Soul Economy spoke to Melissa from the FairWear recently to find out a little more about FairWear. This great organisation was established to ensure that clothing workers are not exploited and that they are at least receiving the conditions and rates of pay set out in the Industry Award. So make sure you look out for the No Sweat Shop label, buy FairWear and support ethical shopping and sustainable fashion.

1. Tell us a little about FairWear Campaign. How long have you been in operation? Why was it established?
The FairWear Campaign was established in 1996, it is made up of a coalition of Community groups, Church groups and Unions.  It was established to address the gross exploitation of workers who make clothes in their homes in Australia.  All groups involved in FairWear had experience with clothing outworkers prior to the campaigns inception, which was prompted by the 1996 senate inquiry into outwork in the Clothing Industry which revealed a serious problem in Australia.

The campaign works with and on the behalf of clothing outworkers through education, training and lobbying and has expanded focus to include clothing workers overseas.

2. What are the aims and objectives of the FairWear Campaign?
The FairWear Campaign aims to end the exploitation of clothing workers, both those that work in private homes (outworkers) and those working in factories in Australia and overseas, to allow these workers to experience and live a full and sustainable life and to receive the right that we all have to fair working conditions and a life free of exploitation.

3. How do consumers know if they are buying FairWear clothing?
We would classify “FairWear” clothing as clothing that has been made in Australia by manufacturers accredited to part 2 of the Homeworkers Code of Practice.  This means that all links in the chain of production are transparent and monitored to ensure that all people making the clothes are at least receiving the rates of pay and conditions set out in the Industry Award. A list of these accredited companies is available at www.nosweatshoplabel.com.au

4. Where can consumers purchase FairWear garments?
A list of the companies accredited to the Homeworkers Code of Practice can be found at www.nosweatshoplabel.com.au

5. What are the consequences if people choose not to purchase clothing accredited to the Homeworkers Code of Practice?
If people choose not to purchase clothing made under the conditions set out in the Homeworkers Code of Practice there is no guarantee that that clothing has been made under legal and fair rates of pay and conditions. The FairWear Campaign in Sydney is in close contact with clothing outworkers through Asian Women at Work and these women are commonly receiving $3-8 per hour to make clothes, they do not receive sick or holiday pay or superannuation despite their legal entitlements.

The opinion and choice of the consumer, especially a group of consumers is very important and valuable to companies.  If the demand for clothing made under fair conditions is there, companies tend to respond accordingly.

6. Do you have any good news stories to report on ways in which the FairWear Campaign has helped workers in the garment industry?
Lobbying carried out by FairWear and other involved organisations in 2006 around the introduction of WorkChoices and the Independent Contractors Legislation ensured that clothing outworkers remained an allowable matter in the Textile Clothing and Footwear Industry Award by being excluded from the category of independent contractors.  The result of this success is the maintenance and existence of minimum rates of pay and conditions for clothing outworkers.

The campaign has also been getting clothing outworkers involved in speaking out at various speaking appointments with the campaign worker, through these experiences the feedback from other women in the network and the women speaking is that they feel more confident from speaking and hearing other women speak.

7. How do you go about promoting FairWear?
We generate educational materials on the issue in Australia and overseas for clothing workers, carry out public talks and hold an awareness building and fundraising dinner.

8. What can consumers do to help support the Campaign?
Consumers can choose to buy clothes from companies accredited to the Homeworkers Code of Practice.  If they notice their favourite companies are manufacturing in Australia but are not accredited, they can write to them (always better to do in a group) and ask them to become accredited to the Homeworkers Code of Practice.

They can also sign up to our email list by emailing fairwear@awatw.org.au and respond to action alerts to support specific campaign activities and activities of the outworker advocates, a group of clothing outworkers who lobby and campaign for themselves and with FairWear.

Supporting the Outworker Advocates:
The outworker advocates’ activities actually promote accreditation of companies who are employing outworkers now and are paying well below the minimum rate of pay and are not providing any of the benefits laid out in the award.  Their activities are really set at the heart of the issue and are a way of stimulating direct change.

9. Where can consumers and the community go to find out more about FairWear?
To our website www.fairwear.org.au and subscribing to our bi-monthly newsletters and action alerts. To sign up to this list they can email fairwear@awatw.org.au.

Now we here at Soul Economy like to get to know our soulful entrepreneurs a little better, so on a more personal note we have 5 quick questions:

1. What is your favourite piece of clothing?
A dress made from organic cotton and bamboo designed and made locally and dyed with natural vegetable dyes.

2. Where is your favourite travel destination?
I love Barcelona and the Royal National.

3. What do you do to relax?
Run at the beach, Hike, Dance salsa, Laugh, Travel and explore new places, Read.

4. Do you have a favourite book and why?
For personal reading, Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon is a favourite.  I am bias because it is set in Barcelona, the story is intriguing and the style of writing draws you in and gets you truly involved in the characters and their journey.

