a budget 13.07.09

As hard discounts shops continue to hammer suppliers, and organic sales flatten out does this spell the end of the organic revolution? Not at all says the Soil Association who have come out with a simple and easy to manage top ten tips for organic living without first having to have run the Royal Bank of Scotland.

Soil Association demands enquiry into link between intensive animal farming and disease 01.05.09

The Soil Association, the UK leading organic campaigning organisation, demanded a full enquiry into the relationship between intensive animal farming and human life threatening diseases

Cadbury and Mars break promises on colours ban by 2009 19.03.09

Food campaigners at The Food Commission have criticised Cadbury for selling products that still contain one or more of the six artificial colours that can increase hyperactivity in susceptible children, despite the manufacturer promising to remove the colours from all sweet brands by the end of 2008.

Garden 0rganic offers rare sale of even rarer vegetables 17.03.09

The British have a long and rich tradition of vegetable and fruit growing, from the apple orchards of Somerset to the allotment vegetable plots of Teeside factory workers. However visit the fresh produce section of any major supermarket and a very different story unfolds, yes the range of fruit and vegetables on offer is a season defying vastness but the depth of produce on offer is remarkably shallow

Organic Sales down 1% in rising market 17.03.09

Demand for organic has fallen further than many experts predicted - with some categories in double-digit volume decline despite 7% rise in food sales according to TNS. Source The Grocer.

No compromise in 0rganic standards despite recession says Soil Association 10.03.09

The recession is proving a tough time for organic livestock farmers, particularly those in transition from input heavy techniques to organic. The hardest hit have been livestock farmers as the price for organic animal feed, the single largest cost for farmers, has risen in price until it is now twice the price of non-organic feed.

Don’t forget Mother’s Day on 22nd March 06.03.09

Life’s little luxuries are the only way to survive the constant tales of doom and gloom. Turnham Green’s Mothers Pamper Hamper is a celebration of all the little things that never fail to delight.

The Brighton Vegan Fayre 21st March 05.03.09

Brighton’s first ever vegan fayre on March 21st 2009 is set to be a runaway success – with a stunning selection of bands and musicians headlining this all day event at The Brighton Centre this spring

Monsanto 0 Austria & Hungary 2 03.03.09

The European Commission was defeated in its latest attempt to force two countries to drop bans on controversial genetically modified maize

Fairtrade sales top £700 million in UK 23.02.09

Efforts to tackle the global food crisis will fail without urgent action to support small farmers in developing countries, says the Fairtrade Foundation in a new report launched on the eve of Fairtrade Fortnight, The Global Food Crisis and Fairtrade: Small farmers, big solutions?

1000 new allotments from National Trust 19.02.09

1,000 new allotment plots will be created on Trust land in the next three years to give local communities the space to grow their own fruit and vegetables.

2009: end of the organic dream? 12.02.09

The slow down in consumer demand for organic food and produce after 13 years of astronomical growth has been hitting the headlines. Is this the end of the expansion of the UK’s ethical food sector?

Co-op knock up to 20% off Fairtrade lines to support Fairtrade Fortnight 09.02.09

The Co-operative Group is supporting this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight with a series of initiatives, as well as savings of up to 20 per cent on selected Fairtrade products.

Fairtrade Fortnight 2009 starts 23rd February 05.02.09

Members of the public can join team Fairtrade for some free sporty fun and games at the public launch of Fairtrade Fortnight 2009. The two-week annual campaign (23 Feb – 8 March) highlighting global inequalities in trade and promoting Fairtrade products, kicks off with an action-packed event on London’s South Bank on Sunday 23rd February 2009 (11am-4pm).

Tropical Wholefoods launchs Fairtrade Apricot hearts with a new look 01.02.09

Award-winning fair trade dried fruit company Tropical Wholefoods is introducing a new product range and unveiling a new design for its packaging.

Organic Monitor’s 2009 Predictions 31.01.09

With the slowdown in the global economy, there is some uncertainty about the year ahead for ethical & sustainable industries. At the end of the first month of 2009, Organic Monitor gives its predictions on its specialist industries for the year ahead.

