| Name | URL | What makes them great? |
|---|---|---|
Acension Online |
www.ascensiononline.com | With buyers who have an eye for style but at prices and with ethics that don't cost the earth, Ascension brilliantly presents the eco chic options. With gorgeous lookbooks and fashion shoots, sizing options and full, transparent descriptions of the clothes and speedy delivery, it's a delight to shop online here. Whether you want to feel glamorous for an evening out, smart or casual for the office, want to equip yourself for an amble with the elements or fancy a spot of yoga, Ascension provides the choice. Using a strict assessment system and working with some of the finest consultants, Ascension guarantees the eco credentials of the brands they stock. In addition it has its own label that brings its style aspirations closer to on the ground work through improving quality, design and cooperative-focused sourcing methods through its supply chains. It also works with young designers that it sees have huge potential helping them to be pioneers of and create a market for the 'new era' of fashion.
What we loveThe Dresses section - particularly from brands People Tree, Komodo and Bibico that are perfect for day to day wear. |
Co-operative Bank |
www.co-operativebank.co.uk | Part of the well known Co-op group of companies, the Co-operative Bank provides you with a full range of personal and business banking services in the knowledge that their investments are governed by an ethical policy controlled by its members. Their principles run deep; whether it is the fact they were the first to remove PVC from their bank cards or their approach to fair trade or even that they source the vast majority of their power from renewables, they are thoughtful about their impact. What we loveIf you are looking for an ethical bank who offer an efficient online banking with the minimum of paper then Co-op are the place to go. |
Wilderness Wood |
www.wildernesswood.co.uk | Part of the Ashdown forest in Sussex, Wilderness Wood draws you into the woodland world from the wildlife or the sustainably managed forestry projects. Kids love it for the adventure play and 'discovery' paths where they get drawn into learning while having fun. The wood is believed to have been a productive woodland for over 2000 years and represents how the majority of the British Isles used to be. So whether you are a school group or simply looking for a family day out you will be guaranteed a fun day out.
What we loveThe latest string to Beyond Green's (www.beyondgreen.com) bow is Wilderness Wood, a 60 acre working wood that introduces adults and kids alike to a hands-on education of conservation, woodland management skills, appropriate off-grid green technologies, and sustainable living in the hills of Sussex. |
City Car Club |
www.citycarclub.co.uk | If you don't own a car and/or don't want to - but you can drive, City Car Club is the perfect, convenient and hassle-free way to get around without the costs of running a car. In fact, it is much cheaper! No more worries about road tax or insurance either, they do all the hard work for you. It also is a much kinder approach to the environment. By being a member of a car-sharing scheme like City Car Club, you are reducing congestion, car use and emissions, which is all good for your green credentials.
What we loveFabulous for taking your family on a slow holiday around the UK. |
EcoCreeper |
www.ecocreeper.co.uk | EcoCreeper takes a fresh approach to the streetwear you choose for an action packed life. More people and no more planet means we all have to think differently about the way we live. EcoCreeper is dedicated to helping preserve our world for ourselves today and to protect it for the benefit of future generations.
The streetwear we sell is designed to minimise the impact you make on the planet while playing fair with the people who produced it. EcoCreeper stuff has been ethically sourced and responsibly made, from organic and or recycled materials. We believe it's the least we should all be doing as part of a global community. What's more EcoCreeper gives 15% of all profits to The C Mobile Trust too. What we loveWe love the way they think about the impact of their clothing and they are supporters of the C Mobile Trust |
Energy Helpline |
www.energyhelpline.com | Comparison sites are always handy when not sure which provider to go with and the Energy Helpline is no different. In a clear format it explains all the different areas to fulfil your energy needs from electricity and gas to heating insurance, broadband and even your home phone. It's also got a fantastic section to help you work out how much you could save (in a simple box) if you take certain energy saving steps.
What we loveThe Green Energy tariff section - greenhelpline.com - is where to go to find to find the best green energy deal. |
Ethical Superstore |
www.ethicalsuperstore.com | Where to begin! Ethical Superstore offers so much - and has possibly the largest selection of green products in a beautifully presented, searchable format. If you want to have an outdoor camping trip or get more active, or if you want to simply curl up with a good, green book and music, the choice is yours. The everyday grocery options provide world foods, grains and pulses and decadent hampers. There's plenty of opportunity to find the perfect gift too (and buy the eco gift wrapping) with sections for home and garden and baby, children and toys. Plus all the gadgets you'll ever need.
What we loveThe bulk buy section is great for all your office and domestic needs - from cleaning products to everyday groceries. A great way to stock up your cupboards. |
Goodness Direct |
www.goodnessdirect.co.uk | Great for if you want to find nutritious, fairly traded and organic eating options, Goodness Direct even has a refrigerated, fresh and freezer section for all your food needs.
What we loveThe site is fabulous for catering for special diets - whether it is vegan, wheat free, egg free, caffiene free, low, fat, low cholestrol, kosher or suitable for diabetics, and is clearly marked out. |
Greenmystyle.com |
www.greenmystyle.com | For daily news and longer features, Greenmystyle.com is dubbed the 'Grazia of Green', and forms part of the independent ethical media business Delightful Media, which also has a sister site called QueensofVintage.com. Greenmystyle.com offers the latest styles, products and gossip within fashion, accessories, beauty, homes and family. With trends forecasts, top ten features, tried and tested pieces to interviews with designers and monthly specials, you'll always be in the know.
