The FlexibleLove chair starts out small - a modest shape that could fit in the tiniest flat.  But given need and opportunity, it can accordion out to accommodate as many people as you're likely to want to sit that close to.  Weighing only 10 kilos, it supports up to 1900 kilos and is made entirely of post-consumer goods.  Video after the jump.

The joys of new parenting is one of those times when 'green' really seems to mean something and you can make your eco mark in more ways than just reusable nappies. Take this baby carrier - the fairtrade cotton drill sling comes in nine colours, several different carrying positions, doesn't put any pressure on your baby's spine and you get plenty of face to face interaction. You can use it up to your child reaching two years and twins can share a single one in the early months - £39.95

BabaSling

Related: Kari-Me baby sling I Eco Crib I Calin Bleu designer fleece wrap

Getting good organic clothing used to mean a trip down to the street market where you'd find hemp cloth piled high amidst the bric-a-brac. Now, like most things cool and saleable, the high street has sat up, taken notice and is providing organic fashion for the masses. So a big thumbs up to Next for providing a small but ultra fashionable collection of vests, jeans, underwear, nightwear, tops and a dress that are going to look great on you this summer. Prices £8 - £47.

Related: 2xist Soy Collection - softer than cashmere I Fairtrade organic cotton T-shirts from Tradecraft I H&M launch organic cotton collection

Fairtrade fortnight got off to a flying start today with the news that sales of fairtrade products have risen by nearly 50% in the past year. Reports said that shoppers spent £290 million on the ethically-traded products in the past year; a 46% increase on 2005.

To celebrate Fairtrade fortnight, many of the UK's biggest retail organisations have done their bit to raise awareness. Sainsburys and Waitrose have switched all their bananas to fairtrade, while Thresher is launching a new range of fairtrade wines. Check our some of our suggestions on how to mark the occasion your own way - or if you really want to go to town, check out Ethical Superstore's Fairtrade Fortnight kit, which is packed with ethically traded goodies for only £13.50. You can also browse the Fairtrade Foundation's Calendar of events for activities from catwalk shows to football matches over the next couple of weeks.

The best ideas are the simple ones, and this clever new recycling site has homed in on one of the most basic: ditch the stuff you don't want and get stuff you do want in return. Unlike Freecycle, chanceXchange discourages freeloading, since users must offer something before they can receive. It's mostly CDs, DVDs and books being traded, but I can see it growing into a big, sprawling (free) online junkshop.

I spoke to chanceXchange founder, Chris Timms, to discover more about the ideas behind his recycling revolution...

Going to a festival this year? If so, the thought of bedding down in a cardboard city may not sound appealing, but I've just heard about a new eco-friendly festival shelter that's every bit as 'luxurious' as a tent...

The 'Myhab' is basically a cardboard tent that will fully degrade after use. It recently won an award at the New Designers Exhibition, and its creator, James Dunlop, believes it could also be useful in disaster relief situations and at big events like the 2012 Olympics. 'But what could possibly be ecologically unfriendly about my humble tent?' I hear you cry...

This site is a real gem, and a must-see for anyone who's ever been seized by the desire to do something to make the world a better place but not known where to start. From the people behind Change the World for a Fiver, We Are What We Do describes itself as 'a new movement dedicated to inspiring people to use their everyday actions to change the world', and just browsing it made me feel much more empowered and positive about my own, individual impact.

It's crammed full of tips, and includes an 'actions tracker' that rewards you for good deeds and allows you to keep tabs on how well you're doing towards changing the world. In this respect, it's a bit like a cross between Brownies and Danny Wallace's Random Acts of Kindness.

Top gadget site Firebox isn't normally the first place you'd look for green products but these reycled Cambodian rice bags are definitely a winner. And it's not just about style either, they are reusable for your general shopping needs and their purchase helps to empower the vulnerable women who make them by providing shelter, education and employment. Available in pink or blue for £14.95 each.

Firebox's recycled rice bags

Related: Today's Tote: Dorothy Perkins recycled shopper I Anya Hindmarch's 'I'm not a plastic bag' shopper I Brown and cerise bag from Love Eco

We've raved about solar powered backpacks and briefcases before, but this new handbag from Solarjo gives solar accessories the feminine touch. We blogged about it when it came out as a prototype, but now you can have one all to yourself.

Gone are the days of cramming a charger into your already over-full clutch; with this neat, compact and above all stylish handbag, all your essential electricals will be charged up via an in-built USB port as you stroll in the sun. The panels also give it that futuristic, metallic touch that's so 'in' at the moment. [Via Gizmodo]

Related stories: Voltaic Systems solar backpack | Eclipse Solar Gear briefcase

The fight for fairtrade: Ethical fashion is latest battleground for retailers, with demand outstripping supply. [Independent]

Climate change is mixed blessing for scientists, as melting of Antarctic ice sheets reveals undiscovered life [Guardian]

Milliband backs new eco-labelling plan for food. [Telegraph]

Plan for UK's 'largest eco complex' unveiled, [Northern Echo]

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Should you be on the look out for some nice wedding jewellery with firm eco-credentials, take a look at greenKarat. Alongside more traditional pieces like this canary diamond ring ($975) is the gold or platinum binary ring which is engraved with your text translated into binary.

You can read more about greenkarat's philosophy here.

Related: Silverchilli jewellery - fairtrade loveliness I Taguna nut fairtrade jewellery I More green weddings

Greenfibres are in love with all things eco-friendly and have plenty for wedding couples to browse including organic cotton and other eco fabrics ready for you to whip up into a great outfit or take along to a seamstress if you're not so deft with a needle. A wedding list has been set up if you want to kit your home and lives out with all that is green such as bed linen, furniture and other homewares.

But even if you're not married, check out the furniture, skincare, cleaning and eco-baby ranges.

[Via Bridalwave]

It's Bridalwave's first birthday - check the site out for daily competitions, the best and worst frocks and more this week!

1. Labour MP Alan Simpson has accused his colleagues of being 'out to lunch' on climate change. [MSN]

2. Britain's Juniper is fast disappearing. [Independent]

3. Scientists add several species of deep sea shark to endangered list. [Planet Ark]

4. Greenpeace blockades base in protest against Blair's plan to build more nuclear weapons. [Greenpeace]

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I probably don't need to remind you that it's Friday, but I don't think the point can ever be overstated. So in the appropriate spirit, here's a little a little diversion to keep you entertained til hometime. Turn it all off is a fun little game with a message that should become obvious pretty quickly...

I'm going to dedicate this one to our very own Shiny Katie, who does a stirling job keeping Shiny Towers as eco friendly as possible (and woe betide anyone who leaves their PC on standby at the end of the day!) She's out of the office today, so with any luck, this should remind us all to switch off before we scarper...

Floris products may not jump out at you as being as pure and natural as they are, largely because they come immaculately presented in grown-up, stylish bottles, which wouldn't look out of place in your average posh cosmetic counter. Which is probably why as a fan of natural skin-goodies, I hadn't tried them until now...

So I decided to treat my parched, somewhat sensitive skin to their peppermint, lavender and aloe vera body polish, which is from the new Natural Benefits range. Follow the jump for my verdict...

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