Fairtrade wine marker gets £131,000 premium from Co-op 05.12.08

The Co-operative has officially presented its third Fairtrade donation cheque to the Du Toitskloof wine co-operative in South Africa. The ethical retailer handed over a staggering £131,000, which has been generated through sales of its Fairtrade South African wine range.

Ignorance is not bliss when eating out 04.12.08

A new report by The Food Commission highlights the need for clearer nutritional labelling at fast food chains. The report, Ignorance is not bliss when eating out, says that nutritional information, particularly the calorie content of meals, should be clearly posted on the menu boards in UK restaurant chains, in a bid to reduce the incidence of diet-related disease and the associated reduction in life expectancy.

Get Ethical this Christmas 03.12.08

With the crowds abandoning the High Street for the comfort of online shopping, there’s still the issue of visiting several different stores to get everything you need for Christmas gifts for friends, family and colleagues. There is a great – and green – solution now, with online ethical store Get Ethical www.getethical.com

Ethical Consumerism Report 2007 28.11.08

Household expenditure on ethical goods and services has almost doubled in the past five years according to the eighth Co-operative Bank Ethical Consumerism Report published 30th November 2007.

The UK’S 1st Fairtrade fruit puree & juice service announced by AgroFair 31.07.08

Fairtrade fruit specialist AgroFair UK has launched a dedicated service for the sale and marketing of fruit juices and purées from Fairtrade fruit growers. This will support and encourage the growing market for Fairtrade ingredients for products carrying the FAIRTRADE Mark.

Special offer on 4 great Equality Fairtrade Chilean wines 21.02.08

Chilean Fairtrade wine range Equality is part of in store promotions across the UK timed to co-incide with Fairtrade Fortnight, 25th Feb- 9th March. You can taste the wine at the Fairtrade Fair on London’s South Bank on Sunday 24th or profit from the special promotion at Asda, Booths, Morrisons or Threshers.

Supermarket practices are unhealthy, unjust and unsustainable says SDC 21.02.08

A Sustainable Development Commission review of policies affecting supermarkets has concluded that government cannot successfully combat obesity, waste, climate change and fair trade issues without a concerted approach to harness the power of supermarkets.

Two inspiring reads for Fairtrade Fortnight 24th Feb-9th March 21.02.08

Two new books will hit the shelves in time for Fairtrade Fortnight, aimed at foodies and philosophers alike. The Fairtrade Everyday Cookbook is a compilation of the nation’s best-loved Fairtrade recipes from chefs, celebrities. Fighting the Banana Wars and other Fairtrade battles by Harriet Lamb explores how Fairtrade has grown to become a global movement that is revolutionising the way we shop.

Genetically Modified Crops Report 2008 finds pesticide use increasing 13.02.08

Genetically Modified (GM) crops have led to a massive increase in pesticide use and have failed to increase yields or tackle world hunger and poverty, a new report by Friends of the Earth reveals today The report coincides with the annual release of biotech industry figures on GM crop cultivation around the world.

Calls to stop the use of animals in shellfish testing 08.02.08

Eurogroup for Animals is calling for an immediate ban on animals being used to test shellfish for human consumption, after a scientific panel ruled it was a poor way of spotting potentially lethal toxins.

WWF call on retail industry to boycott BlueFin Tuna 04.02.08

As more and more major European retailers boycott Mediterranean Bluefin Tuna, WWF used the occasion of the Barcelona Seafood Summit to call on more to join the ban until the imperilled species is out of the danger zone.

Salmonella levels over 5x higher in battery eggs than organic 01.02.08

The Soil Association can reveal that a recent government survey shows that organic laying hen farms have a significantly lower level of Salmonella. Salmonella is a bacterium that causes one of the commonest forms of food poisoning worldwide.

innocent celebrates its 100% recycled plastic bottles 01.02.08

Those delicious people at innocent are boasting again. This time it is not about the fruity drinks, the furry carpets, or the cow horns on their vans. No this time they are talking in rather loud voices about their recycled plastic bottles.

