Today it all seems to be machine manufactured plastic built by robots in seconds and sold in supermarkets to provide everybody with identical goods. This is one of the main reasons why eco gifts have become so popular today, because more of us are realising that we’ve been very close to losing the opportunity to buy gifts which are special, unique, and which don’t simply use up more of the earth’s limited natural resources in order to punch out something bland, uniform and lacking soul or originality.

But eco gifts of course provide the opportunity to give much more than an original, beautiful item that’s been handcrafted, and very probably unique in many ways. Because eco gifts help support and sustain two important things which we should all have a keen interest in – people and the planet.

Poorer communities facing challenging situations have something we’ve largely lost – the commitment and ability to take natural materials and craft them by hand into beautiful eco gifts for decoration or everyday use.

But also by reusing or recycling items which might otherwise be discarded the impact on the environment is significantly reduced. From beautiful, decorative bowls made from half a coconut shell to stunning woven baskets made from bamboo, the natural world provides far more resources than we tend to give credit for, and often the eco gifts not only look much more attractive in our homes, but are valued much more than factory manufactured uniformly bland items.

Even taking items we normally discard, such as beer bottles, can provide opportunities to reduce the amount of waste by becoming a little more creative.

Every year 28 billion glass bottles and jars are discarded, but by purchasing eco gifts we can reduce that waste.

Quirky and attractive glasses and goblets made from recycled beer bottles seems like a bizarre idea at first, but they are very appealing and popular, and certainly a real talking point.

Eco gifts help you to give originality and beauty whilst giving poorer communities a chance to support themselves more productively, and cut down on the appalling waste we generate every year.

Say no to plastic punching robots and welcome in a world of eco gifts that give more than just a gift.

The passion of football fans extends beyond just watching the game, its the passion and emotions that are experienced during a game, the chanting, songs, banner and flag waving and the feeling that as a supporter you have motivated the team, intimidated the opposition and even influenced the referee. Research has shown that fans truly believe they must attend the game to help the team to win, not just to observe the event, thus making them feel they are their teams 12^th man and an essential part of the club they support. Two thirds of fans have actually admitted to crying during a game.

For any supporter, football gifts make the prefect present for any occasion as the club they support is so close to their heart, and with so many football gifts available you will be spoilt for choice, no longer is it just the traditional hat, scarf and pin badge the order of the day, the gift range for most clubs now extends to computer products, car accessories, confectionary, home ware, golf products, baby accessories (yes that includes anything from feeding bottles, soothers and even baby clothing), inflatable’s, jewellery and team branded pet accessories.

Traditionally the most popular team products are Liverpool gifts and Manchester United souvenirs but with the enormous popularity of the premier league, these products are now available for most of the top flight teams, with each club now producing their own amazing range of merchandise and gifts .

Luckily, you can get around this, should it ever happen to you. If you’re shopping for leather jackets online, and find that what you want is no longer available, you can email us, and hand over your vital measurements. We’ll not only check that there’s really, truly no more in stock, we’ll check what we do have to make sure there’s nothing else that will suit your measurements.

The measurements needed have to be exact – no fudging to hide that Christmas pudding you’re carrying. Remember to measure wearing what you’ll normally wear under the leather jacket – a t-shirt or jumper etc. The chest should be measured around the widest part, as too, the waist. Throwing in your shoe size will give an indication of how tall you are, and your frame. However, telling us how tall you are will help, too! Let us know your build (don’t be shy) – are you large, small, thin? What size do you normally take? And lastly, tell us how you want the jacket to fit: fitted is 1" larger than your chest, semi-fitted is 2", comfort is 3 and loose is 4. Oh, don’t forget the actual jacket you saw – the name of the style, the colour and the kind of leather you’d like it in.

By sending in these details we can see if there’s something that you might like, if we don’t have the actual jacket in stock. Bear in mind, however, that with sale stock it’s generally what we have at the time. Usually, there’s no more and so once that particular style, colour or whatever is sold out, that’s it. Having said all that, clearance and sale items are a great way of picking up cheap leather jackets that will boost your wardrobe with a piece that can be worn anywhere, with anything, and by anyone. Whether timeless and classic or modern and hip, a decent leather coat is something that everybody should own.

