It’s been a busy week at Of Cabbages and Kings with lots of exciting new things arriving in store. But what has got us really excited are three brands that are all in some way either sustainable, being mindful of their consumption, or they are ethically or socially conscious, supporting exciting forward-thinking projects here and abroad. So let’s introduce these three brands and give you the opportunity to give gifts with a conscience this Christmas.
Pivot
Pivot are a London based jewellery brand established in 2019 by Alice Moxely. The idea behind Pivot is to give homeless people an opportunity to ‘pivot’ their lives away from homelessness through making and enterprise.
Each piece is designed by Alice and made by a homeless person living in temporary housing. The jewellery is designed to be easily assembled and put together with minimal need for specialist tools. Each maker is paid the London Living Wage and is supported through coaching, financial support and guidance. This gives part-time, flexible and meaningful employment for those who find it difficult to access, and helps create swifter pathways out of temporary accommodation.
Each piece of jewellery comes in a box marked with the individual maker’s name.
“I was homeless and hopeless. I didn’t imagine myself that I would be making jewellery and selling it in shops. Being part of Pivot has helped me mentally and has given me self confidence in working with a team and being part of a social enterprise. I remember like it was yesterday, first time walking into jewellery session. I was shy, nervous and didn’t know what to expect but with each class I have seen myself improving. I have something to look forward to in 2020 and can rewrite my life again.”
Pivot Maker – makepivot.org
- Dove Earrings – Brass – £17.00
- Tot’s Compass Necklace – £32.00
- Vogue Earrings – £18.00
- Flying With One Wing Necklace – £32.00
- Shop the full range of Pivot Jewellery
Vent for Change
Vent for Change is a sustainable stationery brand based in Bristol. Founded in 2014 by environmental entrepreneur Evan Lewis, it started with just an ageing run-down facility producing pencils from recycled CD cases.
“Pencils are the most iconic educational tool going back centuries and I wanted to do something with them, something inspirational.”
Evan Lewis Founder
Evan took on months of research with NGOs and charities with a plan to help children worldwide after devastating natural and man-made disasters, especially those whose access to education had been affected.
He realised that pencils alone would not solve the problem, but what was needed was money. Money to rebuild schools, money to pay teachers and money to provide essential materials. Now Evan raises money to support children’s education projects worldwide through the sale of his stationery products.
Not only does Vent for Change support charities, but the products they make are also ethical and sustainable. They use recycled leather and board for the covers, and the paper inside 100% sustainable FSC certified.
- Sustainable Lined A5 Notebook – Black – £12.95
- Sustainable Lined A6 Notebook – Black – £9.95
- Sustainable Plain A6 Notebook – Green – £9.95
- Recycled Leather Lined A5 Notebook – Green – £12.95
- Shop the full range of Vent for Change Notebooks.
Priormade
Priormade is the brainchild of Beck Prior, a Bristol based design and fabrication artist. Beck creates beautiful handmade wooden products using a range of sustainable, low impact and recycled materials.
‘I want to change common opinion and highlight that responsibly designed products can be more valuable, well made and striking than those made irresponsibly.’
Beck Prior founder of Priormade
Beck’s ethos is to produce contemporary designs without compromising on sustainability or quality. Her laminated designs are produced from layers of sustainable and responsibly sourced plywood that are laminated together with a water based adhesive. No waste is created during the making process and all offcuts are used or donated to a ‘reusable waste’ charity.
The vases are produced from reclaimed wood from dedicated wood recycling projects. This makes them all unique and each piece of wood has an interesting back story. The small vases were once part of Battersea Power Station roof!
- Wooden Geo Pendant Lamp – £125.00
- Top Painted Geo Vessel in teal – £30.00
- Top Painted Geo Vessel in sea blue – £30.00
- Wooden Geo 300 Table Lamp – £130.00
- Shop the full range of Priormade products.
For more sustainable gift ideas check out our Sustainable Gift Guide.
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