The 50 Best Ethical Homewares

2. Mibo Organic Cushions
“At last, organic cotton cushions with pizzazz!” says Virginia of the company’s two elegant modern floral motif designs – “Rushmore” and “Caister”. Both are made with soft, brushed organic cotton. “It was so refreshing to find these graphic designs by Madeleine Rogers – a welcome alternative to the sea of eco-friendly felt or recycled woven seatbelt cushions on the market”.
Where: Mibo (0870 011 9620; www.mibo.co.uk)
How much: £45

3. Coco Shell Lightshade
“I love this fantastically sculptural lampshade – it’s both sustainable and ethically made from slivers of salt-bleached coconut shell (a by-product of the Philippine food industry) sewn on to a wire frame,” says Virginia. Part of the Oh! range of designs, it’s suitable for low energy bulbs up to 100w, so “it’s also quite nifty for giving energy-saving light-bulbs a more ambient lighting effect.”
Where: The Greenhaus (01279 658400; www.thegreenhaus.co.uk)
How much: £148

4. Jane Sacchi antique linen
“Antique French linen is one of the best ways to cover dining room chairs, family sofas and armchairs, as it is hardwearing and washable,” advises Sheherazade Goldsmith. She recommends Jane Sacchi, who regularly travels to France to source stock, including bed linen, tablecloths, napkins, tea towels and bedspreads. Jane sells sheets that can be used for upholstery.
Where: Jane Sacchi (020-7351 3160; www.janesacchi.com)
How much: around £140 for a 2m by 3m sheet

5. Indonesian parasol
“Hen & Hammock have a great variety of products and they really have everything you need to green up your garden. Love it!” says Collin Dunn. One of the company’s most popular items is this luxury parasol. Handmade in Bali, it features a pole made from nyatoh wood (verified by the Indonesian Forestry Department as coming from managed plantations) and a cream cotton hood with a wind-chiming trim made from mother of pearl hearts, cocoa beads, tassels and bells.
Where: Hen & Hammock (01844 217060; www.henandhammock.co.uk)
How much: £180

6. Abaca Organic Mattress
“Sleep well at night, with an eco-conscience, thanks to an Abaca organic mattress,” advises Polly Higgins. “Not only are these the comfiest of mattresses, but Abaca is also committed to the use of materials created by traditional farming methods, avoiding the use of toxic fertilisers, pesticides, herbicides and fungicides. Good news for both you and the environment. They’re also certified by the Soil Association.”
Where: Abaca Organic (01269 598491; www.abacaorganic.co.uk)
How much: £135 for a cot mattress

7. The Wattson
This is the best-designed bit of eco-gadgetry in town “and totally addictive”, according to Virginia. “It will tell you how much energy your home is using and how much you’re spending on it – such as the fact that your microwave costs you £50 a year just to tell you the time, let alone cook anything. What’s more, the materials the two versions of Wattson are made from are eco-friendly, too.” It’s also stylish enough to blend in with even the most minimal of design schemes.
Where: DIY Kyoto (020-7729 7500; www.diykyoto.com)
How much: £125

8. Delight lampshade
“This is, well, delightful. I love the butterflies, and it’s ingenious,” says Collin of this tactile and deceptively simple pendant lampshade. Available in cream, pink, red or blue and designed by Alex Garnett and Nahoko Koyama, “it’s made from felt, so you have to use a compact fluorescent lightbulb because an incandescent would scorch and burn the lampshade,” he also warns.
Where: Mixko (01392 660738; www.mixko.co.uk)
How much: £60

9. Moluche cushions & throws
“Moluche textiles are crafted entirely by hand by the Aymara and Quecha artisans in Chile and Peru using one of the most luxurious and ancient of fibres: alpaca,” says Polly, who sells them through her online shop. “These limited edition pieces are handmade, following an ageold process which respects the local ecology. Traditionally known as ‘the textile of the kings’, alpaca has a wider variety of natural coloured fleeces than any other fibre producing animal.”
Where: Lazye (0845 337 2105; www.lazye.co.uk)
How much: £95 for a cushion cover, £345 for a throw

10. Recycled tyre containers

“Nearly 13.5 million tyres are dumped into landfill yearly,” says Emily. The recycled tyres she sells through her shop are an inventive way of bucking the trend. “Perfect for around the home, or out in the garden, Caravan’s recycled tyre containers are ethically and ecologically produced in Turkey – and the tyres’ second life will last, usefully, forever.”
Where: Caravan (020-7247 6467; www.caravanstyle.com)
How much: £7.50 for a soap dish

