Just because you want to be responsible when it comes to your interior style, doesn't mean that, all of a sudden, you have to sacrifice your living room to wicker baskets and woven rugs.
These days, there's a wealth of super stylish brands who are committed to behaving responsibly. Whether that means that their products are made in the UK by independent artisans whose crafts have been put at risk from mass production, or that they source products from local initiatives in impoverished countries which commit to paying their worker above-average wages with benefits. Perhaps they even take old stuff, destined to be ditched as waste, and turn it into something new.
Read on to find our favourite responsible brands.
MAiK
MAiK have made sure that every step of their manufacturing process is within their control. Their woven fabric is made in an east London unemployed women's social enterprise, paper is printed at the UK's only eco-printers and their trays are made at a Swedish company committed to cultivating trees properly.
MAiK Yellow Angles Placemat Set, £36, available at MAiK
Rêve En Vert
This online boutique brings together brands which "operate their businesses with respect for people and the planet."
This cosy blanket, perfect for having to hand for cosy nights in, is made from ethically sourced cashmere and is produced at one of Scotland's oldest family-owned mills.
Read our interview with Rêve En Vert's founder, Cora Hilts, here.
Johnstons Of Elgin Grey & White Merino Throw, £99, available at Rêve En Vert
Natural Collection
The Natural Collection features quality fair trade, organic and eco-friendly products.
These glasses are made by artisans using age-0ld methods and are made out of recycled glass.
Natural Collection Celier Assorted Glasses, £24.95, available at Natural Collection
Habitat
A couple of things by the homeware fave are from a green background.
This Trigas rug is made from offcuts of Indian sari material which would otherwise go to waste.
Habitat Trigas Rug, £250, available at Habitat
Coexist
This teeny New Zealand brand might be based far away but they do ship to the UK. It's the brainchild of designers Xi Peng and Ella Pairman and they use reclaimed, recycled and found objects in order to make new things, like this confetti mug – perfect for soup or tea.
Kirsten Dryburgh Confetti Mug, £13.48, available at Coexist
One Nine Eight Five
Specialising in using ethically sourced materials where possible, One Night Eight Five is a luxury homeware brand with a firm eye on British manufacturing.
This pillow is meant to make people realise the way women are taught to think about themselves by the media – and 15% of every purchase goes to Beat, the eating disorder charity.
One Nine Eight Five Woman Cushion, £90, available at One Nine Eight Five
Re-Found Objects
A lot of Re-Found Objects are all about recycling the old to make something new; expect colander lampshades, recycled glass soap dishes and much more.
These fish bottle pourers are made from recycled glass and serve as a nice place to stash balsamic vinegar and oil. Switch out the stopper for the pourer when needed.
Re-Found Objects Fish Bottle Pourers, £2.89, available at Re-Found Objects
In A Strange Land...
This shop brings together pieces made ethically in countries on the other side of the world.
Take this vase, for instance – it comes from the workshops of Reaching Out, an organisation in Vietnam which gives those with disabilities skills and a place to work while using sustainable materials to do so.
Reaching Out Hammered Brass Vase, £50, available at In A Strange Land...
QÄSA QÄSA
QÄSA QÄSA focusses on working with local artisans, organisations and NGOs in eastern Africa to create jobs and teach skills.
These scoops are made by men in Tanzania who are being taught their skills in the hope that one day they can reach a global market.
QÄSA QÄSA Sugar Scoop, £14, available at QÄSA QÄSA
Luks Linen
All of Luks Linen's products are handwoven by small, independent loomers in Turkey.
This Turkish towel, instantly recognisable to anyone who's ever been to a hammam, is an excellent investment as it can be used as a towel, blanket, cover-up or beach blanket. It's fast-drying and packs down tiny, too.
Luks Linen Turkish Towel, £15, available at Wolf & Badger
Traidcraft
Noah's Ark are from Moradabad, India where they manage to pay their artisans 10-15% more than the average wage for the area.
This lantern is high-spec and fits both tealights and pillar candles.
Noah's Ark Okhla Brass Lantern, £35, available at Traidcraft
Pentatonic
New kids on the block, Pentatonic take what was your trash and design super high-spec, minimalist offerings for your house.
Their collection is fairly small at the moment but these glasses made out of old smartphone screens are the one.
Pentatonic Handy Glass, £40 for four, available at Pentatonic
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