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Christmas presents: Always try within your budget to choose the gift that looks as if it's well made. Try to find one that looks as if it won't break and end up being thrown away a few months or weeks  after Christmas - this is particularly relevant when it comes to children's toys!
Another eco-friendly approach is to give products which don't require batteries or other consumables. Batteries contain elements that are toxic to the environment and are difficult to recycle. These days you can find a wide range of battery-free, solar and wind-up powered radios, torches etc. - see our Christmas gifts section if you are short of ideas.
- Look for products made from recycled or recyclable materials where possible as it's very important to stimulate demand for innovation in the recycling industry.
- If you really can't think of a suitable gift - how about giving an internet gift voucher. You may think it's just taking the easy way out but also remember it's much more environmentally friendly than giving an unwanted gift that just gets discarded.
- Support your local charity and craft shops and where possible try to buy locally made products. Alternatively, look to support fair trade and shopping via the internet and mail order to reduce the transport-related emissions. Ask for gifts for yourself that conform to these guidelines.
If you are looking for ideas for eco-friendly Christmas presents click HERE for inspiration
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