Call me prejudiced but I don't usually associate footballers with green issues. And with all respect to Gary, who I've heard is a lovely bloke, he is one of the least likely Premiership footballers I would have thought would be so environmentally friendly. Aren't they all supposed to be driving around in Ferraris when they are not getting in their 4x4s to escape to the country?

So it was something of a shock - albeit a pleasant one - to discover in the paper this morning that not only does Gary drive to the training ground in a hybrid Toyota Prius (yes honestly) he's also submitted plans to Bolton Council for an eco-home in the grounds of his £8 million estate.

Not only that, but the eco-home is a radical 'underground bunker' design that has been likened by critics to the Teletubbies home. Personally I think it looks fantastic with its petal structure. Certainly it is very discreet unlike some footballers' homes I can think of.

Apparently the structure is so advanced the government wants to use the scheme as a benchmark for all future zero-carbon developments. What's more, the Man United captain has already impressed planning chiefs with in-depth knowledge of issues and sustainable technology. Good on you Gary. Whatever next? David Beckham buys all of his clothes at Oxfam or Wayne Rooney to open a nature reserve.

Let someone know that you care about them on Valentine's Day with some organic heart lollipops.

Available from By Nature, they come either in a dark or milk chocolate (or a combination of both). They are sent on your behalf with the message of your choice on embossed card paper. The card and the packaging are made of recycled materials.

The gourmet cards retail for £6.99 for one Lollipop and £8.99 for 2 Lollipops (price includes postage). Last date of order for Valentine's Day delivery is February 11th 2010.

http://www.bynature.co.uk/organic-chocolate-heart-lollies-gourmet-card-17388-0.html

Emma Watson's not been off our fashion radar this month with ad campaign shots and backstage videos for Burberry coming out in drips and drabs over the past few weeks, writes ShinyStyle's Andrea Petrou.

However, this time she's back on our pages for creative and modelling reasons. Sneak previews of her awaited ethical collection for People Tree have hit the online stands and at first look we can say these togs, modelled by Emma, are looking fashionable and comfortable.

The collection, which was announced back in September last year, is claimed to be 100% ethical with fair trade groups using organic cotton to make the clothes by hand. Apparently the work put into the range also helps improve the lives of disadvantaged workers in Bangladesh, India and Nepal.

And we also love the logos, which include quirky phrases such as "Don't panic, I'm organic."

We can't wait to see the rest of the pictures but until then we want to hear from you. Is this just another celebrity designer trying to get onto the fashion bandwagon?
Take a look at the two pictures and let us know what you think by leaving your comments below.

[Via The Times]

There were loads of iPhone solar chargers at CES this year but this is one from Novothink is probably the best. It fits snugly on to your phone and can deliver thirty minutes of power for two hours of charging. It doesn't have to be connected to the iPhone to charge and if the sun isn't playing you can charge it up via USB.

It goes on sale soon in Europe including the UK, for 80 (not 8 as it says in the video) Euros. It comes with a free app that works out how much you need to use the sun to charge the battery depending on where in the world you are. See video after the turn.

These look interesting for younger kids (my six year old would love them). Called Shains they're eco-friendly accessories made out of 100 per cent recycled and recyclable materials. The idea is that you can customise them with whatever message/statement you want by pressing different elements into the bracelets and cuffs.

Up to 60 different elements (letters/icons) are available and the bracelet cuffs come in 12 different colours. You can also add a Shains brooch or keyring to your bag or whatever you want to accessorise. Prices vary from £1.50 for the accessories to £9.50 for the cuff starter kit.
www.ticktocktrading.com

CLICK ON IMAGE BELOW TO SEE GALLERY OF SHAINS PRODUCTS

Grannies Inc has teamed up with energy company npower to produce a range of cosies designed to encourage our great nation to make tea in a pot rather than mugs.

The idea - of course - is to reduce the number of times we boil our kettles and hence the amount of household energy we use.

Themed to some of our favourite TV shows, various designs are available. Just pop one of these over your pot and do a little something for the environment while enjoying a cup of the good stuff.

Pictured is the 'Lancashire Hot Pot' Coronation Street cosy which is available online at granniesinc.co.uk/cosies.htm for £45. Alternatively there's a Dalek tea cosy, called Dalekjeeling of course. You can also download patterns to knit it yourself.

Via Corrieblog