Six of the best socially responsible places to shop in Phnom Penh

A.N.D

The acronym stands for artisandesigners​, a Cambodian fair-trade brand that works with local artisans - many of whom have a disability - who make high-quality clothing, jewellery and accessories. Its branches on Street 240, the epicentre of cool in Phnom Penh, are the place to buy quirky souvenirs such as notebooks and wallets made from up-cycled cement and rice bags, and clothing made from traditional, handwoven fabrics. See facebook.com/artisandesigners

FRIENDS 'N' STUFF

Good Krama uses up-cycled, unwanted materials purchased from local warehouses to reduce the fashion industry's environmental footprint.Credit: Lucille Giralte

This colourful shop on Street 13 is part of the acclaimed Mith Samlanh ("friends" in English) foundation, which provides shelter, food, medical care and workplace training for more than 1800 street kids. It is next-door to Friends the Restaurant and sells products made by made by marginalised parents, plus other items on consignment. While you're there, pop in for a manicure at the neighbouring Nail Bar, which is staffed by Mith Samlanh's beautician students. See mithsamlahn.org

RAJANA SHOWROOM

Cambodian-run non-profit Rajana creates beauty from Cambodia's ugly and painful past, transforming bombshells and bullets into stunning pieces of jewellery that serve as symbols of peace. The shop on Street 240 also sells scarves, cushion covers and wall hangings made by young, disadvantaged Cambodian artisans, who are able to work from home so they can also care for their families. See rajanacrafts.org

GOOD KRAMA

A krama is a handwoven scarf, a functional item traditionally worn in rural Cambodia. The play-on-words also reflects the "slow fashion" label's philosophy of creating designer items inspired by traditional Cambodian crafts, using up-cycled, unwanted materials purchased from local warehouses so as to reduce the fashion industry's environmental footprint. Working with several social enterprises, Good Krama also provides jobs and training for rural weavers and city seamstresses. See goodkrama.com

KHMER ARTISANRY

Lush Khmer silks sit alongside traditional cotton weaves in this shop that is helping keep traditional dyeing practices alive. The items are hand-loomed by rural women, many with disabilities, and the organisation aims to reduce poverty in their communities and restore cultural pride.The shop is dedicated to the memory of the owner's grandmother, a weaver who survived Pol Pot's Killing Fields. See khmerartisanry.com

AIM Shop

Agape International Missions (AIM) is a non-profit organisation that fights human trafficking by supporting and empowering survivors. Every item in the shop, including beautifully-made kimonos, T-shirts and accessories, is made and signed by a survivor of sex trafficking. Employees at AIM centres earn above-average salaries and have access to free childcare, education and meals. See theaimshop.com

Julie Miller travelled a guest of Evergreen Cruises & Tours. See evergreentours.com.au