It’s that time of year again. You’ve left it to the last minute to do your Christmas shopping and invariably you’ll end up buying the same old stuff – CDs, books, DVDs – and if you’re feeling adventurous, something bigger – laptop, DVD player, coffee maker. Throw in the long queues and aggressive shoppers and it’s easy to understand why people get the Christmas blues.

But make this Christmas a green one, starting with (let’s face it) what it’s all about – the presents. According to last year’s Green Guide for Christmas, popular festive presents like DVD players and coffee makers generate 780,000 tonnes of greenhouse pollution over a typical holiday period – and that’s before they’re even unwrapped. Etailers like Nigel’s Eco Store and Ecotopia have a simple solution, however.

Launched in 2005, Nigel’s Eco Store offers home furnishings, kitchenware, gadgets, office products, toys and energy saving devices. All products are environmentally sound, made of organic, recycled and energy efficient materials, so they not only look great in your home but also help to reduce your carbon footprint.

“More and more people want a life that is more in accordance with their own values – not damaging other people and the planet,” argues Nigel Berman, the man behind the store. “It’s about thinking about where the stuff we buy comes from, and wanting to feel good about what we buy – not to feel guilty that some damage has been done along the way. We’re ordinary people offering to help other ordinary people save money, reduce your carbon footprint and live a more planet friendly life.”

Ecotopia was set up in 2003 as a small shop in Nailsworth, Gloucestershire, before moving to the larger town of nearby Stroud. By 2005 the online business had eclipsed the shop, which was closed this year, and business is booming.

“I think that people are starting to feel guilty about Christmas excesses,” says Ecotopia’s Miles Owen. “Another reason is that the number of alternative products has grown and their accessibility has increased.”

The Co-Op Bank recently estimated that the ethical consumerism market in the UK is worth over £30 billion. While the market is growing exponentially year on year, however, the long-term goal of etailers is ultimately to change behaviour.

“As the reality dawns on businesses that ethical consumerism is growing by the day more and more jump on the bandwagon,” says Miles. “This does make it harder for those already there but ultimately it can only be a good thing, providing the consumer with a greater range of choices. We believe changing people’s habits is also crucial. It may feel like an infringement to some people; however, in a very similar way to the smoking ban, after a while people don’t really miss it and it feels normal and ultimately everyone benefits.”

“Buying eco friendly products is a way for individuals to make a difference right now,” adds Nigel. “Making people aware that these products exist and showing that it doesn’t necessarily mean compromising your life. Most of the products either save energy or re-use materials – they’re fun, functional and desirable, so why wouldn’t you choose them? Getting the positive feel good message across is important, rather than a negative, and showing that it is a way for anyone to be empowered.”

With more competition than ever before, consumers are certainly spoiled for choice. So what are their top tips for green presents this Christmas?

Nigel:

1. Wind-up and solar powered torches – from £4.99.

2. Cardboard Rocket Playhouse – “Great for kids up to about 7.”

3. The stapleless stapler – “If everyone in UK offices saved just one staple a day, we’d save 72 tonnes of metal a year.”

Miles:

1. “With all the Christmas cards there is going to be a huge rise in the use of envelopes. Instead of throwing them away or even trying to recycled the paper how about reusing them with our reuse labels? Simply lick, stick and reuse – we have four designs to choose from so pick your favourite.”

2. “With all those turkeys needing roasting there is going to be a lot of aluminium foil needed, choose our 100% recycled aluminium foil. We even have baking paper for Christmas cakes.”

3. “The traditional Robin Red Breast always needs a helping hand at Christmas. Why not treat it with our Robin Box? We have a greater range of bird boxes and feeders over the Christmas period.”

To go to Nigel’s Eco Store, click here, and to visit Ecotopia, click here.