5. Do you have someone you look up to or admire?
I admire the people who work in the community sector and dedicate so much of themselves for the benefit of the community and our society.  I also admire the women I work with, I always think of the experiences many of them had just coming to Australia going through refugee camps, losing family members and at times their own identity, let alone what they face in Australia, but they maintain a positive disposition, concern for others and at times are the ones making me laugh and keeping my spirits up.  That is something that I admire.

This seminar will provide a ‘roadmap’ for sustainability reporting and cut through the clutter of sometimes conflicting information and trends. It will reveal new trends in sustainability communication and practical ways to communicate the value of sustainability activities to stakeholder groups – investors, industry, government, staff, customers and the public. It will examine case studies from international and Australian companies and provide practical advice.

Attendance will be of benefit to all sustainability thinkers and practitioners, whether you are just beginning the journey or already well down the path of sustainability reporting.

This seminar will be led by Ms Derryn Heilbuth, Managing Director, Businesswriters and Design and facilitated by Ulrike Schuermann, Momentum International Partnership.

The seminar will be held on Wednesday, 22 October from 9am to 5pm at MGSM, 51–57 Pitt Street, Sydney.

Click here to register for Seminar 06 Integrated sustainability reporting.

Visit the Fair Trade Market in Manly on Sunday, 24 August and join the celebration of Manly Council’s Accreditation as the first Fair Trade Community in NSW, and only the second in Australia.

There will be a range of fair trade companies showcasing a wide range of products from food and beverages to sports gear, clothing, jewellery, gifts , homewares, cosmetics, toys, fashion accessories and stationery. With roaming entertainers, kid’s face painting, bands, DJs, OXFAM Kindy Farm and a fabulous raffle with proceeds going to a fair trade charity, it will be lots of fun so come and join in!

When: Sunday, 24 August 2008
Where: Start of Manly Corso, in front of Manly Council Town Hall on Belgrave St
Time: 9am-4pm
For further Information click here.

1. What inspired you to start Pure Pod? What were you doing before this?
I have always been environmentally aware and loved nature. I studied Fashion design in Canberra in the late 80’s and have always wanted to make an eco range but the time was not right back then. I always had an inner struggle between fashion and nature. The industry did not have the quality of textiles there are available today. With consumer demand and designers, like ourselves questioning the way products are made and how they are manufactured , we have increased the different kinds  of textiles we can purchase. The industry is still  new and evolving, so consumer demand and knowledge will make it grow even more and give us all a better understanding of where our garments are made and how the fibres are grown. Manufacturers are still developing better ways to grow and make their products, it does not happen over night and will not change unless people want it and want to pay for it.

I have worked in the clothing industry for nearly 20 years, makes me sound old but wiser. I worked in the mass production side of the industry designing for the big department stores in OZ and NZ. I designed mostly kids wear through my career. I then started my own design studio which I ran for about 6 - 7 years in Melbourne. In this studio we designed whole ranges for clients  from the initial product through to a finished garment for production. We designed textile art, embroidery designs, story boards etc all with computer aided  design packages. In our studio we were able to design for every area  of the industry from women’s, to sports, mens, babies, kids etc. It  was a fast and very demanding job. I became very burnt out and  started looking for a new way of expressing myself creatively and for  my health. I found yoga.

My partner and I moved to the Northern Rivers area near Byron Bay and lived on a macadamia farm. I studied to become a yoga and pilates teacher. It was fantastic and I un-knotted my tired fashion body Living up here gave me room to breath and inspire my creative  passions again. I taught yoga and started to think of what I could do  with the rest of my time. I needed other work and got a job at the  local hospital as a tea lady. This gave me a realisation that I had  to return to my roots and where my passion lay. I was awakened with a  new lease on life by watching very sick people in hospital and I  realised I did not want to regret not doing what I had always wanted  to do.

I found a fabric company who sold ethical and organic fabrics - bamboo, soya bean, organic cotton, hemp etc. They sounded so good you could eat them. I spent almost the last of my savings on the fabric and started to design. I was so petrified when I first picked up a pencil to draw I couldn’t think of anything. I had designed so easily and under such a huge demand for people in Melbourne, it seemed ridiculous that I could not design for myself. It meant so much to me that I just froze.

So Pure Pod began. We have been growing ever since with a fantastic response to our collection. It is still a huge learning curve for us and for any manufacturer involved in this new part of the industry.

2. What is the philosophy behind the company? Tell us about the Pure Pod product range.
Pure Pod collection is a Life Style range. We do not follow fast fashion as this causes more wastage and pollution. We design our ranges to minimise the amount of clothing a person needs by being  able to buy another product to go with their existing products they have in their wardrobe and they do not have to change their whole  wardrobe each season. We also encourage people to buy retro and second hand clothing to be worn with our gear. This stops more  pollution caused from our industry.

