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If you’re interested in leading a greener, cheaper and more sustainable life in New Zealand then check out this positive guide by journalist and TV presenter Francesca Price – $39.99.

In it Francesca covers the ethical issues in a wide range of everyday subjects including shopping, parenting, food, building and renovating, holidays and community life.

Each chapter includes interviews with well known Kiwis who are looking for greener options in life including: David Trubridge who talks about his approach to furniture design; Kay Baxter who shares her wisdom on gardening and self-sufficient living; and Starfish’s very own Laurie Foon who tells of her determination to make fashion more sustainable.

A great feature of this book is the inclusion of websites and details for recommended suppliers, enabling instant access to more information. There are also full-colour photographs throughout making this an attractive and inspirational guide.

Buying fairtrade products makes a real difference for the producers in the developing countries from which they originate. It means a better future for the workers, their families and communities by providing a fair income for a job well done.

To celebrate all thing fairtrade, come into Starfish during the fortnight for the following deals and events:

‘COTTON’ PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION: faces, lives & realities normally hidden or forgotten by the clothing industry – All proceeds go to the Wichi Art School for under-privileged children in Varanassi, India;
10% OFF KOWTOW – Fairtrade organic cotton clothing;
10% OFF DESCENDANT – Fairtrade organic denim (wgtn only);
OXFAM COFFEE BREAK (Fri 14 May) – Come in and enjoy a cup or PEOPLES COFFEE. All proceeds go to Oxfam;
OXFAM KEEPCUPS – Purchase your own barista friendly reusable coffee cup. All proceeds go to Oxfam;
VEJA FAIRTRADE TRAINERS – New season colours and styles.

To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Waitaki Dam Starfish, in partnership with Meridian Energy, joined forces and used the dam as a spectacular backdrop to shoot Starfish’s Winter 2010 range – Brave New World.

Meridian Energy suggested the location after they and fashion label Starfish formed a business partnership based on their common interest in sustainability. Meridian spokesperson Alan Seay said the pairing of the fashion label and the dam made perfect sense – “Inviting Starfish to shoot at the Waitaki Dam seemed like the most fitting way to showcase our joint efforts and pay a modern tribute to an icon of sustainability on its 75th anniversary.”

Returning from the shoot  Starfish founder Laurie Foon says that she couldn’t imagine a better experience or location. “It was a really great experience to be in such an awe inspiring place, the detail is splendid. We were wondering how it would work but now we’re dreaming of holding a fashion show in there. It was also humbling to think that the Waitaki Dam was hand made (literally by pick and shovel) by Kiwis back in the days of the Great Depression.

At the end of the day we hope this shoot will show that you don’t have to dress down to care for the environment and that eco-friendly fashion can be fabulous.”

“Wellington eco warrior Starfish broke new ground to become the first fashion label to present a totally sustainable and eco-friendly collection at Air New Zealand Fashion Week.

Every piece in the Starfish collection, Brave New World, was sustainable, including hats for Starfish by Petone’s Hills hats and Fair trade Veja footwear. The range included New Zealand-made organic cotton knickers, and garments made of bamboo silks, New Zealand merino, and koplon, a fibre made of 30% wool and 70% recycled fabrics.”

Carolyn Enting, The Dominon Post, Oct 1 2009.

“Starfish’s collection was the highlight of the group show, providing ANZFW’s first complete show of environmentally friendly garments.

The collection was called Brave New World, and featured uniform-inspired pieces, striped merinos, double-breasted coat and more, all in eco-friendly fabrics.”

Zoe Walker, The New Zealand Herald, Sept 25 2009