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Ethical cooking and dining

Whether you’re cooking the family meal or you’re having a dinner party for friends, there are a few easy steps you can take to ensure a successful and ethical dinner:

Ingredients

We’ve already mentioned the popularity of free range eggs and sales are now hitting the £2 billion per year mark. Battery egg sales are plummeting and by 2012, eggs laid by caged hens will be a thing of the past as a ban is due to be implemented. All the major supermarkets are joining in to support free range produce because the demand from the public is stronger than ever.

Take an interest in where your ingredients come from and how they were grown or raised. Free range and organic produce is not only more ethically sound, it is also more nutritious which can only be a good thing for health.

Try to buy produce that is in season. We’ve become so used to having any type of fruit and vegetable at any time of the year but the fact remains that buying produce that is in season is more cost-effective, fresher and better for the environment.

Environmental impact

Actively seek out information about your food. ‘Food miles’ is an often used phrase and relates to the distance travelled from source to point of purchase. Be aware however that fuel consumption is not always judged on distance. A container ship full of apples travelling from another country can use less fuel than trucks driving hundreds of miles up and down this country. Buying locally is best to maintain freshness of food but don’t be over-enthusiastic as many poor countries rely on income from fruit and vegetable exports.

If you’re buying fish, find out how it has been caught and whether the stocks are sustainable. Fish is a rapidly depleting food source across the planet and some of the methods involved in fishing are detrimental to animal welfare and the environment.

Meat farming is having a major impact on the environment. While you don’t necessarily have to abstain from eating it, having a few meat free days every week can make a big difference. Did you know that a steak dinner for a family of four is roughly equivalent (energy wise) to driving around in 4×4 family car while leaving all your house lights on.

Grow your own

It is possible to become self-sufficient by growing your own vegetables and fruit. If you’ve a garden, patio or even just a window box, you’ll be amazed at how much you can actually grow yourself. Why not buy an organic garden gift voucher and grow your own tomatoes, peas, courgettes, runner beans and even strawberries.

Serving your food

You can even be ethical in the way you prepare and serve your food. Buy plates, utensils, chopping boards and bowls made from sustainable materials such as bamboo. Bamboo is a fast growing plant which is easily renewable therefore having very little impact on the environment. There are a number of stylish bamboo products for the kitchen and home.

Ethical thinking now radiates through every aspect of business practice from alternative energy sources to sustainable manufacturing materials to reducing pollution. Even corporate ethical gifts are replacing the usual offerings to incentivise or congratulate the workforce for a job well done.

The ethical business

With the general population organising their lives in a more ethical way and seeking eco-friendly alternatives in their lifestyles, so businesses are researching and initiating new environmentally ideas to help keep them ahead of the competition. From huge corporations to small start-ups, using green practices throughout day-to-day operations can provide huge gains.

The idea of a company towing the environmental line was once met with derision among the business community, but those who took the initiative earliest are now watching as the sceptics play catch up. The change in attitude among consumers and business alike has increased the interest in all things green.

While many corporations have a vast challenge ahead of them to convince the public that they are putting the environment first, there are definite changes being made. Office buildings are being constructed to maximise energy efficiency and occupying such a premises not only offers a better public image but also the potential for long-term savings. Even companies that are seen as traditionally eco-unfriendly are now committed to better environmental practices. What these businesses are seeing by going ‘green’ is better public relations and significant ways to improve their bottom line.

Most environmental initiatives stem from demand by clients and consumers. The pressure is on businesses to meet this demand because if given the choice between one product being environmentally friendly and the other not, the majority of consumers are choosing the greener option.

We’ve come a long way in the past twenty years – in the past consumers would struggle to name any green brands but now they have become the starting point when deciding on lifestyle choices. It is imperative for survival and growth that a business increases consumer and employee reaction by instigating wide-spread environmentally friendly practices.