We manufacture our products with a very high quality using Aussie factories. Some of our fabrics - organic cotton is made in Australia. The rest of our fabrics are either organic or sustainable.

Our range is relaxing to wear, soft, comfortable and easy. No fuss! Pieces are designed to be worn in lots of layers. We don’t design big ranges for each season.

3. What have been your greatest challenges in setting up Pure Pod?
Our greatest challenges have been sourcing the fabric, cash flow and making sure our products are as eco friendly as we can commercially do. We can always do better with this and we are always looking for other suppliers and manufacturers who are on the same  path as us. We have placed ourselves in a middle market, not too  extreme eco organic but not fast fashion either. We try to minimise as much wastage as we can in our whole process - from the fabrics we use, to recycling our fabric scraps, green power, paper and  packaging, printing, to riding our bikes to work or walking, to  constantly finding companies who are striving for less pollution in  manufacturing and growing their fibres.

We constantly have questions from people about how our products are made, grown and produced. We can only use what is available in the industry and what is commercially viable. If we were doing a normal range without sustainable textiles it would be much easier as we  would not be as scrutinised as we are now. We are proud to say we are  part of the small amount of pioneers in OZ starting to create a  demand by educating the consumer about our industry. We can say we have helped change the way we run our business and manufacturing by at least 60% to be more ethical and eco friendly, more than you can say about normal main stream fashion. The most important thing for us is not the bottom dollar but the earth. Of course we have to run our business and make it viable which is hard in a small market but we are dedicated and passionate about what we are doing and there is no  regrets.  We can only keep questioning our manufacturers too.

We are just about to get our Sweat Shop free label. We like happy manufacturers, makes our clothing even better.

4. What have been your greatest successes?
Our greatest successes are starting Pure Pod, putting all the fear behind us and just doing it. There has been many a baked beans and home grown veggie night for dinner. We have sacrificed a lot for Pure Pod in our personal life but it is all worth it. We love it. When we receive word back from our stockists or the public of encouragement and thanks it makes all the hard work feel fantastic and that we are not alone in this idea to create a healthier life and earth. It is not an easy road to manufacture in Australia or to make an eco range, there is always something we can do better, greener and more ethical.

5. It is great that you offer ethical clothing for the design loving conscious consumer, how do you ensure that the fabrics you select are “really” eco-friendly and sustainable?
We only use certified fabrics or sustainable fabrics which have less of a foot print on the earth. This is such a new industry in textile manufacturing. With education to the public and demand the manufacturers will put more money into developing greener textiles and production. We could use non-dyed fabric but chose to use they  dyed fabrics as it is more economically viable and we attract a  bigger audience. Pure Pod is worn by people who are very eco conscious and people who normally wouldn’t  even consider the  environment when they purchase goods. In this way we are helping to  create an awareness and education of buying products in any area.

We are always looking at new fabric suppliers and the quality is getting more green and better. If people choose to be greener they can wear second hand clothing or garments which haven’t been dyed. The choice is now available for all kinds of consumers.

We try to minimise our trims on the garments. Most trims are made  from plastics. This is an area I have tried to get more info but it  has not impacted the manufacturers yet. I’m sure my trims supplier thinks I’m crazy but every part of a garment causes pollution with wastage, dying etc.  We have a lot of coconut and rubber on our  products.

6. Where can your clothing range be purchased?
Our clothing range can be purchased for stockists all around the country. Please visit our web site.  We will send details of your closet stockist. Some sell on line or you can visit our studio in 38 Gordon St Mullumbimby NSW.

Now we here at Soul Economy like to get to know our soulful entrepreneurs a little better, so on a more personal note we have 5 quick questions:

1. What is your favourite food?
My favourite food would have to be vegetables and fruit. Watermelon was my latest favourite. I also change my favourite foods. Another one of my favourite at the moment would be this great seeded gluten free bread with honey. Can’t get enough!

2. Who would be your dream real-life neighbour?
My dream neighbour would be David Suzuki. He would be amazing to live next door to.

3. If you customised your own license plate, what would it say and why?
I’m not into license plates but if I had to it would be Pure Pod maybe??

4. What do you do to relax?
To relax I lie in the sun on the back porch and read, go bush walking or on the beach, yoga and hanging out with my partner and friends.

5. What single issue would you change to make the world a better place?
Less plastic manufacturing on packaging, no plastic bags, anything to do with plastic really. Make people more aware of what  they are buying with plastic and packaging and what happens to it  when it leaves your homes and work. It is a huge issue for marine  life and polluting our environment. We need to change our ways of  purchasing too much STUFF that we just don’t need !!!!!

