I love decorating my home with unique and quirky things. And this beautiful map of Britain is definitely on my Christmas wish list this year. Not only does it look fantastic, it is also hand produced in the UK and printed on 100% recycled card!

The graphic is made up of the text of place names around the UK, so for any fellow non-Brits and born-Brits it is not only cleverly created but educational too. Carefully hand produced, the print is made using the silkscreen printing method and is printed onto off-white recycled card made from 100% de-inked post consumer waste. Art that is actually rubbish!

Available in slate and blue from ecocentric.com for £37.99 + delivery.

Photo: ecocentric.com

It's the perfect item of clothing. In summer it keeps you cool and stylish; in winter it's an essential part of the layered look. I'm of course talking about the versatile t-shirt. Add some cute animal prints and you get Brat & Suzie.

Launched in 2009, Brat & Suzie is the collaboration between fashion obsessed designer Polly Vickery and illustrator Louise Boulter. Together they create cute hand printed t-shirts with original designs featuring quirky animal illustrations.

Using well-sourced ethical materials which are manufactured in the UK, each t-shirt is hand printed locally in London using vegetable based dyes.

A rising star in the fashion scene, the collection now also includes vests and canvas bags, as well as dresses and will be expanding into shorts for the complete look.

For more info or to buy visit www.bratandsuzie.com.

With news of lower iPad prices I'm guessing that one of the most wished for presents this Christmas will be found under many Christmas trees in a couple of weeks time.

If you are one of the lucky ones, or know of someone who's getting an iPad, what better way to protect it than with a soft eco iPad sleeve?!

Designed by TAPE, the sleeve is handmade in London from FSC-certified fabric-backed cork - so you can carry it with you wherever you go or keep it in your bag away from any harmful items. Did you know cork oak forests prevent desertification and are home to various endangered species and cork is completely biodegradable and recyclable?

Available from Nigel's Eco Store at £17.99 + shipping.

Photo: Nigel's Eco Store

What is better on a cold winter day than a hot wheat warmer; especially one as cute as this?

A couple of hot dogs, Prince and Daisy are are furry friends that do not need walking when it's below zero outside, and they are much fresher smelling than other dogs. Made in the UK, the adorable Chiwawa or darling Bulldog are made from Fair Trade certified organic cotton sourced in India. Screen printed with water-based inks and filled with natural wheat and lavender, these wheat warmers only need a couple of minutes in a microwave to keep you warm for hours.

Daisy and Prince are available from Love Eco at £27.00 each.

I'll have one of each please!

Photo: www.love-eco.co.uk

According to Bouf.com, "Kusu likes to laugh. It doesn't matter what you tell him. He likes the colour green and colouring with felt-tip pens. Watch the walls!"

From Spanish brand Hommu, comes a small initiative to help conserve forest eco-systems: Green Folk. The collection is made up of four characters representing a small part of the Iberian fauna: a bear (Kusu), a rabbit (Pon), a fox (Bon Bon) and a bird (Honobono).

For each 'Green Folks' that is bought, 5% of the value goes to various local NGOs to support efforts to replant forests destroyed by fire, efforts to reintroduce native species and much more.

Hommu is not about just pretty design, they're about quality, ecology and creativity. Working only with suppliers who are environmentally sustainable, Hommu uses 100% recyclable material in both their packaging and products.

For more info and to buy Kusu the Bear (£21.00) head over to Bouf.com.

I don't know about you, but for me there is no Christmas without a real Christmas tree. And it seems like many of you out there may agree, as over six million real trees are bought every year in the UK.

A real tree doesn't only bring holiday cheer into your house; filling each room with a delightful scent; it also many other positive uses.

Christmas trees provide a great source for production of oxygen, each acre of trees producing enough oxygen for the daily need of 18 people! Also if you buy your tree from a certified BCTGA grower you can be certain they are sustainably grown and haven't caused any damage to local wildlife. And with the growing availability of potted or rented trees, you don't even need to cut one down - simply chose which one to get, and either plant it in your garden after Christmas or send it back to the farm until next season. Read more about how to best care for your real tree and recycling here.

Earlier this week, London received its annual Norwegian Christmas tree for Trafalgar Square, and today the BCTGA are delivering a 16ft tree to 10. Downing Street - a tradition that has been going for over a decade. Now it's up to Prime Minister Cameron and his helpers to decorate it beautifully.