Ethical gifts for the workforce

Anyone who has worked within a team of people will at some point have contributed to, or been a recipient of, a gift. A birthday, departing colleague, promotion or just a hearty well done are all reasons to show someone at work that you appreciate them.

For businesses to make a real effort in going ‘green’, a great show of intent is for everyone involved to buy gifts that are ethically sound. Whatever the reason, buying an ethical gift for employees or an ethical gift for the boss is a great way to increase awareness within your company about the importance of green issues as well as giving a present that has lasting impact on the recipient.

Some great bargain buys can be picked up in clearance sales. Cheap leather jackets are now being sported by the younger generation due to their versatility and low cost. They can be worn with anything, and their affordability makes them attractive to the younger crowd. They can be seen to and from work (and even some schools), in town with pals or out with families.

Leather blazers, on the other hand, scream expensive – but need not be. A well-cut leather coat can look like it cost a packet but actually cost very little; it all depends on where you source it. Of course, having one tailor-made might run up the price, but it’ll fit you like a glove and no doubt look like it cost far more than it actually did. And if you don’t put on too much weight as you get older, a leather jacket made to your measurements can be worn well into your twilight years!

Leather biker jackets are huge at the moment, especially with the current tattoo trend. It seems everyone these days is sporting ink somewhere on their bodies, and what better way to compliment the look than with chunky, belted, zippered, low-slung leather coats. Designed to be functional and practical, a biker jacket will ensure your back doesn’t get too cold while you’re motoring down the highway with your gal (or guy) riding shotgun. And slung over the bike when you pull up, you can still maintain the look as you show off your tatts.

Classic ladies’ leather jackets are indeed timeless. Whether made-to-measure or off-the-shelf, a women’s leather jacket can be teamed with jeans, a skirt, or trousers. In an emergency it can be worn over a formal outfit and not look too out of place. It is equally at home on a picnic or out at dinner.

Even the not-so-humble red leather jackets are still being seen (how can you miss them!). Can be worn to revive an old outfit or set alight a new one, a red coat can make you stand out in the crowd – it’s just up to you how much and how good you’ll look while doing it!

The ethical toy debate

The toy industry, which is said to worth around £8 billion, has long been criticised for its lack of environmental awareness. However, that hasn’t stopped adults from splashing the cash. By the time the average British child reaches the age of 16, they will have owned around £11,000 worth of toys. It’s impossible for all those toys to have been made from sustainable materials or be ethically sound, so what’s being done to improve the situation?

The answer has, until recently, been very little. The mass market for cut-price toys lends itself to huge industrialisation leading to outsourcing and then questionable labour rights for the workforce who produce the products. Then there’s the materials used in manufacture.

The idea of the ‘toxic toybox’ has been in evidence for decades. A 1997 study into 71 toys from 17 countries found that they contained between 10 and 40 per cent of a plasticiser that is connected to childhood asthma and reproductive disorders. And the problems still exist today. As recently as 2007, around 21 million toys were recalled for posing hazards such as excessive levels of lead paint.

So, the manufacturing process is damaging to health, natural resources are being depleted and the recycling of toys that are no longer wanted is near on impossible because the materials simply can’t be reused. Will parents refuse to buy their child the latest Dalek or Transformer toy based on these revelations?

Eco-friendly toys

There’s a long way to go until the mainstream toy industry ensures all materials are sustainable and all factory workers are given fair wages and basic human rights. However, this will be the decade of the environment and consumers are waking up to the fact that things have to change.

The majority of ethical toys made from sustainable materials are wooden and while this may not appeal to the ipod generation of kids, it makes sense for the tiny tots. Sustainable toys made from sustainable hale wood or rubberwood and coloured with vegetable dyes remove the danger of potential toxic poisoning and reduce the devastation of natural resources.

Fairtrade toys produced by workers in impoverished areas give communities the chance to work for a decent wage and the profits are utilised to improve health and education.

Recycled toys manufactured from materials that have been recycled (and are recyclable when the toy is no longer wanted) reduces waste going to landfill.

These options are available to us as consumers and the more we demand them, the quicker the toy industry will change its practices.

