London, U.K. April 1st

After eight years' hard work in the laboratory, scientists from Interflora have finally managed to create a first in the field of fashionable flowers. The fruit of their labour is two new blooms: the Tiger Rose and the Leopard Rose.

Taking inspiration from the Tiger Lily, the flowers boast animal prints to help make them look distinctive, and they could point to a trend in future floral fashion. In the Interflora laboratory, the scientists created the blooms by skilfully blending complex DNA samples from different plants, and the end results were animal print effects.

With flowers playing a big role in fashion, Interflora asked their finest minds (pictured) for their help in developing new plants which will appeal to glamour models and other celebrities who favour leopard print clothing like Rihanna and Kate Moss.

Understandably, Interflora are very pleased with their latest work. Such is the level of pride that Interflora have shown in their scientists' work, they plan to sell their new animal print flowers to a wider market in the near future. If you're feeling curious, Interflora have published a number of pictures of the innovative new plants on their blog. They plan to sell the flowers as part of mixed bouquets, and, if successful, will also sell them as corsages for proms and other big ceremonies, which will surely go down well with fashionistas everywhere.

Modern day life often pushes our stress levels to the max. And after a day of juggling work with school runs and other commitments, it is no wonder that many women turn to yoga to chill out - and shape up!

If your mum (or wife) is a yoga bunny then we're sure she would appreciate showing off her Eagle and Downward-facing Dog with some new yoga gear.

Any yogi will tell you that good clothing is important when practicing, as it can be extremely difficult to let go of those stressing thoughts and meditate (while trying to bend like a pretzel) if your top keeps on slipping up.

This is where bamboo clothing comes into the picture. Fabric made from bamboo is incredibly soft, follows your body contour perfectly and is luxuriously comfortable. Not only that but bamboo clothes also absorbs and evaporates sweat in a split second, so you won't feel all sweaty and gross.

UK label BAM, a leading name in the world of bamboo clothing, makes a fantastic range of eco-friendly and ethically made bamboo wear for a wide range of activities. It is the softest of fabrics and feels like a snug hug, which would only increase the benefit of the yoga sessions. We were sent a vest top to test, and loved is so much that we ended up wearing it all the time, not only to the gym!

BAM is available from www.bambooclothing.co.uk with t-shirts from £22.50 and leggings from £25.00.

Now the yoga mummy wouldn't be found without her own yoga mat. If her current one is looking a bit tatty, perhaps investing in a new luxurious eco mat would put a smile on her face as she's saluting the sun. Pick one up one from John Lewis for £35.00.

With this year's Mother's Day just ten days away, we've put together a little gift list for the style concious mum.

So why not show your mum (or wife) that she's truly valued by helping her update her spring wardrobe with these fantastic eco-friendly finds - and the best thing you can buy them all online!

Giving a bouquet of flowers - however beautiful they are - on Mother's Day isn't very sustainable. This year, instead of the bouquet why not give your darling mum a whole tree... in a rainforest! Not only is it thoughtful and kind to Mother Nature, it's a gift that will last for decades. If that's not going to show your mum she means the world to you, well we don't know what will.

You can protect a real rainforest tree in the Amazon in your mother's name via Cool Earth, the rainforest charity, which counts the likes of Sir David Attenborough (our hero!), Dame Vivienne Westwoood and Kate Moss among its supporters. They will also have the tree geo-located for her so she'll be able to see exactly where it is in the rainforest on Google Maps.

"The idea behind Cool Earth is that if we can help pay to conserve an acre then we can make a real difference. Perhaps the biggest difference we will make in our whole lives."
- Sir David Attenborough

Now if you'd like protect more than just the one tree, there are acres of vulnerable rainforest that work hard to protect our climate, water, oxygen and biodiversity to cast your protective arms around. All rainforest protected with Cool Earth would be cleared for logging within the next 18 month, so any contribution is valuable.

Prices to protect an endangered rainforest tree start at £1 and £30 to save half an acre. For more information visit www.coolearth.org/save-an-acre.