Photo: www.christmastree.org.uk

With all this snow making the whole of Britain look very Christmassy, it's time to reveal our second green find in our eco-friendly, yet stylish gift ideas guide. Ready?

On your coffee table or the office desk, this cute wooden model of a panda is perfect for those who like a challenge. Made out of FSC certified wood, this crafty endangered species wood-craft kit is a build it yourself Panda Puzzle. Just follow the numbering system included in each kit and watch the panda take its shape. If you're not a panda person, there is also an owl or a rhinoceros to choose from.

Available from Ethical Superstore, these little figures are a Natural Collection Select are priced at £5.50 for one or £14.95 for the set of all three!

Missed yesterday's green gift idea? How about a reusable tea cup!

It's 1st December, which means we're officially allowed to be excited about Christmas. If you haven't started thinking about presents yet, now is the time to do so. To help you find fantastic, yet eco-friendly, gifts for friends and family, Hippyshopper is doing a little advent calendar; sharing one 'green' find each day until the festivities are upon us.

If you're like me, you like your hot drinks all year round; snow or sun, it doesn't matter. Just thinking back of all those cups of coffee and tea I've consumed over the past eleven months, I wish someone would have given me this nifty cup last Christmas: a porcelain cup that imitates the disposable cup.

Not only does the cup encourage you to reuse it again and again, the double walled porcelain keeps your drink hot - and its design doesn't take away the store bought experience. I want one!

Produced by DCI this stylish blue floral number is available from Natural Collection for only £10.95 (+ delivery).

December is just one sleep away and we are all getting geared up for Christmas cheer and shopping. However, as November draws to a close I thought we'd give an extra cheer for all of the guys who've been sporting tashes for a month in support for Movember; raising funds for The Prostate Cancer Charity.

Now all the lovely ladies whose boyfriends, friends, brothers or fathers have spent a month cultivating a moustache, why not give them a pre-Christmas treat in the form of green shaving products. To make things easier, with the help of Jay Clarke, Hippyshopper has tested four of the best natural shaving creams on the market. (pssst - they are also great as stocking fillers!)

OSMIUM® Age Defend Shave (£12 for 125ml)

A deluxe plant-rich non-foaming shaving cream, the Age Defend Shave contains ingredients to protect, soften and soothe skins while ensuring an ultra-close shave. The shaving cream is free from sulphates and contains Siberian ginseng and juniper, aloe vera, chamomile and eucalyptus oil. This non-drying and calming formula is said to reduce irritation and minimise redness.

Formulated specifically for men, the OSMIUM® range is rich in plant actives, vitamins and minerals, is more than 93% natural and 99% preservative free. Developed in the UK, the products are prepared by experts in natural treatments under the highest quality standards, each product is said to be non-greasy, fast-absorbing and easy to use.

What Jay thought:
While the name sounds like three point military procedure, the name doesn't mask it from being a decent, if not overwhelming product. It does an excellent job at soothing and preventing irritation or redness which is crucial when shaving. The shaving cream also leaves a pleasant freshness after it is rinsed off. One of the more costly products tested, my only gripe is that I was expecting something special, special aromas that will linger in my memory and long to smell again. While a good product that does everything it says on the box, it unfortunately didn't blow me away.

Where to buy: www.osmiumformen.com

Trilogy Smooth Shave Cream (£10.00 for 150ml)

The Smooth Shave Cream by Trilogy, is a high glide and conditioning cream that contains a unique balance of natural shave primers and skin softening emollients from pure plant oils including avocado, olive, marula and wheat germ. The added benefit of aloe vera and green tea soothes as facial hair is lifted for a comfortable, close and even shave.

Trilogy Natural Actives for Men is produced with a unique combination of zinc, copper and magnesium - minerals known for their beneficial impact of the skin, and essential plant oils that assist in supporting healthier, firmer and younger looking skin.

