December is the cue for consumers to go coconuts – spending big on gifts galore – often without knowing where they come from, what they’re made of, or whether they’re created ethically or sustainably. If your conscience is kicking in right now, you might like to mosey on over to Bluecaravan – the online [ethical] design market full of handmade, fairtrade, sweat-free, eco-friendly homewares, jewellery, fashion and so much more.

I’m so very pleased to introduce Bluecaravan founder, Jen Djula, who generously took time out to provide some insight behind the concept and to make a few gorgeously guilt-free Chrissy gift suggestions….

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Tell us a bit about Bluecaravan – what compelled you to start it and what’s the ethos behind it?

Bluecaravan is an online Design Market supporting handmade, sweat-free, fair trade & eco-ethical products. I started Bluecaravan to show consumers that ‘ethical’ is no longer a distant cousin of style and design. I wanted to bring together a collection of designers and artisans who provide a genuine choice for shoppers without the need for compromise. The idea is for people to buy the things they love, and to feel good about what they buy. Bluecaravan has taken a huge side-step away from loose-fit hemp fashion, and the result speaks for itself!

My educational background is in politics, community development and most recently sustainable design – so Bluecaravan is a culmination of years of related study, extensive travel in developing countries, and an unwavering belief in the transformative potential of alternative economies. I have a deep interest in the way that design informs the way we live, and a fascination with the greater workings of the world…

By shopping consciously there is profound potential for us all to change the current benchmarks of sweat-labour and mindless mass-production by simply having higher expectations – and exploring how to follow through on them. It is our collective buying power, and our mindset, that ultimately dictates what will be produced, and how.

It’s been a big year for Bluecaravan, yeah? What has the response been like from the artists selling and the people buying?

It’s been a huge year! From seeing our start-up emerge into the online world, to witnessing a thriving ethical community evolve before our eyes. The process has been really exciting, as we had no idea what the response would be – luckily it’s been amazing!

The type of people that Bluecaravan has attracted both as sellers and/or buyers seems special in itself. These are people who are engaged with the world, whether by their interest in ethical design, or design as it stands alone. They are excited by being part of something new, and can see the potential in making their dollars count in supporting fair trade, sweat-free production and independent design. So many of the designers on Bluecaravan are genuinely excited to finally have a venue that  resonates with their own ideals, and the ideals of the labels they have created. We get countless emails of support – which of course we love!

How often do you shop on Bluecaravan for yourself and can you share with us any favourite items you’ve bought and explain why you love them?

I’ve bought too many things on Bluecaravan to list, but these are the very first, and the last.

(L-R) Epheriell 'Nested Necklace'; The Dharma Door book bag; Lily Loves Pearl vanilla husk & honey body lotion

This ‘nested necklace’ by Epheriell (above-left) is made from 100% recycled silver, I bought it the day we went ‘live’ and I literally haven’t taken it off since. I love the perfect simplicity of the design.

Just today I bought this divine fair trade book bag from The Dharma Door (above-middle). I am that person that pulls out all sorts of overly ‘loved’ bits and pieces from my tardis handbag. As much I can’t seem to help it, it always seems a tragedy when beautiful books get tattered. What a gorgeous way to solve the problem!

…and later in the day I bought this lovely looking Vanilla husk & honey organic body lotion (above-right) by Lily Loves Pearl. I always use organic and/or simple creams & lotions on my face and body. The amount of chemicals in regular skincare is mind-boggling, and always makes me feel like I’m doing far more damage than good.

Why should people shop on Bluecaravan for Christmas?

Christmas is a time when people often pause, give thanks for all they value in their lives and are hence feverishly compelled to spend heaps of money on gifts for one and all… Buying ethically not only gives you extra brownie points (!) but it also gives a gift to the person/people behind the product you buy. With thousands of products on Bluecaravan, it would be a challenge not to find something that you like!

Giving beautiful, quirky, edgy, interesting [ethical] gifts is a perfect way to engage your friends and family with the idea that ethics and style are no longer distant cousins. Through small steps big change is possible…

Bluecaravan Christmas Gift Ideas:

A. Tee Hee Bubble Brooch by The Gently Unfurling Sneak
B. Leda ringpull clutch handbag by Fair Story Fashion
C. Graffiti tee by Olandolek
D. High plains landscape kids stamp set by Two Degrees
E. Aluma Cuff two-tone red by Oceanides
F. Atom silver on blue linen cushion pillow cover by Be Still Homewares
G. ‘French cloud’ fabric covered journal by Rabbit Duck
H. The Spaghetti Fork by Indeco
I. ‘Umbrella’ limited edition artwork by Me and Amber

Visit Bluecaravan for more, and for all the latest including sweet finds, updates and giveaways – be sure to check out the Bluecaravan blog.

About Ingrid Schroder

A Sydney-side freelance graphic designer, photographer & yoga teacher - I find myself turning to nature for guaranteed revival from the crazy pace of city life - be it digging in my garden, capturing natural beauty through a lens, floating in the ocean, practicing yoga or out exploring this incredible planet we all call home. Follow me on twitter @Cohabitaire