What we loveThe Daily eBay is the pick of the crop for stylish bargains. |
Good Energy |
www.goodenergy.co.uk | A pioneering company, Good Energy is more than just an energy supplier - it is a positive catalyst for change! Most energy is sourced from dwindling fossil fuels - the biggest contributor to CO2 emissions - but Good Energy is focused on ensuring a 100% pure, clean renewable energy supply for its customers. Its energy is sourced from wind farms, hydro power, solar PVs and even cow poo (biomass and biogas)! The company keenly promotes energy efficiency (even having a funky shop with all the latest gadgets), and empowers individuals to generate their own power locally by offering advice and buying it back from you! The company is always joining forces with campaigning organisations on specific projects and the founder sits on various advisory boards to help shape UK government strategy.
What we loveIt's very easy to switch to Good Energy (probably because the company itself doesn't use international call centres and does most of the hard work for you!) but if you get a friend to switch too, you receive £25 off your bill! Brilliant. |
Natural Collection |
www.naturalcollection.com | Offering a range of women's clothing, groceries and everyday products, electronics and appliances and books, DVDs and toys, Natural Collection is another leading non-food one-stop shop for all your eco online buying. Everything on the site has been put through the 'Dot Guide' test, an auditing system on the ethics and environmental details of each product. So, you can shop for products by your values too!
What we loveNatural Collection has a great community section and blog. |
Nigel's Eco Store |
www.nigelsecostore.com | Nigel's Eco Store provides the daily requirements and more for you and your home. It's particularly devoted to a wide array of gadgetry: from water saving devices, travel and wind-up products, and energy saving products for the home that are nicely presented in an easy to navigate site. It also offers a number of short tips features for different aspects of going green in your life.
What we loveNow offering Eco Holidays and Eco Dating, Nigel is becoming an eco life fixer across the board! |
River Cottage |
www.rivercottage.net | River Cottage is a Dorset based farm that supports self-sufficiency, food integrity, and the consumption of local, seasonal produce. It offers courses, events, as well as a local produce shop in Axminster selling the wares of the farm. The site itself offers fabulous seasonal recipes, and is a gateway to the fabulous range of cookbooks on offer (from bread-making, mushrooms and preserves). And the website carries a of lot of information and wise insight from Hugh himself.
What we loveThe pioneering Landshare scheme - that connects landowners with growers - is all hosted on the site. |
Riverford Organics |
www.riverford.co.uk | From farm to fork, Riverford Organics offers high quality, affordable variety of local and seasonal produce. Not just about the vegetables, Riverford offers organic and ethically sourced fruit, cheese, wines and spirits, bread and all sorts of pantry delights. It also gives you a comprehensive list of what will be included in each weekly box (with an option to change) and explains the best cooking methods for each Not only is it priced comparatively cheaper than supermarkets, each aspect of the business is part of Riverford's own sustainable development project. Note: for England only.
What we loveFounder Guy Watson's blog is fabulously compassionate and well worth a read. The recipes are definitely worth trying out too. |
Soil Association |
www.soilassociation.org | The Soil Association promotes planet-friendly food and farming. It campaigns to promote organic farming, food security, better school food and opposes genetic modification (GM), antibiotics and pesticides. It also creates many community programmes and has a network of organic farms. In addition, Soil Association sets organic standards: it audits and certifies as a trusted independent body. This covers food production and packaging, animal welfare, wildlife conservation, fish farming, textiles and health and beauty care products.
What we loveThe Why Organic section of this website gives you every reason under the season for choosing an organic lifestyle. |
Sublime Magazine |
www.sublimemagazine.com | Sublime is a consumer magazine that covers sustainable lifestyle issues. And its all done an ever-so-fashionable approach through beautifully designed pages. With stunning fashion pages, beauty, travel, transport and interiors are all covered in community focused pieces. Plus it provides in-depth specials on issues of our time.
What we loveThe regular columnists are always worth a read: Wayne Hemingway (Designer), Jeremy Leggett (Energy expert) and Dr Frances Corner (London College of Fashion). |
The National Trust |
www.nationaltrust.org.uk | The National Trust protects over 300 historic houses and gardens and 49 industrial monuments and mills, usually with great restaurants, tearooms and shops attached. It also supports forests, woods, fens, beaches, farmland, downs, moorland, islands, archaeological remains, castles, nature reserves and villages. Being a member allows you more affordable access to great days out.
What we loveRecently launched is National Trust branded food and drink, showcasing the best of British fare. |
The Organic Flower Company |
www.tofc.co.uk | The Organic Flower Company offers non-air freighted flowers that are grown to organic and ethically certified standards and locally (within the UK). There is a gorgeous range of flowers including ones that can be sent by postal delivery. It also provides a lovely aromatherapy treats section and gorgeous gifts, including Stellar Organics Wine and Booja Booja luxury truffles.
What we loveThe seasonal mixed bouquet of flowers is always beautifully prepared. |
Thetrainline.com |
www.thetrainline.com | Thetrainline.com helps connect up all your travel needs within the UK, utisilsing the information of all rail service providers to help you find the best train fare. It also offers a great gateway into international and European train travel too. And, if that's not enough, it also provides special deals if you want to take a trip to the theatre or book a hotel!
What we loveThe gadgets and tools section offers a carbon calculator so that you can work out how much carbon you will have saved compared with the same journey travelled by car. |
Triodos Bank |
www.triodos.co.uk | Triodos bank has been running for 20 years and offers personal and business and charity banking. It only lends to organisations that are creating 'real social, environmental and cultural value'. It is very transparent about all its lending operations and openly publishes a list, whilst also having a firm policy of who it will not lend to.
What we loveTriodos is particularly supportive of organic farming and donates the equivalent of what you save to the Soil Association with its Organic Saver account. |
