Guilt-free Shopping in Finland

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guilt-free shopping in finland

Guilt-free Shopping in Finland

Finland’s rich design heritage and unique Nordic culture make it a fascinating place to hunt for original gifts and souvenirs. And for the conscientious consumer, there are plenty of eco-friendly options, so you can shop to your hearts’ content!

Sustainability is a way of life in Finland and products made locally are almost certain to be ethically-produced, and of exceptional quality. Finns love their markets, antique shops, handicrafts and local foods, such as jam made with Arctic berries and even small batch Finnish whiskey.

We wanted to give you some ethical and ecological shopping tips when visiting Finland – or to buy online.

About Finland

Full of interesting contrasts, such as the four seasons, the Midnight Sun and winter darkness, urban and rural, East and West.

About Finland

TEXTILES AND home INTERIORS

If you want to own something truly Nordic and unique, then Finnish textiles are for you. Finns have a long tradition of weaving, knitting and lace making, and a love of bold patterns and strong natural colours.

Scroll down for our top picks for textiles and home interiors:

Lapuan Kankurit

Lapuan Kankurit textiles are a must-have for anyone who loves natural colours and fibres. Crafted in Finland’s oldest weaving mill, the products in this century-old family-run business are made from pure, natural materials such as organic cotton, linen and wool. Cozy blankets, bath and kitchen towels and scarves to wrap up in for all seasons will make you swoon. And a revolutionary new fibre made from wood pulp is a Lapuan Kankurit invention. Linen-tencel uses very little water in the production process, making it one of the most eco-friendly materials available. Lapuan Kankurit products are sold online and in selected stores in the capital.
Kauniste

Kauniste is a lifestyle brand for Finnish textiles and interiors. The name is derived from the word Kaunis, which means ‘beautiful’ in Finnish and the whimsical patterns and fresh colours certainly add joy to everyday objects and textiles. Kauniste is committed to sustainable production methods and the use of natural materials. The company meets Oeko-tex standards, an independent worldwide certification system that ensures textiles are free of harmful chemicals and safe for human use. Kauniste can be bought online or at their Helsinki store on Aleksanterinkatu.
Bonden

Bonden is a Finnish brand that promotes sustainable solutions for interior textiles and home accessories, such as blankets and shawls, cushions and felt storage bags. Sustainability is at the core of Bonden’s design philosophy. Their products are designed to have a longer life, with all materials being ecologically and ethically manufactured. Bonden also seeks to support the revitalisation of the Nordic handicraft skills. All their products are made by local artisans and skilled manufacturers using traditional Nordic materials. Bonden products are available online.

CLOTHES AND ACCESSORIES

A flare for independence and a commitment to sustainability make Finland a one of a kind destination for original couture. In the spirit of uniqueness, Helsinki Fashion Week 2018 held the world’s first 100 percent sustainable event and banned all leather products. HDW2018 was indicative of a growing movement among millennials to reinvent the fashion world and make it more accountable, ensuring the materials used are green and cruelty-free and that the production process is ethical from start to finish.

See our top three Finnish fashion picks:

Ivana Helsinki

Ivana Helsinki began as personal art project for designer and filmmaker Paola Suhonen in 1998. Choosing to create trends rather than follow them, her poetic clothing is inspired by road trips and Northern landscapes and is practical, playful and humane. A long-time animal rights activist, Suhonen’s 2017 collection was a tribute to Romanian rescue dogs she worked with in 2015.
Arela

Arela takes sustainability to yet another level by investing long-term in the garments they sell. Established in 2006 by designer Maija-Arela, the innovative clothing brand focusses on ethically-sourced cashmere and offers a unique care service, “For Good” to extend the life of each piece through mending, alterations and recycling for sale at Arela 2nd hand.
Myssyfarmi

Myssyfarmi is one of the coolest ecological and ethical Finnish lifestyle brands, despite their own claim that “it’s not cool, it’s warm”. The family-run company makes funky wool hats and scarves, knitted by “grannies” in the Finnish countryside. They are also known for their award-winning food products.
“Our every Myssy is knitted by a real Myssy Grandma in Pöytyä. We get our unique hand-dyed yarn from our own herd of Finnsheep. Everything is organic and original in our farm and nothing is cool in Pöytyä. Except when winter hits these parts.”