11. Race rocker
“From good modernist furniture to mad and quirky pieces, Retrouvious’ ever-changing stock is set out clearly on their website and within their London warehouse. Reclamation is environmentally sound, and what better than to do it in style?” asks Emily. Current stock includes Race rockers, metal rocking chairs designed in 1948 by Ernest Race and now reissued by Retrouvious with a choice of pale blue, grey or yellow linen covers.
Where: Retrouvious (020-8960 6060; www.retrouvius.com)
How much: £135 for a cot mattress

12. Bamboo Salad Bowl
Available in a natural or black finish, these hand-coiled, shaped and finished bowls are coated with a natural, cashew-derived laquer, making them as durable as they are stylish. “This fusion of modern design and traditional craftsmanship works perfectly for me – I’m especially enamoured with the black one,” says Virginia. “The range is made from 100% organically- grown bamboo, which is the most ecofriendly and versatile material in the world.”
Where: Heals (020-7896 7555; www.heals.co.uk)
How much: £40

13. Solar Powered Sun Jar
Lighting is key to creating the right party atmosphere, according to Virginia. “This solar-powered Sun Jar is perfect if you’re indulging in a spot of alfresco dining or throwing a garden party. It’s charged up by the sun, via inbuilt solar cells, during the day and, come sundown, its energy-saving LEDs will cast a warm, flattering glow over your soiree. Magic!” Collin is also a fan. “It’s a bit kitschy, but it’s fun and really works,” he says.
Where: Nigel’s Eco Store (0800 288 8970; www.nigelsecostore.com)
How much: £19.99

14. DBWT
“Selected by the Crafts Council of England as one of the ‘most innovative and original emerging design talents’, Denise Bird uses only ethical production and eco-textiles of the highest quality to create luxurious, desirable and contemporary textiles. Interweaving fibres as diverse as bamboo with silk noil and organic cotton, her designs are pieces to treasure,” says Polly.
Where: Denise Bird Woven Textiles (01985 220491; www.denisebirdwoventextiles.com)
How much: £35 for a scarf

15. Recycled bird house
“No matter where you live it’s always worth putting up a bird box,” says Sheherazade Goldsmith. We like the bird house from Baileys Home & Garden. Made from recycled wood, it’s available in one, two and three-bed sizes, all of them detached but unfurnished and suitable for expanding families of a feathered nature. If you like Baileys style and want to follow their lead, the company’s owners have a book out in September called The Recycled Home.
Where: Baileys (01989 561931; www.baileyshomeandgarden.com)
How much: from £18 

16. Pallet furniture instructions
“Nina Tolstrup created her pallet chair, lamp and stool for less than £10 for the ‘10.TEN.X’ project at 100% Design. As well as being ecofriendly, the pieces have an intrinsic clean and stylish Danish sensibility,” says Emily. This is furniture for crafty types; you don’t buy the items themselves, but a set of instructions on how to make your own.
Where: Studiomama (020-7033 0408; www.studiomama.com)
How much: £10

17. Aster Recycled Glass Crockery
“This recycled glass crockery comes in the juiciest colours and is full of summer cheer – and, let’s face it, we could all do with a bit of that after this summer’s dismal weather,” says Virginia. The range covers dinner plates, side plates, chargers and soup bowls and is available in several, mix-and-match, opalescent shades – fuschia, chocolate, green, blue and turquoise. They’re practical, too – all except the fuschia version are dishwasher safe.
Where: Natural Collection (0845 367 7001; www.naturalcollection.com)
How much: £4.75 for a soup bowl

18. Bakelite Telephone lamp
“Jericho Hands, the cool little eco-lighting company which makes these, has just won Liberty’s ‘Most Promising Newcomer’ award,” says Virginia. “I pounced on one of their renovated antique Bakelite Telephone Lamps as soon as I laid on eyes on them. It works perfectly with my vintage mirrored bedside table. Not only does the design make a previously unusable item usable again but the lighting is LED, so it’s energy-saving, too.”
Where: The Greenhaus (01279 658400; www.thegreenhaus.co.uk)
How much: £560

19. Organic bedlinen
“Crisp smooth bedlinen is one of life’s little luxuries, but it needn’t cost the planet,” says Emily. She recommends the Natural Collection’s top quality organic cotton percale bedlinen as an environmentally friendly alternative to regular cotton. “It features a 240-thread count and comes in natural ecru as well as white (which is oxygen bleached, using no chlorine or optical whiteners).”
Where: The Natural Collection (08453 677081; www.thenaturalcollection.com)
How much: £22.50 for a pair of hemstitched pillowcases 

