Archive for 2009

Strictly Fair Trade Dancing!

I’m so proud of our friend and People Tree Foundation Ambassador Jo Wood’s bravery on Strictly Come Dancing! She’s doing great! It must take so much courage to put those dancing shoes on and face millions of viewers every week. Don’t think I could do it!

Helen Bamber Foundation and Emma Thompson @ Ronnie Scotts

My second passion after human rights is Jazz Funk, so I was thrilled to be asked to come along and support the Helen Bamber Foundation by Stephen Brenninkmeijer, a friend and big supporter of People Tree and social business.

Safia interviews Galahad Clark – Founder of Terra Plana

Galahad, who founded the ethical shoe company Terra Plana has taken the time to answer a few of my questions. Terra Plana use innovative design and eco-friendly materials in the manufacture of their shoes – have a look at their great Autumn Winter collection.

Interview with Ms Koruna Rangsa – a tailor at the Birisiri project in Bangladesh

During my trip to Birisiri I was lucky enough to talk with some of the producers at the project. I met Ms Koruna Rangsa who works in the tailoring department and asked her a few questions about her work and family, the Garo people and climate change.

… a bumpy road to empowerment of the tribal people in Bangladesh

… there’s suddenly a burning tyre smell and black smoke. The tyre of our car is not only flat – it’s disintegrated! Amazing we didn’t come off the road and somersault off the raised road into the rice fields!

London Fashion Week

Phew! People Tree have just finished showcasing our great new spring summer 2010 collection at London Fashion Week. It’s always a busy week with long hours and a lot of hard work. It was great to take a bit of time out to catch People Tree favourite Bora Aku’s catwalk show.

I’m an organic advocate

Organic Fortnight is here. And there’s some good global news including that the Indian government have stepped up their support to organic cotton ten-fold. This is good for the planet and its people.

Finding sanity in the mountains of Japan

To wake in a mountain house in the Japan Alps is a reminder as to why the sanity of cool air, no sound of cars, and a view of steep forested slopes disappearing into the mists rests the body and soul. For the past week in my flat in Tokyo I haven’t slept – or that’s how it feels.

Blue Moon Beach Party

People Tree customers, supporters and staff gathered at , Blue Moon , an eco-beach house in Hayama where bikinis and promoting environmental issues go hand in hand.

Radio 4 – You and Yours, Monday 27th July

I will be on You and Yours on Radio 4 this coming Monday at 12pm with George Monbiot, asking WIll Day the new Head of the Sustainable Development Commision to rise to the challenge.
Listen live if you can or afterwards on the Radio 4 website – you could even download it as a podcast!