Co-op Fairtrade Smoothies hit the shelves on 28th January 16.01.08

The Co-op which has lead the UK retail movement into Fairtrade has done another first with its latest range of Fairtrade sourced smoothies. The two delicious brands, Pink Guava and Mango and Orange will be in the fridges on the 28th January at a highly competitive £1.95 a litre.

Don’t skimp on the price of shrimp 15.01.08

Making the right food choice – the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) discusses why it is important to ask questions about your prawns. With all the recent news about eating food that is sustainable and ethical, many of us are feeling the need to do more. But with all the myriad of choices out there, where does one start?

Organic beef- farmers loose 40p a kilo 10.01.08

A new report from the Soil Association shows British organic beef producers are getting short-changed by their processors and some key supermarkets who are not paying enough to cover the costs of production, and choosing to import organic beef even though there could easily be enough supply in the UK.

Soil Association calls for 100% organic chickens 09.01.08

The Soil Association applauds the campaigning efforts of celebrity chefs Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Jamie Oliver to improve the welfare standards of chicken production. A general shift towards more ‘free range’ production would certainly be a positive step forward.

4 key actions can extend life by 14 years 08.01.08

We have all known it to be true, if you don’t smoke, take regular exercise, drink in moderation and eat five fruit or veg a day then you will be healthier. Scientists from Cambridge have now shown how much healthier- 14 years of extra life.

RSPCA launches a campaign to end £2 chickens 02.01.08

The RSPCA launches a new campaign as celebrity chefs move chicken into the spotlight. Shoppers are being urged to upgrade to higher welfare chicken and sign a new online petition calling for retailers to ditch ’standard’ chickens as part of a new RSPCA campaign.

Resolve to choose ethical water in 2008 19.12.07

The Co-operative is calling on its customers to make a resolution with a difference this New Year - by pledging to choose ethical mineral water over standard mineral water wherever possible.

4 great ethical Christmas hampers from Turnham Green 18.12.07

Stuck for a Christmas present idea? Has to get there tomorrow? Then the wonderful selection of Turnham Green hampers may be the solution to your problem- and in case you were worried they are delivered in environmentally friendly jute bags.

Top 28 Ethical companies to chose from for Christmas Gifts 13.12.07

The Ethical Company Organisation publishers of The Good Shopping Guide and the site www.gooshing.co.uk have published their top accredited ethical gifts companies, organic food and clothes, to green energy and pet foods. You couldn’t want for a better place to start your seasonal shopping.

4 Organic New Year’s resolutions 12.12.07

With the present wrapping recycled and the excess Christmas pudding composted, for the perfect eco-friendly end to your festive holiday why not see in the New Year with these top four revitalising and ethical ideas from the Soil Association

The Soil Associations 12 Steps to a Sustainable Food 2012 Olympics 12.12.07

Feeding the Olympics from the Soil Association, Sustain and nef calls on London to deliver the promise to be the greenest and healthiest Games in terms of the food they provide, and sets out how this can be done .

A green achievement the cash strapped 2012 Olympics CAN afford 12.12.07

In aiming to stage the greenest games ever, London’s bid promised to provide “local, seasonal and organic” food. As costs of the Olympics spiral out of control Olympic bosses will be relieved to hear that food for a genuinely ‘green games’ need not cost more.

Susan McCraith’s top 10 wine tips for an ethical Christmas 04.12.07

Susan McCraith funder of ethical wines gives her top ten tips for a safe, delicious, and environmentally friendly Christmas. Ethical wines provide a great range of superb quality organic, fairtrade wines online.

Marks & Spencer named Compassionate Supermarket 2007 03.12.07

Marks & Spencer was named Compassionate Supermarket 2007 at an award ceremony in London by leading farm animal welfare charity Compassion in World Farming on Saturday (1st Dec)

Ethical market worth £32.3bn in 2006 30.11.07

The Co-op Bank’s ethical consumerism report for 2006 show the sector has grown from 29.3 billion in 2005 to £32.3bn in 2006. Household spending on ethical goods and services is now £664, up from just £366 in 2002 an 81% increase in five years.

