Admit it: Monopoly's rubbish. Things are fun and unpredictable for five minutes. After that, you're selling Mile End and your utility companies to afford the rent at your tyrant uncle's hotel on Park Lane. This Christmas, may I gently recommend a French-made - who else? - eco alternative for eight year olds and up. Known as Bioviva, the game boasts twelve international awards on its mantlepiece. Though I'm yet to play it, the premise is essentially Trivial Pursuit with nature questions and a Risk board with travel instead of war and strife. Beats remortgaging properties to get your boot past Go. A £24 outlay snags you all the essentials including a mammoth 900 questions - it's on sale at Gaia Distribution. [found via top notch green directory site, Eco Street]

From: BEST OF 2008: Eco-friendy and sustainable shoes