Our earth is not ours to keep but it is  borrowed from the next generation. I want to know my kids will have a clean world to live in without the fear of pollution and loss of habitat and species.

Pure Pod
38 Gordon Street
Mullumbimby NSW 2482 Australia
P: (02) 6684 4450
M: +61 (0)410 407 458
E: kellie@podproductions.com.au
W: www.purepod.com.au

In 2006 I embarked on a London working holiday (like most Aussies do) however had the fair trade encounter that inspired the direction I have taken today.

The first encounter was when my partner and I wandered into Progresso café (in need of a caffeine kick after browsing Portobello Markets). This place had a menu offering as strong as that of a Starbucks with unique layout & great branding but best of all it was in the name of fair trade.

An everyday type of business with a fair trade supportive edge, I liked that idea so much that down the track I would apply it to my business. I later found out that Progresso is a chain of coffee bars launched by Oxfam, visit: http://www.progreso.org.uk they plan to expand throughout the UK and hopefully one day they will give Oz a go!

After visiting Progresso fair trade became more prominent, it was impressive to see the vast range of fair trade products available in UK supermarkets not just coffee, but bananas, flowers, peanuts, water and wine! Check out http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/products/retail_products to view the array of products available. It seems as though most products have a fair trade alternative.

Australia is slowing catching up; today if you go to the tea and coffee aisle of Woolworths or Coles you will find some Fair Trade options which is the start of something wonderful! Just be sure to support the fair trade items and brands available here today so it will continue to build for the marketplace of tomorrow!

Prepared and © by Carinda, Hamper Hut (August 2008) for Soul Economy.

The Hamper Hut
PO Box 363
Gladesville NSW 1675 Australia
P: +61 (0)434 460 650
E: sales@hamperhut.com.au
W: www.hamperhut.com.au

Macquarie University is holding their first sustainability fair for students, staff and the community. There will be guest speakers including Natalie Isaacs from the Climate Coolers and Matt Grant from Peats Ridge  Festival. You can join in a yoga or sustainability in the curriculum workshop, sample some tasty organic food, listen to music, visit stalls, take part in competitions or sit back and enjoy the Circus Solarius entertainers.

In helping to raise sustainability issues, and “walk the talk”, Macquarie University is encouraging you to travel to walk, bus or bike to the campus rather than drive.

Where: Central Courtyard and U@MQ Atrium, Macquarie University, Balaclava Road, North Ryde, Sydney
When: Tue, 12 August - Thu, 14 August
Time: 11:00am - 2:00pm
Further Information: sustainability@mq.edu.au

I visited the Organic Expo featuring the Green Show in Sydney on the weekend. I really enjoyed it, not the least of which the little squealing piglet from kiddie’s Farmyard Friends, who did not like being patted. I was pleased to learn that while it was held for 3 days, the first day was for trade. This gives these smaller, responsible companies the opportunity to showcase their products and, if picked up by mainstream retailers, facilitate the growth of ethical consumerism.

My experience started with the opportunity to carbon offset my ticket - and whether you are an advocate, believer or not of carbon offsets, I thought it was great to have the option. Plus, for this you received a $5 gift voucher from Todae. The only pity was that they were not there on the day so the gift could not be claimed. Will I now need to buy more carbon offsets so I can make the purchase and actually use my gift voucher?

There was so much to learn, and EAT and DRINK! Kylie Kwong’s cooking demonstration was great, in particular her yummy pumpkin recipe and asian coleslaw. I must applaud the exhibitors for being so very generous with a ready and plenty supply of goodies to sample. And I did spot a few visitors who I think had simply come for a free meal - but hey if they are being educated at the same time then this is a win! All the food was really delicious and it just reinforces the benefits of buying organic.

There was a good crowd at the expo and the exhibitors I had the opportunity to speak to were pleased with the results by the time Saturday afternoon came around. And there was still Sunday to go. I was impressed to see many kiddies there as well - it is good to have them learn from a young age the benefits of ethical purchasing.

The Green Show enabled companies that are eco-friendly but not certified organic to showcase their goods. This meant that fairtrade companies such as The Dharma Door, could be involved. I met some great people - including the owners of Sassy Treats, Bokashi Composting, Doorstep Organics and Natural Origins - and was able to learn more about the benefits of organic purchasing, ethical investing, eco-gardening and very, very old seeds. I just wish I had more time to road test the many organic wines on show, and accompany this with some delicious organic cheeses. I will definitely be going again next year!

Rise Up Productions manufactures and designs ethical and sustainable products with profits directed to registered environmental, humanitarian, medical research and aid organisations. Their product range includes fashion, school uniforms, linen and promotional apparel. All products are carbon neutral with the most popular being recycled thongs, caps and school uniforms. Soul Economy was very pleased to have the opportunity to speak to owner and Soulful Entrepreneur, Bronwyn, who “walks the talk” by even riding her bike to many meetings.

