The push to Christmas is well under way and ethical gifts are more popular than ever this year, despite the economic gloom. Green-ness is fast becoming part of our culture and millions of us prefer to buy ethically-sourced goods and environmentally responsible gifts. No surprise really, since they’re a real win-win of a buy. You get beautiful products that don’t harm the environment, made by people who are paid reasonable wages and looked after properly.

Take Lotus Feet jewellery. It’s brilliantly coloured, funky and stylish, perfect for casual and party wear. What’s the story? The Lotus Feet collection of coconut shell jewellery appeals to all ages. It’s excellent value for money. It’s made from natural materials and fair trade too.

Their pretty cascade bracelets and necklaces are an asset to any outfit, whether you’re eight or eighty. Made from smooth beads crafted from real coconut shells, they’re dyed in jewel-like colours with standard wood jewellery dyes, durable and safe. Ideal stocking fillers for little girls with a desperate desire for all things pink. Great for teens in cool lime, deep navy blue and scarlet. And a thoughtful gift for that colourful lady in your life, whether it’s your mum or the woman you love.

Lotus Feet jewellery is made in the Philippines, where coconut shells have been used for hundreds of years – if not thousands – to create beautiful decorative and practical items. The cooperative is owned and run by a husband and wife team who employ highly skilled local women, who often contribute to the designs too. It’s a joyful, productive place.

Then there’s Who’s Glass, a fresh and environmentally aware British glass-making business specialising in hand made recycled glassware. They bring their considerable glass manufacturing expertise into play to create superbly stylish and funky contemporary functional stuff.

They make tumblers, for example, from recycled Corona beer bottles. Glasses from Sol bottles. And fabulous tall, elegant glasses made from recycled juice bottles, with a choice of chunky coloured rims. Everything they make has a pleasing shape, the designs are quirky and fun and all the bottles they use are collected from local pubs, clubs and restaurants near their factory in Devon.

They don’t use glues, every piece is hand engraved instead of labelled. There’s no glue in their packaging either. And the energy they save from recycling just one bottle would power your computer for 25 minutes. How’s that for a substantial investment in our environment and our future? As well as a smart gift that’ll please anyone with a liking for unusual presents.

Ethical gifts are much more than eye candy. So give yourself and your loved ones a happy buzz and buy with the planet in mind this Christmas.