With the arrival of giant pandas Tian Tian (Sweetie) and Yang Guang (Sunshine), eco fashion brand Rapanui has teamed up with Edinburgh Zoo to make eco-friendly, organic bamboo t-shirts for the two newcomers.

The zoo is conscious to raise awareness about conservation and have recruited Rapanui - winners of the RSPCA Good Business Awards - to make bamboo t-shirts that are going to be sold alongside the visitor's attraction to raise money and contribute to their upkeep.

Considering pandas are quite costly to keep, it is understandable that the Zoo wants to find other ways to raise money for the tubby two.

Bamboo is hailed as a fabric of the future with Mart Drake-Knight, co-founder of Rapanui and designer explaining: "Bamboo is an amazing fabric, it is as soft as silk but half the price, it grows fast without water, pesticides or fertilisers. Bamboo has a lot of potential as a sustainable textile, not to mention the softness and kind-to-skin properties that make them feel great."

Love the eco-cool panda shirts!

Available now from Rapanui for both women and men for £24.95.

Getting Christmas presents for girls can be easy, just head to the nearest beauty section and you'll be safe. But if you're looking to get something a bit more unique - and not to mention - eco-friendly, then you've come to the right place. I've waded through the froth to find some of the more desirable and sustainable presents for her out there. If organic knitwear, limited handmade pieces and fairtrade scarves are her things, look no further!

There are plenty of eco-friendly presents available for the men in your life. But if bamboo socks aren't just what you're after - although they're probably very comfy - check out our five top choices for ethical presents to put under the tree this Christmas.

Here at Hippyshopper we love nerdy, geeky gadgets that can help us be even more eco-friendly and save energy. But with all the tech wizardry around, it can sometimes be difficult to filter through all the shiny gadgets to find those that can help with a greener lifestyle.

[thanks to energyrethinking.org]

OK summer might almost be over but as always we remain ever hopeful that we might get an indian summer this year. And of course we'd want to keep our eco creds and wellbeing levels up in preparation of the cold months ahead. If you're looking to give someone a gift you should check out the guide to wellbeing website The Baoli that lets you find great gifts for every occasion. Here are our top 10 eco and wellbeing gifts from The Baoli.

Product: Florence - Printed Canvas Weekenders
By: NV London-Calcutta
A perfect bag for all your weekend getaway necessities. Monday morning office outfit might fit in too! Perfect marriage between British design talent with age-old Indian craftsmanship.

Eco and wellbeing features: Handmade, ethically produced in Calcutta. Screened by hand, using traditional methods and environmentally friendly, AZO free dyes. Accredited by World Fair Trade Organisation.

Product: Iris Block Print Maxi Dress
By: People Tree
It's summer festival time, and this 100% cotton maxi dress with colourful dots from People Tree is a must-have. Adjustable halter neck is very helpful!

Eco and wellbeing features: People Tree promote natural and organic cotton farming. Its fashion meets the Fair Trade principles by World Fair Trade Organisation. Locally sourced and handmade in most instances, with natural and recycled products. Safe and natural dyes only.

Product: Garudasana Jumpsuit
By: Sweaty Betty
You will master your "Eagle" (Garudasana) yoga pose in this relaxed racer back jumpsuit. Gentle blouson shape through the body yet close fitting at bust.

Eco and wellbeing features: Fabric - 91% modal, which is made of regenerated beechwood pulp and has all the great properties of cotton. It also absorbs 50% more moisture than cotton.

Product: Grey Green Five Fingers Classic
By: Vibram
Go barefoot. Go KSO ("Keep Stuff Out" that is). Ideal for fitness training, cross fit, travel, relaxing after sports. Razor-siped for improved flexibility and slip resistance on a variety of terrain. Machine washable, air dry.

Eco and wellbeing features: Connect with the Earth and benefit from an increased sense of balance and greater agility, improved posture and less back pain.

