“Cut the Carbon” – Christian Aid’s latest campaign is to raise awareness of the fact that climate change is not just a future problem, its something we need to act on now. The charity has organized a march that will take 80 days and cover 1000 miles starting in Belfast in July before reaching the London Stock Exchange on the 2nd October. The walk the walk on climate change is being referred to as the longest protest march in UK history and has several rally’s you can get involved with over the next couple of months. To find out how you can participate in the march visit www. christianaid.org.uk

A report has come out on the top 100 Ethical Heroes, voted by their viability, influence, quality, sustainability and authenticity. The list was compiled based on those who have had the biggest contribution to ethical consumption. Top of the list was campaigner and t shirt designer, Katharine Hamnett who over the last year has launched her online shop selling the ever popular slogan t-shirt which are made from 100% organic cotton and printed by the only Soil Association licenced t-shirt printer, T Shirt and Sons.
www.newconsumer.com

Marks and Spencer’s have been busy at finding a way to reuse recycled plastic bottles and have come up with a very interesting new line of trousers.� Part of a new eco-initiative, the trousers which come in charcoal and navy are made from recycled clear plastic bottles that have been spun into polyester by factories in Taiwan.� They are retailing at £19.50 which seems very reasonable and even come with a “coin - catcher” pocket preventing loose change dropping out when you sit down!!

Speakers at the event include a number of high profile practitioner’s from across the globe who will be talking about the following subjects;

Protecting the Environment – Legal and Moral Obligations of Industry, Retailers and Consumers
Krishan Hundal, Marks & Spencer (UK)

Integrating sustainable fibers into performance fabrics and apparel
Lynda Grose, Sustainable Cotton Project (USA)

Prof Michael Braungart, EPEA (Germany)

Eco-labelling – How to trace and certify products
Betsy Blaisdell, Timberland (USA)

Standards: Protecting, People, Profits and the Planet
Sean Cady, Levi Strauss (USA)

Staying Alive – and greener in the process
Andrea Crespi, Eurojersey SpA (Italy)

Cleaning up our act – the past 50 years of chemicals in the textile industry
Charles Myring, Clariant (Switzerland)

Circulation versus salvation – The dilemmas of green reporting
Lucy Siegle, The Observer (UK)

Making re-cycling garments a reality – Patagonia Recycled Threads Programme
Todd Copeland, Patagonia (USA)

To find out more information of how to attend please log onto www.ritegroup.org

Consumers are continuing to embrace greener products with the increase in eco-fabric styles. Bamboo seems to be the popular alternative with many brands opting for this fabric and its forecasted to be everywhere next spring. The reason being, it feels similar to silk or cashmere is durable and like other natural fibres is breathable, anti- bacterial and best of all is biodegradable!