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN STORES

Almost every city in Finland has a design store of some kind, and most of them aim to be sustainable. It is because Finnish design goes hand in hand with quality and originality – meaning it is produced locally.

Our top design store picks:

World of Tre

World of Tre is Helsinki’s flagship store for Finnish design and a treasure trove of ethically-made products that range from fashion and interior design to organic cosmetics. The brainchild of Tanja Sipilä, the former head of Design Forum which closed in 2014, Tre aims to reflect values of transparency and sustainability. The store is brimming with “90% Finnish design and 100% good stuff.” Markku Salo glassware, Samuji clothing and Nikari furniture are just some of the standout and sustainable designs on display.
Lokal

Be sure to visit Lokal, an intriguing concept shop and gallery showcasing some of the best contemporary art and design in the country. Within the elegant and minimalist shop is the Lokal Kollektion, a carefully curated collection of “objects that matter” designed exclusively for Lokal. The hand-crafted small-scale production pieces are intended to last a lifetime and include works by talented ceramic and textile artists Nathalie Lautenbacher, Reeta Ek, Veera Kulja and Leena Kouhia, who also has her own studio shop close by.
PUF Design Market

PUF Design Market is an award-winning design and concept shop in the heart of Turku representing more than fifty independent and sustainable Finnish brands, such as Pure Waste textiles, made from recycled materials, AIDA impact social design company, which hires refugee mothers to make hand-made jewelry from quality, all natural materials. In addition to the designers, there is a revolving gallery of local and Finnish art within the space.
Korundi

If you happen to be in Rovaniemi, Lapland, be sure to visit Korundi, an Arctic design shop featuring a unique selection of locally-made design, art and souvenirs, as well as products by other trusted Finnish brands. Hand- crafted jewelry, interior design, art books, music and Wild Arctic Superfoods are just some of the products on offer.

TRADITIONAL HANDICRAFTS, original glass & world-famous furniture

Finland has a long tradition of arts and crafts. Century-old skills have been passed down through generations to produce an array of uniquely Finnish products.

We encourage you to travel around Finland, shop regionally and meet the makers. By supporting local artisans you will be sure to find something original and help sustain traditional cultures.

Our top picks of traditional handicrafts, original glassware and design furniture:

Kuksa from lapland

Look for the Kuksa drinking cup, a wooden vessel hand-carved out of birch burl by the Sami people. Distinct for its round shape and loops to grip or hang from, it can hold hot or cold liquid and is made to last a lifetime. The best place to buy authentic kuksa cups are small local shops in Finnish Lapland. They are are identifiable by the Duodji label of the Sami.
Finnish knife: Puukko

The Finnish Puukko is a compact hand-carved knife which originated in Finnish Lapland hundreds of years ago and was used by the Sami as a hunting tool. The handle is usually made of birch wood or reindeer’s antlers and is approximately equal in length to the blade for optimal ergonomic performance.

One of the most famous Finnish knife makers is Marttiini:

www.marttiini.fi
Ryijy and räsymatto rugs

Räsymatto rug – “rag rug” – can be found on the floor of almost every Finnish home. The original idea of a rag rug is to make sure that nothing goes to waste – the rugs have been traditionally made out of old clothes and textiles. The colours and patterns vary according to the region and time period. The rugs are both beautiful and durable, washed clean by the sea or a lake in the summer breeze.

The Ryijy-rug is a decorative handwoven woollen tapestry made in Finland for over 300 years. First used as a utilitarian cloth, it gradually evolved into textile art and gained prestige during international exhibitions of applied art and design during the 1950s and 1960s. Vintage Ryijy -rugs are highly collectible for their fine craftsmanship and folklore, while contemporary designers continue the tradition with modern interpretations of the age-old practice.

Try finding your unique ryijy or räsymatto from the Finnish online fleamarket Tori.fi:

www.tori.fi/
Sauna accessories

Sauna is an essential part of Finnish life and sauna-related souvenirs are ideal gifts to take home. Beautifully crafted wooden buckets and ladles serve their purpose both in the sauna and as objects of art. Clean skincare products made from Finnish nature, with ingredients as varied as birch sap, wild mushrooms and sea buckthorn berries, and organic linens from family- run textiles mills Lapuan Kankurit and Jokipiin Pellava will add a little Nordic wellness to your bathing regime, whether you have a personal sauna or not!

https://lumiaccessories.com/scent-skincare/
quality glassware

World-famous Finnish glass and ceramics can be found in the many antique and vintage shops around the country, but we recommend you visit one spectacular place – Nuutajärvi.