20. Duchy Collection bench
“Duchy Originals have some lovely furniture,” advises Collin. Made from sustainably forested Herefordshire timber, the Duchy Collection bench is part of a range of garden furniture designed for the company by Leon Krier and Stephen Florence. Inspired by the Prince of Wales’ gardens at Highgrove, it has a solid, unfussy style and seats two.
Where: William Florence (01497 831656; www.williamflorence.co.uk)
How much: £1,820

21. Harvey rocking stool
“For functional, eco-sensitive and often totally unique items, head to Ryan Frank design,” advises Emily. “My favourite is the Harvey rocking stool, which is made entirely from waste wood.” Digitally cut, and made from redundant office furniture without the use of adhesives, it is typical of Frank’s “free range” designs – practical, inventive and ready to cut a dash in anyhome.
Where: Ryan Frank (07984 146383; www.ryanfrank.net)
How much: £130

22. Nail brush
“For all general household uses, search for brushes made from tough plant fibre bristles and wood from renewable sources,” advises Emily. The Green Shop’s comprehensive range includes this nifty nail brush. Not, perhaps, the most exciting accessory you’ll ever buy for your home, but its simple good looks make it stylish enough to take pride of place on your sink and it comes with serious green credentials.
Where: The Green Shop (01452 770629; www.greenshop.co.uk)
How much: £2

23. Timothy Han candles
“Candles are always a romantic – and occasionally a necessary – alternative to turning on the lights. But standard candles can be a toxic hazard,” warns Polly. “Instead, seek out candles free from artificial ingredients, petrochemicals, parfum, GM materials, herbicides and pesticides. Timothy Han creates the most beautifully scented, luxury, allnatural aromatherapeutic candles.”
Where: Timothy Han (0870 950 0108; www.timothyhan.com)
How much: from £28

24. Hemp bed linen
“Thirty per cent of our lives are spent in bed, so isn’t it worth indulging in some decent bed linen?” asks Virginia. “Hemp sounds all scratchy and horrible, but Jilly Cholmondley’s Italian-woven range is soft and lovely and gets even cosier with age. Environmentally speaking it’s a great alternative, even to organic cotton, as it requires less water to cultivate, is naturally resistant to pests and is a high yield crop.”
Where: www.jillycholmondeley.com
How much: £85 for a pillowcase 

25. Ting Sling
“Once all the hard work has been done in the garden, it’s time to relax in an eco-hammock,” says Polly. “Re-using existing but often ignored or overlooked materials in new ways, the Ting sling is created out of discarded seatbelts, morphing into a highly durable and stylish garden accessory.” Choose from seductive chocolate, bright lime green or the more restrained camel version.
Where: Ting London (020-7734 7970; www.tinglondon.com)
How much: £200

26. Pedi stool
The Swiss Army knife of stools, this neat little unit features three storage drawers plus a slide-out stool, which can also function as a coffee table. Designed by Simon Mount and made from FSC Birch Ply, its rounded corners are designed to prevent bruises if you stumble into it and it has locking castors so it won’t roll around once it’s in position. “I love the work of Simon Mount. His work is so playful and fun, and his favourite material is cork,” says Collin.
Where: The Greenhaus (01279 658400; www.thegreenhaus.co.uk)
How much: £1,350

27. Three-door recycling 27 cabinet
Investing in a decent bin “simplifies the whole recycling process”, according to Sheherazade. The Home Recycling website offers a wide range of options, from posh, compartmented stainless steel bins designed to fit inside a standard kitchen unit to no-frills, stackable boxes. This three-door recycling cabinet sits somewhere between those two. Available in white or silver.
Where: Home Recycling (08456 123191; www.homerecycling.co.uk)
How much: £75

28. Natural Magic candles
“These organic candles are free from paraffin wax and, instead, are made from ethically sourced soy wax, rapeseed wax and beeswax,” says Emily Chalmers. “The candles are scented with organic essential oils and, because they are a lot larger than the average scented candle, they last a lot longer. My favourite is the Complete Bliss candle with Moroccan Rose – it lasts for 55 hours.”
Where: Natural Magic (0870 460 4677; www.naturalmagicuk.com)
How much: £35

29. Oak barrel water butts
Some may not feel they need a personal store of water after this summer’s downpours, but it pays to be prepared according to Sheherazade. “Made from ex-distillery oak barrels that have been used for the maturing of spirits, these beautiful old barrels look great anywhere. You don’t even need to have a big garden to have one and, once filled, they supply plenty of water when needed,” she advises.
Where: Water Features Online (0845 638 1822; www.oak-barrel.com)
How much: from £79