100% Fairtrade Liberation Nuts hit the shelves this month 22.11.07

Twin Trading and Equal Exchange, two of the organisations behind Cafédirect, have announced that the first Liberation range of Fairtrade nut snacks will appear on the shelves of UK stores this month.

Co-op Fairtrade wines win 4 out 8 top awards 02.11.07

The Co-op’s Fairtrade wine range has scooped an amazing four out of eight awards at the Fairtrade Wine Committee’s annual wine tasting event. The results of the awards were announced on Thursday, 1st November at a Fairtrade Wine Tasting at Vinopolis in London, which was held in conjunction with the awards.

Co-op introduces UK’s 1st organic fairtrade ale 26.10.07

The Co-op has introduced the UK’s first bottled beer that is both Fairtrade and organic. Brewed by one of the UK’s leading microbreweries, Freeminer, the new Co-op Organic Fairtrade Premium Ale uses organic, floor malted, handmade malt and traditional organic hops from Germany.

Organic produce can be air freighted if fairly traded says Soil Association 26.10.07

The Soil Association decision to allow air freight on the condition of fairer trade is welcome but only if the association radically improves it own Ethical Trade Standards and it works with producers to move to surface transport argues Peter Shield.

The Ethical Fine Wines Club -50 wines from £5 to £50 18.10.07

Environmental issues are even starting to affect the wines we drink. Master of Wine Susan McCraith, decided it was time to launch an ethical fine wine club to share the best in organic, biodynamic, and socially responsible wines.

8 green steps to an Organic Christmas 09.10.07

The Soil Association’s eight steps to an organic Christmas is a wonderful starting place to plan your perfect seasonal celebration- healthy, environmentally friendly and delicious. Who could ask for more?

The Co-operative launches largest ethical shopping survey ever 04.09.07

The recently merged Co-operative Group and United Co-operatives is to question its 4 million members on the future of its ethical food policy. This is the largest poll of ethics ever undertaken in the UK and will guide the business’s future responsible retailing strategy.

Organic sales reached £1,937 million in 2006 04.09.07

The latest Organic Market Report from the Soil Association shows that the organic sector grew by £7 million a week in 2006. Published to coincide with the ’Wake Up to an Organic Breakfast’ fortnight the report gives a comprehensive picture of the UK organic market.

Organic Milk demand grows 20% in 2007 04.09.07

The latest research conducted by AC Nielsen for Yeo Valley Organics show that the organic milk sector is now worth £ 145 million by mid-July 2007 as opposed to £121 million in the previous 12 months to July 2006.

Starbucks 0 Ethiopian Coffee growers 1 31.08.07

Fairtrade and organic food pioneers Equal Exchange will be the first company to become licensed distributors for speciality Ethiopian coffee in the UK under a new trading agreement that will benefit some of the world’s poorest farmers.

Rachel’s Organic say 58% opt for an organic breakfast 30.08.07

As part of a UK-wide organic breakfast campaign, ‘Wake up to an Organic Breakfast’ run by the Soil Association, Rachel’s Organic, the UK’s first organic dairy, have just published a survey on British breakfast habits

Co-operative saves 8 tonnes of plastic waste with ‘naked’ cucumbers 29.08.07

The Co-operative Food is to become the first retailer in the UK to launch “naked” cucumbers. Innovative box packaging will save unnecessary packaging while preserving shelf life and freshness.

‘Wake up to an Organic Breakfast!’ 1-16 September 2007 17.08.07

The Soil Association is asking everyone to ‘Wake up to an Organic Breakfast!’ to celebrate Soil Association Organic Fortnight, Europe’s biggest celebration of organic food. Nutritionists have long known that a good breakfast is at the heart of a healthy diet, and what could be healthier than an organic breakfast?