1. What inspired you to start Rise Up Productions? What is your vision for the company?
I was working as a consultant to the mining industry, and was frustrated by the lack of ethically produced t-shirt options for my teenage son. In my search for an ethical and sustainable clothing supplier I was astonished to find how hard it was. I couldn’t find a supply chain that met the standards that I believe are important, so I created my own.

Initially it was a hobby as I worked to fill the gap in the boys pj’s market and raise some money for charity. Before long I was so committed to offering consumers the choice to make a real difference to the world that I sold my family home to fund the growing range of products and run the business full time.

My vision was to establish a profit for purpose company that designs and produces a range of sustainable and ethically manufactured products. These products were to include school and corporate uniforms, caps and promotional products with direct profits going to registered humanitarian, aid, environmental and medical research organisations. These organisations include Habitat for Humanity Australia, Opportunity International Australia, Oxfam Australia and World Vision.

Ultimately I want to see Australians take up the challenge to be, as individuals engineers of positive social and environmental change. We can do this corporately or individually and it is my vision that one day there will be a truly ethical and sustainable alternative to everything we use. I see Rise Up as providing many of those choices.

2. It is admirable that Rise Up is a sustainable business itself, that you “walk the talk”, how do you achieve this?
In running a sustainable business, I realise that I need to walk the walk. I have assessed every element of Rise Up supply chain to ensure we have a broad and positive global socio-economic impact within a minimal environmental footprint. We have stringent ethical manufacturing guidelines and Rise Up is an independently certified low Co2 company.

All products are carbon neutral. We have undertaken a thorough independent carbon footprint assessment. We minimise our carbon use through organic farming methods, sea freight (longer lead times but better for the planet), energy efficient or green energy factories, offset travel and best practice office practices. We offset the carbon that cannot be removed out of our processes through an independent carbon trading program.

I ride my bike to many meetings ensuring that I “walk the talk”. I put my heels in my bag and a have series of dresses that I can roll up and pop over my singlet top and bike shorts. I have even worked out a way to ensure that I don’t have helmet hair!

3. Tell us about the product range. What are the most popular products?
Rise Up Productions products include a range of fashion, school uniforms, linen and promotional apparel. We will also be launching a men’s sleepwear range in September.

Below is information on Rise Up thongs that is the most popular product, caps and school uniforms.

Rise Up Thongs providing employment
The thongs are the most popular product that we sell. The story behind our thongs is inspiring and shows that people can change the world they live in by what they buy. The recyclable thongs, made from 70 per cent recycled material are assembled by poor people living in China who are paid a reasonable wage and not made to work excessive hours. These recycled materials are derived from excess materials from the manufacturing of other rubber or EVO foam products. With landfill being a significant issue and recycling a catch cry of the naughties (00’s) it is amazing that we can recycle industrial waste for us to wear on our feet.

The choice to buy a new pair of thongs that are made by people who are paid and treated fairly for their work supports the environment and the workers. It is also helping create jobs and alleviate poverty in India through Opportunity International Australia. The profits that we make by selling our thongs is given to Opportunity International helping them provide financial services to the poor and train them in basic business practices so that they can work their way out of poverty. We assist Opportunity International help the people in India start or expand a business which will enable them to develop a steady income, provide nutritious meals and education for their children, and create community-wide change.

The impact that something as simple as a pair of thongs is having on alleviating poverty in India is amazing, and it is clear that we all have the potential to change the world through our choices as consumers.

Caps bringing financial independence
Our caps are produced in Bangladesh using Fairtrade certified cotton sourced from India. The manufacturing complies with ILO standards for the payment of decent wages, and truly supports employees who need to change their circumstances by working in a supportive and appropriately paid environment.

Fairtrade organic school uniforms bringing hope
Our school uniforms and some promotional clothing are produced in Tirupur, India. The women who make them are deaf, dumb, blind and economically disadvantaged. The factory is certified SKAL ECO Sustainable Textile and are in the process of achieving SA 8000 certification.

In addition to also gaining Fairtrade certification for their organic cotton, we have achieved certification under the IMO Social & FairTrade Certification. Fair Trade is an alternative approach to conventional trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing rights of, marginalised producers and workers especially in low-income regions.

Fairtrade certified cotton addresses the development needs of small holder cotton farmers in developing countries who are facing poverty. Fairtrade certification ensures these farmers are paid a fair price for their cotton and a Fairtrade premium to be invested in the social, environmental and economic development of their communities.

4. How do people find out about your products?
Rise Up has a website http://www.riseup.com.au that has all of our products and allows people to purchase them online. We are also beginning to stock into a range of online and physical stores across Australia. This information is also available on the website.The website also has information on our certifications and ecologically sustainable farming practices.