30. Biome Lifestyle blankets and throws
“Biome Lifestyle offers cosy wool throws made in Scotland from waste wool, and mohair blankets handwoven in a weaving cooperative in South India,” says Emily. An antidote to some of the grungier ethical products out there, these are the real deal – finely woven, delicately styled and available in a range of soft, natural colours. They’re also very well priced.
Where: Biome Lifestyle (0870 043 4778; www.biomelifestyle.com)
How much: £30 for a blanket

31. Home Made Vintage
This book is by Christina Strutt, whose fabric company, Cabbages & Roses, produces vintage-style fabrics and accessories. It features “over 40 quick and easy sewing projects” and, according to Sheherazade, is a “fantastic book full of things you actually want to make, all using old bits of fabric. A great way to recycle shrunken jumpers and make presents.”
Where: Amazon (www.amazon.co.uk)
How much: £11.89

32. White Lotus chandelier
“Kanzi Home lighting is really great – all of their designs are fun and kind of floral,” says Collin. He recommends the White Lotus Chandelier, which is made from capiz shell hand-gathered in the Philippines. “All of the shells come from sustainable managed sources, and they’re really lovely,” he adds. The White Lotus design is also available as a floor lamp or, for a more gothic feel, the company also sells a range of black lotus chandeliers.
Where: Kanzi Home (0845 055 7710; www.kanzihome.co.uk)
How much: from £250

33. Organic cotton bedlinen
“Albatross has a really nice collection of towels (which come in a nice range of neutral colours), linens, duvets and pillows made from organic cotton,” advises Collin. The 250-thread count bedlinen is especially attractive, with pillowcases and duvet covers that feature chic tie fastenings. Most natural bedlinen isn’t available in a true white but this is, thanks to the company’s eco-friendly bleaching process.
Where: Albatross-Global (0870 850 2098; www.albatross-global.com)
How much: £15 for a standard pillowcase

34. Lazy Chair
“Arbor Vetum’s style is really lovely, and they go beyond the usual FSC label that guarantees a respectful exploitation of forests – Arbor Vetum is actually known as the first company in the world to have been awarded the FSC recycled label certificate for wooden products,” says Collin. If you buy just one piece, make it a “lazy chair”. Ergonomically designed, this curved lounger is stylish and made from reclaimed teak timbers.
Where: Arbor Vetum (0845 606 6818; www.arborvetum.co.uk)
How much: £715 

35. TranSglass vases
Tord Boontje and Emma Woofenden’s TranSglass series of vases are made from recycled glass by an artisan group in Guatemala as part of a Design with Conscience campaign. “I love all three of the versions they have produced – especially the way the shapes challenge the notion of what vases are ‘supposed’ to look like,” says Colin.
Where: Ecocentric (020-7739 3888; www.ecocentric.co.uk)
How much: from £35 

36. Bamboo towels
These towels are 30% cotton and 70% bamboo fibre, an ecofriendly material that grows extremely quickly and doesn’t require pesticides. It’s antibacterial, anti-fungal and antistatic – “perfect for towels,” says Emily Chalmers. It even boasts a natural defence against unpleasant odours.
Where: Nigel’s Eco Store (0800 288 8970; www.nigelsecostore.com)
How much: £7.50 for a hand towel

37. A Carpet of Stars
If you feel that late summer evenings in the garden aren’t complete without soft, seductive lighting but you don’t want to burden the National Grid, Sheherazade has the answer: the Carpet of Stars solar light set. Essentially solar powered fairy lights, each set contains 45 low energy LED starshaped lights mounted on green wire – to disappear among plants – and can last for up to six hours.
Where: Natural Collection (0845 367 7001; www.naturalcollection.com)
How much: £39.95

38. Wallpaper Wildlife
Virginia discovered Inke Heiland’s cute animal wall motifs on a recent trip to Antwerp. Slap one of these on a drab wall and you can enjoy instant, if not authentic, jungle style. These aren’t the kind of creatures you’ll find in zoological reference books, but ones dressed in big blousy flowers and wild paisley prints. “The whole menagerie is created from old rolls of dodgy 1970s patterned wallpaper – what genius recycling,” she says.
Where: Inke (00 31 61 077 2024; www.inke.nl)
How much: £27 for a monkey 

39. Pendant jelly lights
If you’re feeling a bit wobbly about going down the eco road in your home, these pendant lights could well be the solution. Made from vintage metal jelly moulds, with matching jelly mould roses and silk covered flex, they are both fun and functional. Perfect for almost any room, from the kitchen or bedroom to a home office or garage, they have an appealing industrial simplicity about them.
Where: RE (01434 634567; www.re-foundobjects.com)
How much: from £45