Is Whole Foods Market’s John Mackey up to his old tricks? 03.08.07

Early this morning (2nd August), 6am French time, naturalchoices.co.uk and newconsumer.com both had comments posted on them by a poster identified as rohadeb, the same alias used by John Mackey on Yahoo Finance to denigrate his competitors and boost his own company.

Food Miles: Miles more progress to be made 03.08.07

Flying round the Caribbean and South Africa, Brazil and Israel, may sound like the holiday of a lifetime, but in fact it is just the route your morning fruit salad is likely to have taken to reach the breakfast table.

NFU: No need to apologise for end of cheap food era 20.07.07

The drive for cheap food has been at the root of many farming and rural problems over the last decade and the lifting of commodity prices to more sustainable levels will be good news for the rural economy and the countryside, according to NFU President Peter Kendall.

Low income and nutrition, not so closely linked 20.07.07

The gap between the diets of people on low incomes and those of the rest of the population is not as wide as some feared, according to research just published by the Food Standards Agency.

Co-op to introduce world’s first Fairtrade grapefruit 20.07.07

The Co-op, the UK’s leading supermarket supporter of Fairtrade, is to become the first retailer to stock a Fairtrade grapefruit. South Africa’s citrus farmers have turned around what was a failing sector to the benefit of workers across the Limpopo region.

Friends of the Earth calls for weekly food waste collections 18.07.07

Local authorities should introduce weekly food waste collections as part of a strategy to cut waste, increase recycling and tackle climate change, says Friends of the Earth said. Household waste only accounts for 9% isn’t it time to concentrate on business waste?

Soil Association -organics and air freight 17.07.07

The Soil Association, which early this year called for a public consultation on whether air freighted produce should continued to be certified with the SA logo, is holding today(17th July) a summit bringing tighter many different views to move the debate forward.

Not so Wholesome activity at Whole Foods Market 16.07.07

John Mackey, Whole Foods Market’s CEO has always been a colourful figure, combining organic vegan showmanship with being a hugely successful union bashing capitalist. Now it emerges he has been contributing under a pseudonym to Yahoo Finance forums boosting his own company and slagging the competition.

World Agriculture: The Future is Organic 11.07.07

Should the UN recognise the advantages of organic agriculture? Organic? You must be joking my poor fellow… organic food, it’s only good enough for fools! How can you consider feeding the world with a low-productivity crops?

The rise and roots of ethical consumption in the United Kingdom 09.07.07

Peter Shield, editor of naturalchoices looks at the roots of ethical consumerism in the United Kingdom. From the Rochdale Pioneers in 1844, to the growth of consumer power in the 1970s.

Eco-Centres and Courses – by Terena Plowright 06.07.07

Throughout the UK the galaxy of courses and hands on training around living a more sustainable life is breath taking. Published by Green Books, this is a comprehensive guide of fun and interesting days out for both adults and children.

Who are today’s ethical consumers? 03.07.07

Peter Shield, editor of Natural Choices, looks at the latest research on ethical consumption, and how ethical consumers profiles have changed in the last six years. Which sectors will continue to grow and what are the blocking points?

Organic oysters hit the mark 19.06.07

The Soil Association has announced it is to start certifying organic farmed seafood with its organic label. The familiar label will now start appearing on oysters, scallops, mussels and clams.

Thenag.net changing the world one click at a time 19.06.07

You know what to do, that list of 101 things is pinned to the fridge and all it makes you do is feel guilty. How do you turn that first step into a skip? Briony Greenhill The Nag’s Project Director tells to naturalchoices how it works.

Co-op wine pays Fairtrade Dividend 14.06.07

The Co-op, the largest Fairtrade retailer in the UK, handed over its second Social Premium payment of £90,404 to the Du Toitskloof wine co-operative in South Africa.

Are organic standards under attack from GMOs? 13.06.07

EU Agricultural Ministers have decided to allow organic food accidentally contaminated with genetically modified organisms to be classified as organic as long as the GMO presence is less than 0.9%. Furthermore, consumers would not be notified of any GM presence below this 0.9 per cent threshold.