5. It is very exciting to hear that you are opening a store in mid-July, tell us a little more about this?
We are extremely excited to be opening a Rise Up store which will be a shop front located at 69 Regent Street, Chippendale (right near Central Station). The store will sell a range of Rise Up labels and allow customers to make purchases that change the world they live in.

6. What have been your greatest challenges in setting up Rise Up Productions?
As with many businesses, the journey has been fraught with challenges. For example the recyclable thongs which are made from 70 per cent recycled material took eight goes before they were made correctly. They are made in China via an aid organisation and were printed upside down; the glossy girls’ straps were put on the men’s thongs; the colours were all wrong.

However I stuck with it, and now they are one of the most popular items that we sell.

Another key challenge has been funding the amazing opportunities and demand which exists for products such as our. The size of the Australian market makes it a little harder to start with products which have been made and sold into Europe and North America for a few years now as volumes necessary to make the products cheap enough to be accessible by most people are too high for us. This will change over time. For example, for the factory to provide continuous employment of their poor workers, consistent and long runs of production are necessary. This means that we must buy our eco mugs (mugs made from crushed natural minerals and natural dyes) in lots of 500 as an absolute minimum. It is not a great price at that volume and as we are entering an emerging industry with not a great deal of information in the market place to explain the value in such products, we struggle to find the capital up front to pay for the volumes. If we were to buy 5000 mugs, we would have a great price and the benefit to the poor is better – longer stable employment, however funding this is a challenge. I am not a multi national company with deep pockets. I’m a single mum with a good idea and loads of passion and drive 

7. What have been your greatest successes?
My greatest success is establishing Rise Up as a company that is having a positive impact on the environment and communities in less fortunate countries. I believe that my true success lies in the difference that Rise Up is making in the lives of people around the world by helping create employment and alleviate poverty.

I have succeeded in fulfilling my vision of establishing a company that designs and produces a range of sustainable and ethically manufactured products where direct profits going to registered humanitarian, aid, environmental and medical research organisations.

8. It is wonderful to see that Rise Up products are not only fairtrade and sustainable but are supported by a range of certifications, can you tell us a little about these?

Raw Materials
Sustainability isn’t just about protecting the environment but also about protecting the health of farmers and their families. Organic farming methods are vital to the health of farmers, garment handlers, their families, their communities their ecosystems.

Trade
Fairtrade Certified cotton addresses the development needs of small holder cotton farmers in developing countries who are facing poverty. Fairtrade certification ensures these farmers are paid a fair price for their cotton and a Fairtrade premium to be invested in the social, environmental and economic development of their communities. In addition Fairtrade Cotton certification requires registration of the whole garment and textiles supply chain based on independent verification that the operators are meeting basic ILO conventions. Our FLO certification is no: 18588

Manufacture
Exploitation is common in the textile industry across the globe. Even in Australia it is a significant issue. The No Sweat Shop label is a joint industry-union initiative ensuring garments are made under Award conditions. Our Australian made products are all made in our No Sweatshop certified facility.

Legacy
Being carbon neutral is about taking responsibility for the effect of greenhouse gas emissions on the environment. Rise Up is a certified Low Co2 corporation and our products are carbon neutral. We have undertaken a thorough independent carbon footprint

9. Would you be able to share some of the good news about the communities that are being supported by your work?
The opportunities that we are providing to communities in countries such as India is amazing. Seeing the impact that we are having on many lives makes the hard work worth it.

One of the women who make the caps is Rahela. She is typical of many Bangladeshi women employed in the factory. She was born in a small village in the southern part of Bangladesh. Her father farmed one acre of land. Rahela’s mother died when she was six years old and when her father remarried she was taken out of school so that she could help with the housework. She was married at 16 and the subject of severe domestic violence.

She became pregnant and after the birth of her son, her husband decided he wanted to get rid of her. To save her life, her step-mother suggested Rahela, leave her son with her in the village and go to work in the city. Rahela felt she had no choice so she took a ship to Dhaka and stayed with an aunt until she got a job in the garment factory which makes Rise Up caps.

Rahela started working as a helper (trainee) for Tk. 950 a month which at that time was around US$ 20. After few months, she had made enough money to support her son so she briefly returned to the village and returned to Dhaka with him.

After a year she was promoted to machine operator. This was first time she had a sewing machine to herself which is considered a sign of success. Now, six years after her journey to Dhaka, she earns Tk. 2800 – US$ 40 – a month and can afford to send her son to school as she is now financially independent.