40. Organic cotton towels
According to Sheherazade, 25% of pesticide use is sprayed on cotton crops. “Supporting those farmers that take the care and time to produce organic cotton is the best way to protect our soil from further damage,” she advises. Her pick of the natural crop? Greenfibres’ organic cotton towels, which are available in two styles – waff
le or terry – and various sizes.
Where: Greenfibres (01803 868001; www.greenfibres.com)
How much: £6.80 for a waffle hand towel

41. Horizon sideboard
“Chest of Drawers builds wonderfully versatile furniture from sustainably- sourced wood. They also buys clean energy from Ecotricity, recycles office waste via Paper Round and offers staff bicycles through the government’s Cycle to Work scheme,” says Collin. One of its most attractive pieces is the Horizon sideboard, which features a utilitarian design in solid oak.
Where: Chest of Drawers (020-7359 5909; www.chestofdrawers.co.uk)
How much: from £392

42. Rainbow Stone picture frame
This marbled-looking frame is made from Kenyan “rainbow” stone, a fine-grained sandstone in abundant supply. The stone’s predominantly neutral background means these frames won’t jar too much with a contrasting colour scheme. “They add a really great pop of colour and texture,” says Collin.
Where: Green Green Home (01474 814158; www.greengreenhome.co.uk)
How much: £12.95

44. Tyre Horse Swing
Made in the UK from a single, decommissioned plane tyre, this imaginative re-working of an otherwise redundant material is sure to put a swing in your step – or, rather, garden. Suitable for children of three or older, it can be hung from a tree, beam or frame and comes ready assembled, complete with rope and fixing instructions.
Where: Ecocentric (020-7739 3888; www.ecocentric.co.uk)
How much: £75

45. Mirror coasters
Putting some glitz into the Fairtrade philosophy, this set of four mirrored coasters is as ethical as it is elegant. Produced by New Overseas Traders, a family firm which imports Fairtrade, handmade goods from India, the aim is to provide employment in rural areas and to encourage craft skills.
Where: Fairtrade Boutique (0845 365 3247; www.fairtradeboutique.co.uk)
How much: £11.99 

43. Candela lights
A re-useable alternative to tea lights, this set of two portable, rechargeable, low energy LED lights gives off a soft glow for up to six hours. Stand them on the accompanying charging plate and they will power up ready to go as soon as you lift them off (they also come with an on/off switch so you can conserve energy until they’re charged). They are ideal for short power cuts too, as there is no messing about searching for candles.
Where: Love Eco (01223 313409; www.love-eco.co.uk)
How much: £49.59

46. Old Kitchen coffee table
Using 100% post consumer waste (largely laminated chipboard), the designer Julian Angus creates an inventive and unique range of sleek, contemporary furniture from his studio outside Edinburgh. His circular coffee tables are especially stylish, with elegant, curved legs, a practical melamine and formica top and just a hint of Austin Powers about them.
Where: Old Kitchen (07881 761171; www.oldkitchen.co.uk)
How much: around £400

47. Brick lights
Traditional garden lighting is often ugly, obtrusive and energy guzzling. Not so these solarpowered bricks. Designed to be set into driveways, walls, or patios, these are strong enough to be driven over or walked on but sleek enough to disappear into the background when not in use. No special wiring is needed, either.
Where: Ethical Superstore (0845 009 9016; www.ethicalsuperstore.com)
How much: £34.99 for two

48. Garden chairs
Available in either a single or double version, these rocking chairs are the green way to enjoy a touch of granny chic in your garden. Made from solid, sustainably grown Baltic pine and designed to stay outside year round, they also boast an “Ergonomic Excellence” award, giving support to the lower back. For extra comfort you can also buy a fitted cushion.
Where: Just Green (01621 785088; www.just-green.com)
How much: from £330

49. Bowler vine vase
This unusual, textural vase is handmade in the Philippines. First, the inner mould is made, then jungle vine strands (sourced from ethical growers) are attached and buffed and gradually filled with resin. Finally, the vine is lacquered to provide a protective surface. It can be used to serve nuts or sweets, or just laid out on a suitable surface as a sculptural showpiece.
Where: Biome Lifestyle (0870 043 4778; www.biomelifestyle.com)
How much: £48 

50. Organic cotton waffle bath mat
“By Nature has some really posh organic bed and bath supplies – I love the variety, and the true organic style,” says Collin. Though the company does a wide range of natural linen, its organic cotton waffle bath mats offer a twist on the norm, with good absorbency and a homely blanket-stitch edging. Made by Natura Pura with organic, unbleached cotton.
Where: By Nature (020-8488 3556; www.bynature.co.uk)
How much: £10.40