Purr-fect Pieces of Ethical Design

Looking for something fair and sustainable that will get your sense of style purring? Check out these fabulous ethical feline finds =^..^=

David Meowie Pillow by Two Lost Souls -Bowie and kittens? What a winning combination! How adorable is this handmade pillow case plumped up with recycled plastic faux down

Meow or Never Sweatshirt by Vaute Couture - Keep cute and warm with this organic cotton top! It's also a great way to start a conversation about the awesomeness of adopting shelter animals :) 

Love Cats Rings by Sarah Healy Design NYC - Inspired by the song 'Love Cats' by The Cure, this super sweet ring has been carefully crafted by hand. PLUS 10% of the proceeds from your purchase will be donated to the ASPCA

Cat Backpack by Little Frenchy - Tired of your boring bag made from synthetic fibres? Then check out this blast of sunshine and kitties made from certified organic cotton and natural dyes

Tiger T-Shirt by RCTees - A beautiful tiger face has been lovingly hand printed onto this organic pima cotton shirt

Vintage 1980s Michaele Vollbrach Maxi Dress - Wonderfully quirky, this vintage dress is fantastic for fabulous winter layering

Kat and Mouse Shirt by Pini Piru - This funky kids tee depicts the epic rivalry between cats and mice printed using water-based ink on a 100% organic and fairly traded cotton tee

The Grin by Pini Piru - Another crazy cat character from this Netherlands-based label graces a fairly traded and organic cotton tee

Fat Cat Coin Purse by Blue Q - This serenely happy orange kitty coin purse is made from 95% post consumer recycled material and is sure to put a smile on your dial!

Cat Ballet Shoes by FC Select - These 100% vegan flats are simply adorable! I'd like to know if the cruelty-free materials are also sustainably sourced...stay tuned :)

Leopard Shoulder Trim Dress by Ruby Rocks - Fierce AND fairtrade = WIN! Made in a small factory in Bali, Ruby Rocks knows each and everyone of their employees and ensures they're not only paid an above average wage but also receive healthcare for themselves and their family members

Kitten in Hammock Necklace by Unique Art Pendants - Need a buddy while you're out and about? Why not this little fella? This cuddly pendant has been handmade

Live in the Meow Tee from People Tree - This lovely tee has been handmade by the artisans of Assisi Garments in India using fairtrade and organic cotton fibres

Black Cat Dress by Leah Goren - I definitely have my eye on this dress for summer! The dress is made from 100% organic cotton sateen and the cat print is 100% cuteness

Leopard Ring by Love Hearts and Crosses - This 100% porcelain leopard just wants to hug your hand! Each spot has been hand painted 

Two Peas in a Pod by Nic and the Newfie - Loving this pair of mischievous Siamese cats watching a bumblebee! This super comfy looking sweatshirt is made from a combination of organic cotton, recycled polyester and rayon. Also thumbs up to pockets!

Leopard Jumper by ASOS Africa - Be an urban wildcat with this handmade jumper which has been crafted under fair conditions in Africa. This top is part of a wider collection  produced in collaboration with a rural Kenyan community north of Mombasa

Georgie Kids T-Shirt by Stella McCartney - Um cat cuddles all day??? Yes please! Loving this certified organic cotton tee from Stella's high-end ecofashion label

 
Feeling warm and fuzzy after all this kitty-themed design? Then why not look up your local cat shelter and ask if you can volunteer for a few hours? One great thing you can do is to give them all a lovely brush and a kind word =^..^= That's how I found my little rescue boy while living in the Fiji Islands :)

Checking It Twice Will Keep You Off the Naughty List!

Want to guarantee your place on the nice list this holiday season? Checking It Twice is a free service that will help you do just that! An initiative of Ethical Consumers Australia - this great site provides no-cost personalised gift advice for those who care about people and the planet.

According to their spokesperson Gordon Renouf, "Christmas is not just about getting, it’s also about choosing gifts which show you care. Gifts that send a powerful message about your values to the recipient and also have a positive impact on the wider world”. 

So how does it all work? Start by browsing their existing list of curated gifts for good. Then you can send the team information on: who the gift is for; your budget; the issues you care about; and even the sort of present you already have in mind. After that you can just sit back and relax and the team will contact you within a few hours of your submission with two or three gift suggestions which match your needs. These new ideas are then put on the website to help others make better gift decisions.

Here are just a few of my favourite gift suggestions from the site:

Children's Workshop at Reverse Garbage - This program aimed at young kids shows how fun being green can be! Each child takes home an eco-toy that they've made themselves :)

Upcycled iMac Pet Bed - This example from Atomic Attic comes complete with slipcover and fluffy cushion for added kitty comforts!

