MARKS & SPENCERS

M&S are one of the high street retailers leading the way in their effort to become green. You can read all about their Plan A on their website here. Below are a few of my top picks from their organic and fair trade ranges. My favourites are the Erin and Twiggy organic cotton eco shoppers (Erin and Twiggy’s faces look great as graphic prints) and the Fern sofa and chair. Finally a high street retailer has come up trumps and produced an environmentally friendly sofa and chair. They also stock products such as the Bamboo duvet, organic cotton towels and some great organic cookbooks. Check out their Greener Living Shop here.

READYMADE

How To Make {Almost} EverythingA Do-It-Yourself Primer. Well, I think the clue is in the name here. Compiled by the makers of ReadyMade this book is a bible for people who like to do it themselves. The projects are broken down into six different raw materials: paper, plastic, metal, wood, glass, and fabric so it's up to you to choose your own medium. Get makin'.

SIMPLE YOU SAY?

I have been an avid fan of Lotta Jansdotter’s simple but beautiful textiles for some time now. The San Francisco based designer has now brought out a book of her most popular sewing patterns for all to try. There are reusable pattern sheets for bags, bed linen, notebooks etc. The best thing is that everything is explained so simply and clearly, that even a complete novice like myself can have a go. I will definitely be buying this and taking it along to our new ‘Craft Club Night’. Would also make a great Christmas present for a ‘handy with a sewing machine' type friend.

THE GOOD LIFE

I came across this first book A Slice of Organic Life -Get closer to the soil without going the whole hog yesterday and decided it would be a fantastic present for a certain friend of mine for Christmas. It's a collection of about 80 simple eco projects, explained step by step with plenty of images to get you inspired. I like the simple, straightforward design and the fact that you don’t have to move to the country, live on a farm or own masses of livestock to partake. It’s one of those presents that you know your friend will enjoy but you also kind of want to keep for yourself.