Product: Holistic Silk Eye Mask with Lavender
By: Wellicious
No more sleepless nights on the plane. Pop in this silk & velvet eye mask which will totally block light & sweeten the air around you with sleep inducing lavender.

Eco- and wellbeing features: Sleep in total darkness, which increases the quality and efficiency of your sleep with the help of aroma therapeutic lavender.

Product: Glimmer of hope earrings
By: Satya Jewelry
Each sunny new day is full of thousands of possibilities. Be reminded of the promise of tomorrow with these airy lotus earrings. 24kt gold vermeil.

Eco- and wellbeing features: Blending spiritual symbols, healing gemstones and sacred meanings, Satya Jewelry is created with grace, style and a global consciousness.

Product: Lip Balm 4 saver pack
By: Fair Squared
An ideal essential treat for your lips, times four: Citrus with SPF15, Spearmint, Vanilla and Vegan Pomegranate. Tasty, and longlasting.

Eco and wellbeing features: Recyclable tube; made of certified USDA Organic Ingredients; free from gluten and other nasty things like petrolatum, parabens, sulphates, and GMO.

Product: Sea Mist Sea Salt Spray with Lavender
By: John Masters
Dreaming of the beach holiday but can't get out of the city? Simply spray the desired amount on this magic liquid on your hair. Lavender oil also helps to protect the hair. Created by John Masters, part basement alchemist, part organic innovator.

Eco- and wellbeing features: Contains water, sea salt and certified organic lavender oil. Nothing else. Ingredients and products are never tested on animals.

Product: Apricot Nourishing Cuticle Oil
By: Cowshed
Dry cuticles will never bother you again. This product is made of apricot oil, known for its ability to penetrate the skin without leaving an oily feel. Rich in vitamin A to nourish, protect and add shine. Delicately scented with refreshing bergamot and palmarosa essential oils - nice little touch.

Eco and wellbeing features: No preservatives; no chemical ingredients; no sulphates (nasty chemicals); no synthetically made colours; suitable for veggies.

Product: Matcha Super power green tea
By: Teapigs
Superhero amongst teas. Concentrated green tea powder packed with antioxidants and nutrients. Join the Buddhist monks and royalty who have been sipping on this beverage for over 900 years.

Eco- and wellbeing features: Energising and calming; metabolism boosting; antioxidant blast.

Is asking for green gifts the new thing among celebs when they get married or welcome a new addition to their brood?

Kate and William famously asked for charitable donations instead of things for their wedding gifts ahead of their wedding in April this year. OK so the royal couple might have everything they need already, but still a very nice thought and we count is as 'green gifts'.

Now US actress Kate Hudson and her rocker fiancé Matt Bellamy of Muse have asked their famous friends to plant 'celebration trees' to mark the arrival of their baby boy. They are doing so because they want their son to grow up in a greener world.

If David and Victoria Beckham, who welcomed baby daughter Harper Seven only a couple of days ago, will choose to go the green route for still remains to be seen. However we've heard that Victoria has got Christian Louboutin to create specially made baby shoes for her much waited for daughter Harper.

Photo: Alex J. Berliner/AP/Press Association Images

Father's Day is just around the corner, 19th June, and it's time to celebrate the fathers out there and fatherhood. A celebration that dates back to 1910 was at first met with a certain amount of cynicism, but luckily times have changed since then and with it our notions of fatherhood.

If you don't want to gift yet another tie or bottle of whisky or aftershave, we've put together some alternative ideas on how to celebrate Father's Day.

However, if you still want to give your dad a present that is kind to both him and the environment, Nigel's Eco Store is kindly offering 10% off for all Hippyshopper readers. Simply head to their website and enter the code 'HIPDAD' at checkout. And just in case you forget to buy a present the code is valid until 21st June!

Most of us has a tendency to cling on to things we don't use anymore, call it sentimental value, hoarder instinct or simply because we might possibly have use for it in the future... In fact, recent research found that nine out of ten hang on to items we never or rarely use.

