Simply ethical. Simply fair trade and eco chic » environment

Go places – with a bicycle

Sabine — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:58:47 +0000

A lighweight version of the original Dutch bike

I am into cycling big time. I think I just caught the cycling bug when everybody else in the UK did. And I didn’t even know that cycling was becoming really BIG! I just fancied a Dutch bike for ages and finally, after a lot of research, I found one that doesn’t only look good but is comfortable and offers great value for money.

There may be cheaper bikes out there, made in China, but I want my bike made in Europe (if I can’t have one made in the UK) and I want to know that it won’t break down, bend or give me headaches whilst out and about with my two dogs.

So I settled on a Dutch bike from Capital Cycles. I haven’t received it yet, but I can tell from reading about it and from the picture – it is exactly what I had when I was a child and it is a good bike.

Now comes the best bit: because I couldn’t quite go the extra mile – moneywise – and order the lightweight version, I settled for the heavier ladies Dutch bike. I placed the order last Friday. And today I get a phone call saying that the bike delivery would be delayed which they think is unacceptable (I didn’t think so, but hey…) and would I accept the £60 more expensive better version at “no extra cost”? WHAT? I thought about it for a nano second and then said “Yes” trying to sound as unexcited as I could muster.

I can’t believe there is a company out there that offers such great customer service (apart from Cebra obviously ). I have grown accustomed to all sorts over the years, even having to tell Tchibo that their increase in postal charges by 300% would kill their sales in the UK and being told “we don’t care” in a round about way….

Anyway – I can’t wait to try out the bike and tell you all about how it rides and where I have been. It’s arriving on Wednesday. Talk soon.

Chic fair trade & eco accessories that make a difference

Sabine — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 21:32:00 +0000

Cebra is a fair trade and eco accessories internet shop with a difference. The aim is to bring together artisans from Africa, South America, Asia and India and conscientious consumers who are looking for unique products that make a difference to their lives and that of the producers. Cebra also strives to preserve ancient craftmanship.

Focus on Thailand

Sabine — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 15:04:00 +0000

I am pleased to announce the arrival of our Thai handmade pearl necklaces and earrings. We have chosen to work with Novica, a company associated with National Geographic, who in turn support local artisans from around the world. Their workmanship is outstanding and the jewellery they produce is of the highest quality.

NEWS: We have decided to support the BBC Wildlife Fund because we believe that we must do more to prevent endangered species from vanishing from our planet. I got very angry recently with the publication of Jeremy Clarkson’s article in the Sunday Times about how he could not care less whether the tiger is completely eliminated and that humans are more important than any animal. He seems to forget that if we go on like this – wasting resources, killing everything, whether plant or animal, for profit – there will be nothing left for our children and their children and that we will be guilty of having destroyed our wonderful planet.
If you would like further information about the BBC Wildlife Fund then go to our website www.cebraonline.com and click on the link displayed on our homepage.
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