There is a growing trend to ditch the plastic. Plastic chopping boards, plastic utensils and plastic storage containers are being replaced as more people become aware of the environmental and health concerns associated with plastics in our homes.

It's a positive shift—but there's a contradiction many people don't realise.

Many of the "natural" products now being marketed, such as wood fibre boards, filling our kitchens aren't as natural as they appear.

When we see a Fair Trade label, it’s easy to assume the people who made the product were paid fairly and worked in safe conditions. Fair Trade has undoubtedly improved many global supply chains by setting standards around worker rights, environmental practices and fairer pricing for producers.

But Fair Trade is not a guarantee that every worker receives a living wage.

When choosing handcrafted wooden home décor it's easy to assume that because a product is made from wood, it's automatically sustainable.

Unfortunately, that's not always the case. Did you know ‘Fair Trade’ does not mean guaranteeing a living wage or good work conditions?

The next time you're shopping for wooden home décor, ask yourself:

• where did this timber come from?

• was it sourced responsibly?

• who made it?

• was it mass produced or handcrafted?

• has the timber been chemically treated?

• is the finish a natural product (no plastics or petroleum in the finish) that is food safe?

These simple questions can help you make more sustainable purchasing decisions while supporting ethical craftsmanship.