10. What advice would you give to others keen on starting their own responsible businesses?
I would advise people to establish a business that they are passionate about. If you love what you are doing you will naturally put all of your energy into your business and see your hard work result in success. It is also important for people who are just starting their business to not give up. There are continually going to be challenges that you face but I have found that there is always a way to overcome these obstacles even though at times you just can’t imagine what it will be. Finally, gather seriously intelligent and unapologetically honest people who believe in your vision around you who will tell you the facts because passion alone and good intentions do not make a business work. What you do with those facts is up to you, but blindness to business reality is dangerous.

Now we here at Soul Economy like to get to know our soulful entrepreneurs a little better, so on a more personal note we have 5 quick questions:

1. What is your favourite restaurant?
Well, I must admit that I LOVE food and have a few favourite places. For Thai, I love Spice I Am in Surry Hills (great value, brilliant food), for Japanese I just love Toko again in Surry Hills. I was there last night and ended up singing the happy birthday to the person next to us (long communal table) and all of us being in hysterics from the antics of the hilarious gay couple next to us. Everyone compares the food they get and we ended up sharing what everyone chose…even though we’d never met them before! My daughter and I love Tapenade in Paddington and my favourite Italian would be Limonchello Ristorante in Double Bay. My total favourite for very special occasions is The Pier Restaurant in Double Bay or Level 41 in Sydney . Though, I could probably say that about Bathers in Balmoral and Icebergs in Bondi. Now, cafes….I could go on about them too. I love good coffee and there are some great favourites in Melbourne and Sydney for me. If you wanted a list of great cheap eats…I can tell you where to go as well  I cooked at home for 20 years and then decided that I was over that! I still cook but any time I can afford to eat out, I do.

2. What do you enjoy doing apart from running Rise Up Productions?
I eat out! And then I exercise to work off what I ate. I have a boat which is my true recreation. There is nothing like sitting on the boat somewhere on Sydney Harbour with friends and family nibbling on some simple fresh food, sipping some great champagne after wakeboarding, snorkeling or just swimming in the various fab spots. It’s not a big fancy boat – but it is a space where people come together and relax, chat and connect. I enjoy reading, walking my dog, visiting galleries (especially when I travel) and hanging out with my kids. I help out at my local church café once a week. I did a barista course and get a chance to serve people who are often not doing so great in life.

3. Where is your favourite travel destination?
The South of France, Italy, India and Bangladesh. I do have trouble choosing a favourite as I find the world a fascinating place and enjoy different places for very different reasons. I love the old cities and the art in the South of France and Italy. I love the crazy contrasts and intense humanity in India and Bangladesh. You cannot experience those places without being changed…every time. I am grounded each time I visit knowing that the people I see and those I meet are just like me, but I was born through no choice of my own in a different post code. With that comes responsibility. I take that very seriously.

4. What do you do to relax?
Go out on the boat with just me, my dog and my book. In winter, I find a cosy little café with a view and read a book or go to the art gallery and just meander.

5. Do you have someone you look up to or admire?
My parents were social entrepreneurs and were great role models. They instilled in me a sense of community and connectedness with the poor and disadvantaged. They also showed me how to work hard and be totally devoted to a cause on a very practical level. They were (my father died in 1992 but my mother is still doing amazing things) action oriented and constantly challenged status quo.

Rise Up Productions
PO Box 472
Rose Bay NSW 2029 Australia
P: +61 (0)403 642 888
W: www.riseupproductions.com

Due to its increasing expansion, the corporate sector is arguably one - if not the - most important international influence on human rights. The positive response by the international business community to the recent release of the report by the UN’s Special Representative for Business and Human Rights, Prof Ruegge, is indicative of the increasing awareness in the business community of the importance of human rights.

Prof Brian Burdekin, AO, one of the foremost authorities on international human rights will share his international experience and provide the introduction to international human rights, the United Nations (UN) and the relevance of international treaties to corporate Australia. Rachel Nicolson, Senior Associate, Allens Arthur and Robinson (AAR), who with others at AAR, has been assisting the UN Special Representative on Business and Human Rights on his mandate, will provide an update on the status of international law following the release of his report which will include specific corporate examples and the status of the business and human rights debate under Australian law.

Panelists will discuss how companies tackle the complexities of emerging human rights expectations and issues such as the right to a clean environment and include Maria Simpson, Manager, Corporate Responsibility and Community Investment, Telstra Ltd and David Butcher, CEO, Greening Australia, NSW.

This workshop is suitable for everybody wishing to develop a better understanding of the relationship between business and human rights. It will offer participants adequate time to interact with speakers and panellists.

When: Friday, 29 August 2008
Time: 10:00am - 4:30pm
Where: AGSM, CBD Campus, 1 O’Connell Street, Sydney
For further information and to register click here.

I am very pleased that both individuals and companies can now purchase fair trade, eco-friendly hampers from The Hamper Hut - what a great idea! This is no surprise considering the owner of The Hamper Hut, Carinda, achieved being printed in the latest edition of Anthill as one of the impressive entrepreneurial minds that entered Anthill’s 30underThirty. Soul Economy had the opportunity to speak to this impressive soulful entrepreneur.

