With the world looking troubled right now, making ethical shopping choices offers us some small hope of making a difference. It may seem like a small drop in a big ocean but any challenge to injustice, however small, is fighting against an increasingly apathetic culture. Consumers have power: let’s use that to act with compassion, to assert that, contrary to appearances, the West does care about those with whom we share our planet.

This summer, there are some great products available that also reflect a desire for justice and freedom for all.

My faithful Gandys flipflops are still going strong after a couple of years, so I can recommend you take a look at their website and treat yourself. I love this colour but there are several to choose from. They have also branched out into other products like bags, sunglasses and towels. This backpack looks perfect for summer walks and excursions. Have you heard the Gandys story? Set up by brothers orphaned by the 2004 Tsunami, 10% of Gandys profits goes to provide for other orphans. It is so hopeful to see people using the tragedies of their lives to help others and do something positive. You can read more about their journey here.

Similarly, Toms out in Haiti give a pair of shoes for each pair bought, eye treatment for every pair of sunglasses sold and care for pregnant mothers for every bag. They also provide much needed jobs and training in the area.  I love this new design, which is part of their partnership with Charlize Theron and a project working with youth in Africa. When you buy this pair, not only do they give a pair of shoes to a child who needs them, they also donate £5 to the charity in Africa. Double the greatness! This bag also looks good – a super summery colour and practical too.

Braintree is one of my favourite ethical businesses and I love this jumpsuit, which would look great on a summer evening out and this t-shirt, which is a perky addition to any holiday wardrobe. This blog post offers some of the best ice lolly recipes I’ve seen. (Their BThoughtful blog is well worth a browse if you’ve not seen it before.)

All three of these websites have sales on at the moment, so have a good online rummage for some great, wearable, lasting items 🙂