As you head into the new year, it’s a great opportunity to evaluate just how eco-friendly you are and make changes to maximise your green potential. Recycling is something we can all be part of with very little effort, and that goes for giving gifts too.

Why buy recycled gifts?

We’re all familiar with recycling to a certain extent as two thirds of people now separate their recyclable waste into green bins. The latest recycling figures show a growing trend for more eco-friendly waste disposal. In the last five years the amount of rubbish sent for recycling has doubled with a staggering 33.8 million tonnes recycled since 2003. In terms of financial value, that’s £1.1 billion worth of materials reclaimed and £1.8 billion saved from sending waste to tips.

This is the start of the recycling process, but recycling isn’t just about one process, it’s a series of them. To fully recycle, we must buy the products that have been produced using the materials that we’ve made the effort to recycle in the first place. This is known as the ‘recycling loop’.

To ensure there’s a future for recycling, there must be a market for recycled products. So, when you’re shopping for goods, whether it be household or gifts, why not buy the products you’ve helped to produce and complete the loop. And when you’re done with them, send them off to be recycled again.

Recycled gift ideas for 2010

Christmas may be done and dusted but there’s usually someone in your life with something to celebrate so here are a few great recycled gifts you could consider giving.

Vinyl is dead and there’s an awful lot being sent to landfill so why not give the music lover in your life these great coasters, bookends and bowls which are made using genuine vinyl records.

Vinyl Coasters – Pack of 6	Small Vinyl Bowl – Made from a single	Small Vinyl Bookends – Pair – Made from Singles

In the past year, the UK recycled 3.3 billion aluminium cans and over two billion glass wine bottles. Why not complete the ‘recycling loop’ and buy recycled jewellery that uses recycled aluminium or glass.

Recycled Glass Bracelet – Green	Preeti Bead Bracelet

Recycled paper produces 73% less air pollution than if it was made from raw materials so buy recycled stationery. For example, these notebooks are perfect for kids to use at school or for adults to use around the house.

Eden Project A5 Notebook – Lime	Skinny Notebook – Home Sweet Home

Ethical presents for kids

‘Going green’ is a key trend and many parents are interested in seeking out alternative, ethical and Fairtrade presents for their children this year. While the organised among us have their shopping under control, the last few weeks before the big day for everyone else can be a touch frantic as we try and track down that elusive present. The internet has a wealth of ethical Christmas present ideas with the added bonus of being able to stay away from the crowded high street shops.

Ethical gifts for boys

Boys will always love their toys but why not look for ethical Christmas gifts for boys this year that encourage play time to be creative and fun.

For a stocking filler, how about a Top Trump style card game where children can learn about sea creatures, carnivores or reptiles. Made from 100% recycled materials and completely recyclable, these card games will encourage your children to discover the wonders of nature while educating them on the importance of preservation.

Natures Challenge Cards – Sea Creatures	Natures Challenge Cards – Reptiles

Parents are always trying to drag their boys away from computer games and what better way to spend some quality time with the family then with a board game. Send your boys on a mission to space or a remote land where survival is the name of the game with these board games made from recyclable materials.

Mission Space Game – by Bioviva	Operation Survival Game – by Bioviva

Ethical presents for girls

This year’s range of ethical Christmas gifts for girls is better than ever with plenty of toys, games, chocolates, jewellery and notebooks to please the most discerning of young ladies.

Popular presents this year include energy saving gadgets and this heart design radio will be a big hit with the girl in your family. And from an ethical point of view, you won’t be contributing to the millions of batteries that are used and discarded each year because it’s powered by winding it up.

Heart Wind Up Radio – Pink

And for her stocking, how about these great fillers – organic chocolate buttons, fairy hairbands and vibrant Zulugrass jewellery.

Chunky Milk Chocolate Buttons	Fairy Hairband	Zulugrass Jewellery

To be truly green this Christmas, avoid buying wrapping paper that isn’t recyclable or isn’t made from recycled materials. A better idea is to put presents into gift bags which you can then use again and again. Wrapping paper just adds to the massive amount of waste that we generate over the festive period and the kids want what’s inside, not the decorative wrapping.