5 Aug, 2015
As Hongkongers pay more heed to their carbon footprint some are opening fair trade stores to cater to their desire to consume with a conscience
Most of us love to shop yet many are oblivious to the negative impacts our spending habits and product choices have on the environment and labourers who produce these goods. The United Nations estimates that unfair trade rules deny poor countries US$700 billion every year. But Hong Kong is slowly becoming more aware of the issue, with alternatives to chain stores and supermarkets sprouting up to help us shop in a more socially responsible way.
Fair Circle
With outlets in Jordan, Quarry Bay and Tsuen Wan, Fair Circle (shop.hkfairtradepower.com) has been advocating ethical consumerism for 10 years. Other than sourcing a variety of fair trade food and drinks, personal care products and accessories from Europe and Asia, the social enterprise has established a long-term relationship with various producers in India, Nepal and Bangladesh to identify their expertise and offer support to help them come up with products that cater to local preferences. Each product has a tag to tell its story and food items such as Podie's spices from Sri Lanka come with easy-to-follow recipes.
Natural heating pad
The answer to a sore neck after a day's work. A choice of wheat (HK$149) or wheat and lavender (HK$189), this washable, microwave wrap made in colourful fabric by seamstresses from the Gansu Handmade Workshop is said to offer instant pain relief and enhances blood circulation.
Terracotta coil burner
Crafted by Corr - The Jute Works in Bangladesh in the shape of a tagine (HK$159) or turtle (HK$129) and designed by Fair Circle, it repels annoying insects and looks good into the bargain. Goes very well with the herbal mosquito coil (HK$59/eight coils) produced by India's Mereville Trust.
Anti-bacterial body spray
This invigorating mist (HK$89/50ml) doesn't prevent perspiration but deodorises with the help of a formula from a local brand named Beyond Aromatherapy. It is made with vodka and fair trade essential oils of sweet orange, lemon and peppermint imported from Moroccan and Indian villages.
Woven bag
Comes in brown or grey, this chic shoulder bag (HK$158) is made with woven fabric hand dyed using plant-based colours by Nepalese women under the Women's Skill Development Project. Designed by Japanese volunteers, it has an adjustable strap and can double as a waist bag. Other styles - including coin pouch and pass case - are also available.
https://www.scmp.com/magazines/48-hours/article/1845533/three-hong-kong-fair-trade-stores-and-their-top-selling-items |
