Christmas is probably the most wasteful time of year when it comes to paper. If you’re thinking about alternatives, why not check out Furoshiki?

It’s a Japanese technique using cloth to wrap objects, turning them into beautiful packages, and allows the recipient to then use the cloth as a scarf.

If origami isn’t your strong point, then think about Wrapsacks. Available from Onya Bags, they have taken the idea of wrapping gifts in cloth to a more practical level. They’re a range of cloth bags with a draw-string – just pop the present in and tie the cords.

There is a great initiative attached to the Wrapsack, called Track-a-Sack. Each Wrapsack is reusable and has a unique code. Upon receipt of the gift the recipient can type the code into the special Track-a-Sack

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Do you shop on impulse, excusing it by thinking you can always take it back if you change your mind, and often do? If so, you're not alone.

British shoppers receive a whopping £119.2 million worth of refunds a week - or £6.2 billion a year, according to a new report published today on the UK's spending habits.

The research, commissioned by TOTAL UK, found eight of out ten shoppers have a non-committal spending attitude, and nearly 22.8 million Brits would bend the truth to get their cash back.

Of the top five most common refund behaviours, the most classic 'reason? is pretending an item was a gift.

Next, we've all bought something one time or another only to see it in the sale a week later - but have you returned the full-price item? This is the second most common refund practice,

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JEN MARSDEN WRITES:

We've seen Kenya hit the headlines this month with violence and unrest. Behind the politics, small businesses have been helping create a better life for their workers ? with that smallest of trinkets, the bead.

Nani Croze set up a glass production company in remote Kitengela when she realised planting trees next to her basic mud hut would not pay her children's school fees. Instead she taught herself stained glass window-making in three weeks.

Nowadays Nani and her local team of fifty staff are producing 300 glass beads per day in addition to a booming glass blowing business using traditional 200-year-old techniques on a 30-acre plot. The pieces, sold all over the world ? including the reputable Shared Earth shops across the UK ? are brimming with

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As you're probably aware, we exhibited at the Clothes Show Live '07 as the event organisers created a section devoted entirely to ethical fashion (hooray!).

Being at the show was a great chance for us to meet the people behind the hottest brands in ethical fashion. There were many, many organisations there - but a few really stood out for me. And quite frankly it would be wrong of me not to let you know about these little gems...

The first people I met were the folks behind The Earth Collection. I want to point out that this is a truly remarkable brand in more ways than one. Firstly, all of their range is extremely high quality - much of it is part-made with silk so it is very soft to touch. Secondly, the reasonable prices will blow you away! It really isn't expensive at all (with

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December has sprung upon us once again, and as the smell of dodgy mulled wine and burning chestnuts fills the streets you'll probably have started to think about your Christmas shopping.

Finding the perfect ethical gift isn't easy, especially with the abundance of plastic tat about at this time of year - but worry not! New Consumer has teamed up with some of your favourite eco-stores to offer you some exclusive discounts.

After all, 'tis the season to be jolly!

Keep checking back as more fab offers will be added every day

30% off at Tam & Rob
Tam & Rob is an innovative fairtrade womenswear label that designs and creates sophisticated and stylish clothing. Designed in the UK, the garments are created by artisans across India and Nepal. Beautiful fairtrade handwoven cloths, ...