I’m dreaming of a Green Christmas. Or at least green-ish.

I do a lot of shopping online, and try and be green where I can – with my face cream, my writing candles, my crafty stuff, my books. I’m certainly not a green saint, but I try to do my little bit where I can.

Yesterday I had a free hour, and so I thought I’d be RIDICULOUSLY organised and start looking for Christmas presents in town. Where shall I go first, I wondered. Where can I feel reassured that at least the company is making a small effort to reduce their impact on the environment?

Hmm. I didn’t get very far. I bought a Krispy Kreme doughnut (non-ethical, sugary and fried but yummy) and then gave up. I’m going to try the internet instead.

I know – I shouldn’t be buying presents at all – I should be making pickles from my own home-grown-veg in recycled glass jars. But there must be other people like me out there who aren’t willing to give up hot baths for showers or their favourite wrapped-in-plastic chocoate, but who are committed to making their own modest efforts to be green.

Where are the eco-chains? How do I know which shops have the worst/best environmental records? Where is the unbleached cotton choice in the clothes shops, and the no-packaging choice, the recycled choice? (Suggestions welcome in the comments!)