What Jay thought:
My expectations were high: expensive looking packaging and luxurious sounding ingredients. The first thing I noticed upon applying the cream was its thickness. Like skin-friendly Tip-Ex, it forms a thick shield protecting your face, which feels soft and comforting. The aloe vera sooths and relaxes the face before shaving begins. However upon shaving I realised that it was if anything, slightly too thick, somewhat impeding the razor. I was underwhelmed by the smell, or lack thereof, for a shaving cream containing so many exotic ingredients it smelt bland. It did however do an excellent job at preventing irritation and redness, which is a major benefit of a shaving cream over a shaving gel. Overall, Trilogy shaving cream feels better on your face than it smells. As the shaving cream is part of a skincare series, I expect it to work better with the whole range. For instance, the Trilogy Post Shave Balm provides a plethora of wonderful aroma when opened. Ginger, lemon, orange - dare I say it, Cointreau Liqueur. By the time I'd massaged it into my shaven face I was eager for an edible version. It felt refreshing and is a beautifully complete product. The post shave balm is not cheap at £16, but it is a price worth paying. This is the balm for me; a fantastic product.

Where to buy: www.trilogyproducts.com

Organic Homme Wash and Shave (£11.95 for 125ml)

This two in one active-packed face wash and shaving gel from Organic Homme promises the ultimate close shave. The gel lifts the hair shafts to help prevent 'razor burn' and nicks and cuts. The organic aloe vera soothes, conditions and protects the skin, while plant proteins and seaweed keep the skin smooth and supple.

Organic Homme's natural and organic products are suitable for all men including those with sensitive skin and those prone to eczema, psoriasis, acne and skin blemishes. Made without any chemical nasties, the products are based on 100% natural, organic and fairly traded ingredients.

What Jay thought:
Organic Homme's Wash and Shave is another wonderfully citrus effort that I instinctively want to drink rather than rub over my face, perhaps doing both would be an acceptable compromise? From its sweet masculine scent to its minimalistic packaging, this product oozes sophistication. I like it a lot. As it also leaves your skin moisturised it is perfect for the cold winter months.

Where to buy: www.organichomme.com

Bulldog Organic Shave Gel (£3.49 for 175ml)

The UK's first and largest natural skincare brand for men, all Bulldog products are body friendly and don't contain any artificial nasties, like parabens and sulphates, artificial colours or synthetic fragrances. The products are loaded with essentials oils and natural actives.

The Organic Shave Gel, contains seven essential oils to give a smooth and moisturising shave every time: aloe vera, jojoba and konjac mannan. The shave gel is best used with liberal amounts of warm water, or better still, in a steam shower. It softens stubbornly hard facial hairs, and is formulated to work with your razor to achieve the right amount of glide to deliver a perfectly smooth shave.

What Jay thought:
I like Bulldog, the value for money is good, the packaging looks lovely, and the gel smells amazing! A cool cascade of menthol eucalyptus, ginger and aloe vera sooths your face, relaxing and silky yet firm and fit for purpose. As mentioned on the packaging, I recommend mixing warm water with the gel as it is quite thick, yet this is no bad thing. The razor glides through it seamlessly, giving a nice smooth, close shave. And best of all, it leaves a lovely cooling, refreshing after-fragrance.

The best of the shaving gels/creams here, and that's before you factor in that it's available at a fraction of the price of the others. This is the shaving product to have!

Where to buy: meetthebulldog.com

With Christmas Eve just one month away, and the British Christmas Tree Growers Association (BCTGA) warning of a Christmas tree shortage, it is time to think about which tree to get: real or fake?

Over six million real trees are bought every Christmas, manifesting Britain's unceasing love for the real thing. However, there has been an increase in the popularity of artificial trees over the years as they last season after season, as well as offer a solution to the 'needle drop' problem.

But when choosing whether to go for a real or a fake tree it is important to put your eco hat on and consider: which is most environmentally friendly?

Despite offering a quick solution that will last for years, most artificial trees are made of metal and plastics, and have been transported from the Far East. Most fake trees are also non-bio degradable, and are likely to end up cluttering some landfill for centuries after having been discarded for a newer, more fashionable version.

You may argue that real trees get cut down and also end up on some landfill come January, but being a bit eco savvy there are great options out there for those wanting to do their bit for the environment while still enjoying all that the festive season can offer.

Why root for British grown Christmas trees?

Christmas trees provide a great source for production of oxygen, each acre of trees producing enough oxygen for the daily need of 18 people, and for every tree cut this season at least one more will be planted in its place. All BCTGA growers subscribe to a code of conduct that ensures their crops are sustainable and do not cause damage to the local wildlife.

What are the greener options?

Choose locally grown Christmas trees that have been cultivated in a sustainable manner (visit www.christmastree.org.uk to source). If this is your choice, don't buy the tree earlier than 1st December to ensure that it keeps for the length of the festivities.

