Redhotcurry.com is delighted to bring you the delights of Ganesha, a renowned fair trade outlet with a shop on the South Bank in London. The brainchild of two partners, Jo Lawbuary and Purnendu Roy, Ganesha imports quality home furnishings and accessories from India, sourced from and developed with co-operatives and producer associations. Extending markets for marginal producers and supplying the UK with life-enhancing goods, the two owners are proud to be supporting an alternative vision of trade.

HANDLOOM THROWS

One such product is the their range of ever-popular handloom throws. These tightly woven thick cotton throws, which are practical and durable, are produced by a weavers' co-operative in Midnapore, West Bengal. Made from 100% cotton, they make perfect bedcovers for the bedroom, spare room or study futon, or a student bedroom. As a throw, they are great for brightening up a sitting room, family room or conservatory. They are machine washable at 30 degrees.

Jo Lawbaury explains that "The farming of cotton is extremely intensive, in terms of energy (fertiliser demand) and water, and in common with other intensive production systems is damaging to the environment. Scarce resources, such as water are often diverted from domestic use to cotton production, which can create shortages for rural communities, while pesticides and fertilisers are often prone to over-use, which may actually exacerbate crop pests, and lead to pollution of water channels, loss of biodiversity, etc. Intensive methods of production are also usually achieved at the expense of soil conservation, and are therefore inherently unsustainable.

Unfortunately very little organic cotton is produced in India. We would prefer our products to be produced from organic cotton, however at the present time it is not possible for most producers to obtain organic cotton. There is also a logistical and financial constraint in obtaining organic certification. We therefore have little choice but to continue to buy cotton products from intensive production methods, but the trade-off is that the cotton 'economy' is critical to small-scale producers in India. We look forward to future organic developments."

The pair is also keen to encourage the use of natural dyes. "We prefer the use of natural dyes as this gives the producer more control over the dye materials and process, and are possibly safer. Also, the collection of dye material provides additional employment and adds value to local forest products", adds Jo Lawbuary.

Available in range of colours, we think these Handloom Throws are perfect for any design setting.

CUSHION COVERS

Ganesha's range of cushion covers make a perfect foil for the handloom throws. The range of Naga cushions, tightly woven on a backstrap (loin) loom to create a very thick, hardy weave with satinised cotton are ideal for the clean, almost minimalist look of modern décor. Intricate weaves depict traditional Naga tribal motifs and the fabric is 100% cotton. Not overly fussy, they can add colour to plain leather sofas, or at as an accent for the whole room. They are made by Heirloom Naga, a registered co-operative selling traditional Naga textiles and artefacts.

SEWA CUSHIONS

The range of SEWA cushions are made in partnership between Ganesha, SEWA (Self Employed Women's Association) and designer Carol Morgan. These lovely hand-made cushions come in a variety of styles and colours and bring the fun and colour back into an otherwise bland room. SEWA is a women's union supporting self-employed women. Many members are craft producers continuing a fine tradition of weaving, embroidery and mirrorwork, which is marketed and promoted by SEWA. SEWA also offers microcredit to people who would not ordinarily have access to loans and banking facilities. They campaign on all issues affecting women and train groups to become self-sustaining co-operatives.

"Most goods are bought from co-operatives and producer associations whose aims are to benefit society as a whole. We also buy goods from indigenous groups and small-scale producers concentrating on traditional materials and industries. Most of our producers are members of IFAT (International Federation for Alternative Trade)" Jo explains.

"When Ganesha started about 10 years ago, there were very few importers working in this way, but now, as the fair trade message is getting across, there are more IFAT (International Federation for Alternative Trade) members and importers who are BAFTS (British Association for Fair Trade Shops) accredited" she ends.

So bringing colour and life into your home need not literally cost the earth.

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