However if you have a flat that is scattered with old games consoles, unloved toys or perhaps a wardrobe filled with clothes that you don't really wear there is hope! Of course you can take any unwanted items down to your local charity shop, or you can go online to www.netcycler.co.uk - a new swapping site - that allows you to swap and give away unwanted items for things you really want and need.

By creating matches between offers and wishes all you need to do is list what you want to get rid of and what you would like in return. In the words of a well-known meerkat: Simples!

You can also give away things for free or in return for a charitable donation.

Could it be more easy to minimise waste and clutter in your home and give unwanted items a new lease of life? Get netcycling now!

PS: there is even an iPhone app to make things really easy...

"Love finds a way. Sometimes you have to be patient, but it always does."

When the description starts like this, how can you not love this necklace that we came across on Etsy. It's by Brenda Rodriguez who goes under the name LoveInfinitiely.

Carefully handcrafted with love, this is one of the more intricate necklaces Brenda makes, and is made with authentic semi-precious stones.

The copper coloured disc with the words 'love finds a way' is stamped on, and the natural colouring on each of the beads will vary from piece to piece - making it a truly unique necklace.

If you're wondering what £52 (£32.39) + postage can get you in gemstones this is what LoveInfinity has to say:

Crystal Quartz: a stone of manifestation that energises and activates the energy centres within the body. This will help the wearer to think clearly, focus and become clear about their dreams and desires.

Garnet: a stone of health and energy. It's a lucky stone for love, success in business, popularity and self-esteem.

Onyx: is worn for protection and inspiration. It helps to calm your fears, leaving you feeling stable and secure. It also releases negativity while encouraging self-control.

Red Tiger's Eye: a stone of courage, strength, will and personal power - it's considered a good luck stone.

Rhodnite: this helps raise self-worth and ward off negativity.

Rose and Strawberry Quartz: these are the love stones. Helps the wearer feel a strong sense of self-worth, and therefore being worth love. Provides you with inner peace and helps in all matters pertaining to love in all its forms and opens the heart.

All of this sounds great - why not buy your loved one a surprise gift?

80 million Easter eggs are eaten every year with the industry making hundreds of millions pounds of profit. We get chocolate, they get money, a win-win situation. In fact Easter eggs can have a downside and it's not just the sugar-low, a survey by Friends of the Earth revealed that in 2007, 4,370 tonnes of cardboard and 160 tonnes of foil waste was created by packaging. Also, cocoa production has a long history of alleged labour rights abuses and deforestation in third world countries.

Here are our favourite choices of ethical Easter gifts, be it fair trade chocolate, environmentally friendly dyed egg baskets or hand crafted eggs by local artists in Kashmir, to ensure that you can look out for the earth whilst simultaneously gorging yourself on delicious chocolate treats.

Former Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt and British actress Joanna Lumley are asking people who are buying Easter presents to help save rabbits by buying beauty and personal care gifts that have not been tested on animals.

These products can easily be identified by the Leaping Bunny Logo that symbolises the product has been approved by the BUAV's Humane Cosmetics Standard, which guarantees a company doesn't test their cosmetics and toiletries on animals.

Kimberley, who is also the founder of a new cruelty-free cosmetics brand BM Beauty, said: "Please be kind to bunnies this Easter - don't buy animal tested cosmetics and toiletries when choosing gifts for your loved ones. Look out for the BUAV's Leaping Bunny logo."

Joanna added: "I'm helping rabbits this Easter by only buying cruelty-free cosmetics. Look out for the BUAV's Leaping Bunny logo."

Despite bans in the UK and EU that prevent animals from being used to test cosmetics and toiletries, products that have been cruelly tested on animals in other parts of the world are still allowed to be sold and the BUAV is campaigning for a ban that will prevent this from happening.

Kimberley and Joanna are not the only stars lending their support to BUAV to end cruel animal testing. In March, Sir Paul McCartney joined the animal rights charity in a European campaign.

You can sign the No Cruel Cosmetics petition at www.nocruelcosmetics.org.