Part of the trend for consumerism with a conscience is an interest in where and how products are made. But while people no longer see shopping purely as a means of giving their credit card a workout their concerns about fairtrade, climate change and organic food might make a trip to the shops seem like a moral minefield.

Arzu, meaning “hope”’ in the Afghan dialect Dari, is a not-for-profit group that helps to alleviate poverty in Afghanistan by providing a sustainable source of income selling rugs woven by local women. By paying its weavers above-market prices, Arzu empowers women to support their families and invests in communities by providing access to healthcare and education.