Leisure: 10 ideas to make shopping a solidarity act
From beer that helps animals to handmade embroidery by Palestinian refugees. Purchases that invest in freedom and social redemption.
by Marta Pellegrinotti Mari, goodpoint.co.uk
1) Beirut-based brand Inaash works with women in Palestinian refugee camps to create exquisite garments and accessories that pay homage to the traditional art of cross-stitching: high-quality embroideries handmade from fine silk (below, Flat Canvas Clutch Brown Windows Of Palestine, $320). Since its founding in 1969, it has made an impact on the lives of more than 8,000 female refugees, providing training, income and pre-school education for their children. It currently supports more than 350 women in five camps (inaash.org).
2) Born out of the conviction that beautiful things can always give something back, Loft & Daughter is a socially and environmentally conscious lifestyle brand. In addition to being a B Corp and using sustainable materials, for each collection, from kimonos (below, If Saris Could Talk Maxi Kimono, €165) to jewellery, it collaborates with disadvantaged artisans by offering them a social and economic contribution. It also donates 1 per cent each year to the association 1% for the Planet (loftanddaughter.com).
3) Riz Boardshorts is the British brand of fun and sustainable men's swimwear (below, Black Endangered Flower swimming costume, €58): the entire collection is made from recycled fabric, made from plastic bottles, and is 100 per cent recyclable. For every piece sold, £1 is donated to the Marine Conservation Society, a foundation committed to protecting the oceans (rizboardshorts.com).
4) Play balls that aim to create ethical jobs Alive and Kicking is a network of non-profit organisations that share the same purpose, mission and values: to economically empower vulnerable people through employment and entrepreneurship. All the balls (below, Blue Leopard ball, €43) are created to have a positive social impact in the way they are produced and distributed (shop.aliveandkicking.org).
5) Fauna Brewing is a small independent brewery located on a hill in West Sussex. Its mission is to save endangered African wildlife with every craft beer it produces. All cans (below, Wild Dog IPA, 12 x 330 ml, £30) take inspiration from an animal and part of the proceeds are donated to three associations committed to safeguarding the animals that populate Africa (faunabrewing.com).