Triangle Shard Skateboard Necklace by Deadwood Creative - These super tasty looking pendants have been lovingly hand-crafted from pieces of broken skateboard. They also come in their own recycled paper pouch!

 

Black Hitops from Etiko - A great choice for the chic man! Not only do these shoes look good, but they're a triple threat as well >> sustainable, fairtrade AND vegan :)

You can also visit Checking It Twice on Facebook and Twitter! 

When Eco Design Rains Cats and Dogs!

Truth be told - some of our favourite family and friends are covered in fur...am I right? I wanted to blow a little ecofashion kiss to the beautiful cats and dogs in our lives =^..^=

Real Men Love Cats Tee by RCTees - They do indeed! My Teddy Cat's Da-Da is a case in point! This fab organic cotton tee is also available in a men's version as well

Daisy the Bulldog 'Hot Dog' Lavender Heat Cushion by Showpony - Here in Australia it's coooold outside! When you've got the chills don't go for just ANY old winter warmer, give Daisy a hug instead! She's lovingly made from organic and fair trade cotton filled with wheat and lavender

Cat Print Tea Towel by Arthouse Meath -These quirky kitty are adorable! All Arthouse Meath prints are created by people with epilepsy and learning difficulties

Dog and Lead Shirt Dress by Ruby Rocks - How fun is this puppy print! This label prides itself on its quirky prints and knowing everyone involved in the creation of their clothes, ensuring they receive healthcare for themselves and their families

His and Her Cool Cat Pillowcases by Xenotees - I would LOVE this as an engagement present!!! The delightful print has been hand-screened from an original charcoal drawing

Watchful Greyhound Tee from Max and Molly Designs - A gorgeous and unique hand printed image of a pensive greyhound graces this 100% certified organic cotton top created using climate neutral processes

White Kitty Vegan Shoes from Alternative Outfitters - Slip these kitties on and prowl the town in style! Also available in fuchsia and black

Dog Thread Drawing Tee by KLT:Works -This kid's tee is eco-adorable! The super sweet puppy print has been screened onto a blend of organic cotton, recycled polyester, and naturally occurring rayon

Cat Design Tote Bag by Christine Chappell Designs - Absolutely darling! I love a bag that balances cute with the ability to fit my thingamabobs in :) Handmade using jute and cotton with a spiffy phone pocket which can be closed using a recycled button

Scottie Dog Plush by Pink Bunny Patterns - It's hard to believe that this cheeky chap was crafted from an old sweater! I 'uv you upcycling :D

Cat Print Burnout Tee by Aeon - This cat is ready to hit the clubs, printed in vivid gold using eco-friendly inks

Dog Paw Magnets by Happy Bug Designs - Do your magnetic surfaces require a cuteness boost? Made from recycled envelopes, these magnets will hold your lovely items while increasing their "awww" factor by at least 70%

The Toothless Cat Kid's Tee by Pini Piru - I'm a little obsessed with the quirky cast of characters dreamed up by this label! This fab tee is 100% organic and fairly traded cotton

I Heart Dogs Banner by Endure Designs - Don't keep your love of puppies a secret any longer! This terrific banner has been handcrafted from reclaimed coffee sacks

Peter Jensen Cat Dress from People Tree -The cat-tastic print was created by world famous designer Peter Jensen, exclusively for People Tree. The dress was crafted in India from 100% organic cotton under fair trade conditions

Dogs Never Dump Humans Tee by Hendrick Boards - The purchase of this limited edition tee results in a USD$10 donation to your local animal shelter!

Cat Brooch by Mullanium - Purrfect for someone looking to add a bit of whimsy to their ensemble! This hand-painted is made from recycled and reclaimed materials

Sausage Dog Draught Excluder by Bird Textiles - During the cooler months these faithful pooches will guard your doors against chilly breezes! Made from certified organic cotton and hand-printed with water-based dyes in a workshop powered completely by solar

Black Cat Pendant by Rakun Shop - Did you know that black cats are only half as likely to get adopted as cats of other colors? Show your support for black kitties by wearing this charming handmade pendant! If you're considering adopting a new kitty - think black =^..^=

'Adopt' Slouchy Pullover by The Loving Paw - This eco-heather material looks so sublimely comfy! The Loving Paw was created to help support animal shelters

Lavender Cat Bag by Girl Industries - This cheeky pair of hand-stitched lovelies are made from reclaimed fabrics and filled with delicious dried lavender, sure to give your nose a happy :)

The Dapper Greyhound Pullover by Nicola and the Newfoundland - This puppy oozes canine sophistication! Made from a mix of organic cotton and recycled polyester

Window Cat Bracelet by Hringa -This exquisite piece of recycled silver jewellery and Japanese Urushi lacquer is a delight! Pouncing from the creative mind of Icelandic designer Inga R Bachmann, 'Hringa' means 'making rings'