Whole Foods Market Puts UK into Organic Overdrive 12.06.07

The organic and fair-trade markets are going to increase by 50% and 100% respectively by 2011, and Whole Foods will help this happen says Gavin Rothwell, a Senior Business Analyst at IGD.

Low Carb(on) Diets 12.06.07

Richard Barnett, guest columnist and editor of Ethical Junction’s newsletter Ethical Pulse writes on the carbon impact of our diets and why the Environment Agency is going vegan.

Plastic Ain’t My Bag- campaign builds for Christmas 2007 12.06.07

We Are What We Do, the people who brought us “I’m not a Plastic Bag”, and "Change the World for a Fiver", launches its first high profile national campaign to unite shoppers and shops for a plastic bag free Christmas.

Whole Foods Market- it’s here and it’s huge 07.06.07

During the war American GI’s arrived in London bearing chewing gum and, rather strangely, nylon stockings, unseen luxuries for Britain’s besieged population. Now they are back again but this time armed with 17 different types of organic coffee beans.

The New Green Consumer Guide- Julia Hailes 05.06.07

How green should you be, how green can you be in modern Britain? In The New Green Consumer Guide published by Simon & Schuster Julia Hailes takes a practical lively look at how to reduce the environmental impact of your life, up to and including your death.

Carbon footprint labelling finally gets of the ground 31.05.07

Ian Pearson, Minister for the Environment, announced that DEFRA, is to develop a carbon foot print labelling scheme to show consumers the production, transport and disposal impact of products.

Peter Melchett Interview 30.05.07

Peter Melchett, Policy Director of the Soil Association talks to Natural Choices editor Peter Shield about the Soil Association’s Air Freight Green Paper.

Sainsbury’s goes coconuts about Fairtrade 30.05.07

Sainsbury’s, the UK leading Fairtrade supermarket announced that it is to source all its coconuts from Fairtrade producers in St Lucia. This follows on the recent announcement that from July 2007 all Sainsbury’s bananas will from Fairtrade sources

Soil Association- Organic and air freight, are they compatible? 29.05.07

Should organically grown Kenyan Green beans be given a Soil Association organic label if they have been air freighted into the UK? Air freight represents 1% of British food miles and 11% of it’s transport related CO2 emissions. .

Asda to stock Pure Organic ready made meals for kids 23.05.07

Asda is the first supermarket to stock ready made organic meals for kids. The 24-strong range of organic meals was created by the parents of Georgia Stiles, a young girl who needed an organic diet to combat her autism.

Growing awareness of the benefits of organic food 18.05.07

A survey by YouGov for the Sunday Times shows that 45% of people now thing that organic food is better for your health than conventional food. Only 1% claim it was worse and 47% said that it makes no difference.

LEAF sustainable farming marque takes off at Waitrose 27.04.07

Waitrose promises that by 2010 all its fresh, prepared and frozen fruit, vegetables and flowers will either be organic, certified by the Soil Association, or have qualified for the LEAF marque.

Bags of Change- Over the shoulder ethical loyalty scheme 26.04.07

A cool organic hemp-cotton tote bag that gives you 5% discount on Fairtrade and organic products in your local independent shops- not accepted at any large multiple superstore.

Fairtrade fastest growing sector in the UK market 26.02.07

UK sales of Fairtrade products have almost doubled within the last 12 months and now stand at least £300 million per year, according to the Fairtrade Foundation, which is now seeking £50 million from governments in the UK and abroad to finance its growth.

Marks and Spencers kicks off 2007 with a £200 million eco-plan 24.01.07

“Plan A” is a 100 point, 5 year programme to make the high street retailer carbon neutral, and set new standards in ethical retail, as well as end all waste to landfill sites, increase sustainable sourcing and help staff and customers to lead a healthier life.

Other categories

Products and services

about us - advertise - contact the editor - terms and conditions - privacy policy

Ethical Ads