Put the television on pause, bookmark this page, and get ready to read all about five fair trade businesses you need to check out this year!  To celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight, I'm excited to share some of the best fair trade brands on my radar - are you ready??

Do you know what fair trade means or what the certification stands for?  I talk a lot about organic and natural products, ethical sourcing, and planet positive efforts here on The ecoLogical, but today it's time to shine the spotlight on the PEOPLE involved and the injustices many face.

I don't usually share businesses I have not personally tried and tested, but I thought that with Fairtrade Fortnight kicking off it was a great time to feature a few ethical brands that have caught my eye.  These are all fair trade brands I hope to explore myself this year, and I thought it would be fun to let you know what is on my own lust-list, ask what businesses are on your radar, and of course show support to small creators and boutiques during this hard time!

I've also highlighted a few favourites at the end of this post alongside the five I want to check out this year when my finances are a bit healthier.  But if you want even more ethical goodness, head over to the Fairtrade Fortnight event where you can find businesses, campaigners, environmentalist experts, farmers, and more!

5 Fair Trade Brands to Check Out This Year

1] Gary Mash

Not all cotton is created equal, and that's why it's so important to choose organic.  But Gary Mash goes one step further and uses fairtrade materials to ensure both people and planet are being cared for.  This ethical fashion brand offers super cute designs that I can't help but be obsessed with, and the price point is pretty great too!  The size range isn't as inclusive as I would hope for, so I am crossing my fingers this changes in future.  For now though, I am lusting after the knitwear and dresses until my bank balance is healthy enough for me to make a few staple purchases!

2] Boho Homes London

This online shop is out to make a difference with their unique range of handcrafted home goods and kitchenware.  These fair trade products are created by artisans from around the world, and the organic line has proven a hit with ethically minded shoppers as well as big names like 2018's MasterChef semi-finalist Nisha Parmar.  Boho Homes London carries some great looking reusables like organic cotton mesh storage bags and coffee filters, plus eye catching enameled table settings, embroidered purses, handcrafted blankets, and more - there is just so much to check out!

3] Coteaux Heliopolis

I love a good glass of wine, so when I heard that there was an organic, vegan, and fairtrade variety, I knew I needed to try a bottle.  Coteaux les Cèdres is the world's first Lebanese fairtrade wine, and it has already won awards which makes it even more of a stand out.  Grown in the Deir el Ahmar region, this red has been developed to be full bodied with a light acidity - sounds great for an evening sip!  I'm not usually one for blends, but the mix of  Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Tempranillo and Arinarnoa  sounds too good to miss out on.

4] Odylique

You might recognize Odylique from past reviews here on The ecoLogical, but did you know that they also create makeup??  And this makeup is the first to become certified to Fairtrade in the UK!  They use ethically produced and sourced shea in their lipsticks and lip liners which is produced and harvested in Ghana by a women’s Fairtrade cooperative.  I haven't had the opportunity to try these green goodies out yet, but I will be making it a priority this year as I am already a fan of their skincare range and know that this is a brand with quality and ethics in mind.

5] Bird & Wild

While I can't drink coffee as often as I would like anymore now, I still indulge at the weekend and some evenings - and now I have my eye set on Bird & Wild to try!  This organic, vegan, and fairtrade brand focuses on both sustainability and helping farmers, plus it is certified to be bird-friendly.  Part of their mission is to help protect migrating birds, and they use shade growing techniques as well as charitable donations to the RSBP to achieve their aims.  If that isn't enough, it is multi-award winning and they offer a great mix of blends.  I for one can't wait to give these ethical coffees a taste!!

Even More Fair Trade Brands to Discover:

As for the fair trade brands I know and love, you can't go wrong with:

People Tree: If you are looking for organic clothing, People Tree is a go to.  But did you know they are also a fair trade cotton brand?  Not only does this sustainable fashion range offer a ton of super cute and trendy pieces, they are also helping protect workers and communities.

Gusto Organic: A recent find for me, but one I am thrilled about - Gusto Organic offers tasty and ethical drinks that are free from synthetics.  I've recently been enjoying their latest launch, the Super DC range, which is packed full of vitamins as well as moreish flavour!  Read more.

Suma: Always stocked in our house, Suma offers a huge range of food and drinks.  While they aren't my ideal in terms of packaging, their ethics make me a return customer.  I especially love their herbs and spices, and the fact I can pick them up locally makes it all the better.  Read more.

Fair Squared: A one stop shop for beauty and personal care needs, Fair Squared offers affordable and ethically made products that are great staples for any routine.  From period cups and body wash to condoms and face creams - they offer a bit of everything!  Read more.

Esse Skincare: Luxurious, high performance, targeted skincare that is making efforts to protect both farmers and the planet.  While not certified by Fairtrade International, they utilize fair trade ingredients in their formulas.  My favourite from their range, the Gel Cleanser, contains 59% from fair trade sources!  Read more.

Cocoa Loco: Using fair trade cocoa and organic ingredients, Cocoa Loco has established itself as a fine chocolatier for sure!  I have tried a few of their options now, and keep returning for more.  With a full vegan range as well as milk options, there is something for all tastes here (though with how good the vegan ones are I don't see why anyone would choose anything else!).

Vego: The first and best vegan substitute for Ferrero Roche I ever tried - need I say more?  This vegan, organic, and fair trade brand is one that everyone should try at least once.  It's delicious, super moreish, and while it is on the pricier side every bite proves it is so worth it.

Of course there are loads more, so do let me know if you want to hear about more fair trade brands and products I love!  And I want to read all about yours too, so do share your top picks so I can get even more inspiration and ideas.  xx