1. What inspired you to start The Hamper Hut? What were you doing before this?
Around five years ago I came up with the idea of starting my own gift package business and after some travel through India, Nepal, Africa and a working holiday in the UK I wanted to make it fair trade supportive. During my travels I saw poverty as well as local artisan talent and whilst in the UK I witnessed Fair Trade products being embraced, in London there is even a chain of Fair Trade cafés.

Prior to this I have worked in a variety of corporate jobs in Sydney and for Cadbury Schweppes head office whilst in London, which was great for my chocolate addiction.

2. I know that the company has only recently started, but what is your long-term vision for Hamper Hut?
One day I would like to extend our offering Australia-wide & even internationally (currently we only offer to Eastern Australia Metro). I also want to build brand awareness so when people think of hampers they don’t think of Crisco of David Jones and instead they think of the groovy fair trade, eco-friendly gift packages The Hamper Hut has to offer!

3. Tell us a little about your product range. Do you intend to expand the range?
Hamper Hut’s hampers are full of unique & useful fair trade products so not only are they a great gift option they benefit the producers and their communities. We have categorised the hampers according regions, e.g. all the products within the Himalayan treasures hamper have been produced by artisans from the Himalayan region of Nepal & India. The current hamper range includes the following:

• Himalayan treasures hamper
• Indian infusion hamper
• African Assortments hamper
• Andean Accessories hamper

I am also working on section on my site with smaller gift items currently featuring ‘Flip Flop animals’. Made from flip flops (thongs) that litter the shores of the Indian Ocean in Kenya, these hand carved animals stand proud for the environment and fair trade! No two are even remotely alike; they come tucked into a woven back and have a detailed information tag explaining the flip flop process and project tied around its neck.

There are plans to expand the hamper range; I am looking into two potential additions that will include a South East Asia and Middle Eastern themed hamper.

4. It is wonderful that The Hamper Hut provides fair trade products delivered in an eco-friendly hamper. How do you ensure that the products “really” are ethically made?
Our suppliers are members of the Fair Trade Federation (FTF) which is an association of fair trade wholesalers, retailers, and producers that are fully committed to providing fair wages and good employment opportunities to economically disadvantaged artisans and farmers worldwide.

FTF members link low-income producers with consumer markets and educate consumers about the importance of purchasing fairly traded products which support living wages with safe and healthy conditions for workers in the developing world. FTF membership is not a certification, but members are screened for their full commitment to fair trade. By adhering to social criteria and environmental principles, fair trade organisations foster a more equitable and sustainable system of production and trade that benefits people and their communities.

5. What have been your greatest challenges in setting up The Hamper Hut?
The greatest challenge… hmmm there were quite a few of those, but I guess sorting out the website (and funding it) was the up there is one of biggest challenges!

6. What have been your successes to date?
Getting my name printed in the latest edition of Anthill as one of the impressive entrepreneurial minds that entered Anthill’s 30underThirty was a nice little achievement.

7. Do you see an increasing interest in the corporate market for ethical products such as yours?
Yes interest is on the increase & I think this comes as companies are under pressure to be more socially responsible which means great things for fair trade and the environment!

We offer a custom make service to corporate customers in which they advise us what products they have in mind for their hampers, we then source them through our fair trade suppliers and create them as required. You will be surprised at how many products have a fair trade alternative! I will continue to target the corporate market as they can make a huge difference by supporting fair trade not only by purchasing my hampers for their gift requirements but by converting to fair trade certified products… I would love to see every office convert from Nescafe blend 43 to fair trade supportive blend; what a difference that could make!

8. What advice would you give to others keen on starting their own responsible businesses?
Find a niche you enjoy and then get ready for continuous research and planning!

Now we here at Soul Economy like to get to know our soulful entrepreneurs a little better, so on a more personal note we have some questions:

1. What is your favourite restaurant?
Shelley’s by the beach in Ballina (on NSW far north coast), watching the waves whilst enjoying some of their awesome pancakes.

2. What do you do to relax?
I kick back in the park for fresh air and sunshine (or on the couch with a good DVD) and indulging in a slice of cheesecake sharing it with my partner Ben.

3. What are you passionate about?
Travel, cooking to good music and fair trade!

4. Do you have a favourite book and why?
I love travel writing (because I love travel), Michael Palin’s has a series of great reads (Himalaya, Sahara etc) and Holy Cow- An Indian Adventure by Sarah McDonald is also one of my favs.

5. What single issue would you change to make the world a better place?
Poverty.

The Hamper Hut
PO Box 363
Gladesville NSW 1675 Australia
P: +61 (0)434 460 650
E: sales@hamperhut.com.au
W: www.hamperhut.com.au