If the idea of cutting a tree down is unbearable, buy a container grown tree and replant it in January. If looked after properly, it could end up bringing Christmas cheer to the household for years - and perhaps save a couple of pennies too!

Alternatively, there are many rent-a-tree companies, like Trees for Rent, popping up these days to help make Christmas as eco-friendly as possible. Simply place an order via the website, wait for the tree to be delivered, keep it over Christmas and then watch it go back to the field it came from once the festive season is over. For as little as £35 a tree can be your year after year.

However, if you would rather do-good than buy a real tree, check out urban tree planting charity Trees for Cities to buy a gift that will keep on giving. Their green gifts are sustainable and will make a real and lasting difference to UK communities and around the world. Choose between an apple tree in Addis Ababa or an ice cream tree in Peru for £10, or give children in urban areas a tree-mendous experience trough Trees for Cities' community greening projects for as little as £15 .

Give your tree a bit of TLC

If opted for the real thing, keep in mind the tree is a living object that needs some tender loving care in the weeks it embellishes your house. Keep the tree in water (or the pot) outside until you're ready to bring it indoors, where it should be placed away from direct heat and keep watered throughout the season - it will drink at least a quarter of a gallon of water each day.

Remember to recycle

Hippyshopper readers of course know the importance of recycling, but unfortunately only 10% of real Christmas trees are recycled each year. This is truly a shame as there are so many great options available.

Last year, 33 London boroughs offered Christmas tree recycling schemes. Visit the Recycle for London website to find your nearest Reuse and Recycling centre.

Outside of the capital, local authorities, as well as DIY retailers and garden centres, offer recycling services. Look on www.recyclenow.com to find your local tree collection points.

Alternatively, if you have a garden, place your tree outside and let animals inhabit there, or chip it to create mulch that can be used around other trees and shrubs. If you have no need for mulch, your local authority would welcome it as they use it to create paths and hiking trails or at playgrounds.

Happy Christmas tree shopping!

Looking for a present this holiday season that wont just end up in the trash?

Despite the fact that we often spend ages choosing a gift and wrapping it, it turns out more than two thirds of people won't remember what you got them for Christmas. So why not get them something that will make a difference this year instead.

Cool Earth, Europe's fastest growing environmental charity, has developed a range of gifts with an eco twist which will drastically cut CO2 emissions and protect one of the world's most valuable and endangered rainforest.

We have pulled together 5 of our favourite gifts below, but you can check out the rest of their range here.

The demand for eco friendly and organic products is ever growing, and it can be easier than you think to incorporate green living into your everyday life. As a nation of animal lovers, we can make sure that both the essentials, and little luxuries for our beloved pets are a step in the right direction to becoming conscientious owners. Let your pet go green!

If "Need...Coffee..." is a common part of your vocabulary, then you'll probably be aware of the ethical dilemma that comes with it; finding the nearest place for your caffeine fix, ignoring the coffee's eco-credentials, vs embarking on a time consuming search for something eco-friendly, whilst your dangerously low caffeine levels mean you're likely to kill anyone who gets in your way.

Thankfully, a five minute read of our guide below means that whether you're at home, on the move, or in the office, you will have the greenest coffee and tea at your fingertips 24/7.

Just when you thought Lush couldn't get any greener, they've thrown green gift-wrapping into the mix. Inspired by Furoshiki; traditional Japanese knot-wrapping used for carrying toiletries, all Lush stores now offer this wrapping service which is estimated to save an impressive 11.6 tonnes of waste every year.

For £3.99 you can pick from a selection of individual vintage scarves and purpose-made Lush designs and have your items expertly wrapped by Lush staff. The Lush designed scarves are a perfect example of reusable wrapping and the vintage scarves show recycling at its best.

Visit any Lush store to see their selection of scarves, or you can order knot-wrapping for your online purchases.There are even some instructions on the Lush website, so next time you're giving a present you can give this green wrapping a go yourself.

If you're familiar with spending Easter weekend (and the majority of the following week) feeling seriously sick having consumed life-threatening amounts of chocolate, then you'll be glad to hear that this year you can at least do it without feeling guilty.

Fairtrade, organic and otherwise friendly easter eggs mean that you can stuff your face without feeling the slightest bit bad, although we can't do a lot about the sickness. So, we've picked some favourites for the ethical bunny to bring you this Easter.

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