The Nuutajärvi Glass Village was founded in 1793 and is Finland’s oldest glassworks. Situated on the banks of the Nuutajoki River and just a two hour drive northwest from Helsinki, the idyllic village is worth the pilgrimage for anyone interested in the history of Finnish glass making.

The Nuutajärvi Glass Museum was designed by renowned glass and ceramic artist Kaj Franck, who was art director for the glassworks until his death in 1976. There is a glass school and several studios and shops located throughout the village, including the atelier of Kaj Franck Award recipient and glass artist Markku Salo. The shops are open year-round and studio visits can be arranged by appointment. There is also a hotel, cottages for rent during summer months, and a cafe.

www.nuutajarvi.fi/en
famous furniture

Good design and quality craftsmanship will always endure. Many models from the past are still in production today. Iconic Finnish furniture can be found in cool interior design shops and antique shops alike.

Artek, the furniture company founded by Alvar Aalto and his wife Aino in 1935, carries both a classic and contemporary collection. Iconic pieces like Aalto’s minimalist stool60 (1933) and the sculptural Paimio Chair (1931-32) remain Artek staples, a testament to their essential function and beauty. Artek manufactures the majority of its products in Turku, Finland, where Aalto furniture has been made since the 1920s.

In the Helsinki Design District, be sure not to miss Artek 2nd Cycle, Artek’s vintage collection on Pieni Robertinkatu. This beautifully-curated shop showcases the longevity of Artekfurniture and gives a second life to timeless designs. Well-worn multi-hued stool60s spiral on top of each other to create artful installations alongside other gracefully ageing classics from the past.

www.artek.fi/en/
www.artek.fi/2ndcycle/en/

FOOD AND DRINK

Finland’s wild arctic nature produces some of the most delicious and healthy foods on the planet. A unique Nordic climate results in colourful and nutrient-rich super foods which grow under the midnight sun. Finns have long championed the importance of eating locally-produced, organic and natural foods, and strict environment practices mean you can rest assured that the food here is both safe and sustainable. Check for Luomu (organic) and Fair Trade labels and of course products that are made in Finland.

Wild herbs, game, fish, berries and mushrooms – fresh or dried – can be bought from beautiful old market halls and specialised shops.

See our tips on buying ethically and ecologically produced food and drink in Finland:

Market Halls for finnish food

Old market halls are the best place to go and find authentic Finnish foods – seasonal, of course.

Hietaniemi Market Hall (pictured) and Hakaniemi Market Hall in Helsinki are some of the oldest market halls in Finland. Here you can buy dark and healthy Finnish rye bread (ruisleipä), Finnish “cheese bread” (juustoleipä), cloudberry jam, dried reindeer meat and dried mushrooms of all kind. Just to name a few. You can also just opt to sit in one of their cozy cafes and watch the world go by.

All old market halls in bigger cities sell locally produced Finnish delicacies with great pride and love.

Market Halls and Open Air Markets in Helsinki
anton & Anton

Anton & Anton is probably as ethical as a food chain can possibly be. The concept is ambitious, but it works. Anton & Anton have their own kitchen that provides produce for the small shops and kiosks around Helsinki, as well as home-delivery service and web-shop for their own products. Pretty much everything is organic and produced locally in Finland, with the strictest standards in animal and human rights. Ingenious, happy and responsible – this is how Anton & Anton describe themselves and we couldn’t agree more.
Ruohonjuuri

Ruohonjuuri, which literally means grassroots in Finnish, calls itself the “Happy Food Store” of Finland. And it certainly is that. A pioneer in the field of eco-trade, the first Ruohonjuuri Shop was opened in central Helsinki in 1982. Long gone are those early days when the majority of the customers were hardboiled vegans and conscientious hippies. The one tiny shop has grown into a chain of eleven stores around Finland. The web-shop is open 24/7 and serves customers in Finland and the EU. These days Ruohonjuuri offers their varied clientele a diverse range of high quality, fresh, environmentally responsible, organic, and fair trade products that range from quality food to natural beauty care and cleaning products for the home.

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guilt-free shopping in finland