10 fairtrade favourites to snap up now

1. Bowled over

Local crafts need not be tack for tourists. The Natural Collection’s bamboo mini bowls in in block colours (£12.50), dispel the myth that fairtrade products lack style. “Crafts keep traditional skills alive and offer a way of making money to producers who, unlike farmers, don’t even have their own land to grow food,” says Meakin.

2. Goodwill bag

If you haven’t already got a re-usable tote bag (or you’re looking to expand your collection), this delightful limited-edition version (£5) with a print by British design icon, Lucienne Day, is an absolute must-have. Made with fairtrade organic cotton, it’s part of twentytwentyone’s Bags of Goodwill collection and only 1500 are available. Anya Hindmarch, eat your heart out.

3. Pillow power

Not sure what you’re buying? Check the company’s fairtrade credentials first. BAFTS has a list of recognised fairtrade stores and retailers while others set their own criteria. Biomelifestyle explain their fairtrade policy in painstaking detail on their site. We fancy their Bihar fairtrade silk cushion (£18) made by a weaving co-operative in Southern India.

4. Hot seat

BAFTS-accredited Myakka specialises in fairtrade wooden furniture and say that 90% of their products come from fairtrade sources. Their reasonably-priced Katina Chair (£99) from Northern India is a particular favourite.

5. Light up

It’s no longer just about the end product but about the process of getting there, say the Green Haus. Strips of coconut shell discarded by the food industry have been re-designed for their unique Coco shell lightshade - an absolute gem of a design. The Coco shell lightshade (£148) is crafted in the Philippines and takes low energy light bulbs - a design and ethical statement in one gorgeous fitting.

6. Towel dry

Fairtrade is hardly restricted to ethnic accessories or high-end fancy goods. The Cotswold Company’s Christy towels (£64.95) are made with fairtrade-certified cotton and, at 575gsm, are still lovely and fluffy. Available in Oatmeal, Soft Aloe, Rice White and Stonewash, they are a perfect staple for your linen cupboard.

7. Under foot

“If you are buying a rug from India, then it is well documented that children are often badly exploited in the making of that product,” warns Kate Meakin of BAFTS. Look out for products certified by Rugmark (Laura Ashley sells accredited rugs) or go stripey with this multi-striped rug (£42.95) from the Natural Collection.

8. Basket case:

Not quite convinced that fairtrade designs can be super-stylish? This open grey basket from Conran (£29.95) will leave you in no doubt. Made from sisal by a women’s co-operative in Kenya, it would make a more interesting alternative to a regular plastic laundry basket.

9. Marks & Slumber

If it’s the big names you’re after, head for good old M&S which has devoted a whole range of products to greener living. Their fairtrade cotton bed linen supports farmers in India and West Africa, and at £9.50 for this Blue Floral pillow case, what are you waiting for?

10. Cherry blossom

Thought fair trade was all rough hemp? This Fair trade dragonfly tablecloth (£35) from Biome Lifestyle will prove you wrong. Made by a weaving cooperative in South India, it's embroidered with dragonflies on light white voile with a natural cotton border.

Want more proof that responsible shopping can be stylish? Up the ante with our Luxury Green Guide.

Are eco-conscious products worth it? Is it all a green mystery to you? Have your say in our Tree Lovers or Natural Life groups.