Green Living: Buying toys

In fact, our nieces and nephews keep me more than busy enough.

Toys and gifts are an integral part of Christmas, and while it's vital to remember the green message of less consumption and responsible purchasing, the ethical community wins no friends by acting like Scrooge.

Instead of chastising parents for their reckless consumerism, it's more appropriate to try to channel their buying power into presents that could give the little nippers something to think about after the tree has come down.

Waitrose in Canada Square has a tremendous selection of thought provoking gifts, and even have a dedicated eco toys area on their website.

I was amazed to find that this included the world's smallest hydrogen fuel cell car. You just add tap water to the tank, and the onboard hydrogen storage system converts it into fuel. This is an amazing little machine, but at £79.95 probably too expensive for all but the wealthiest eco warriors.

At the other end of the scale you can also buy a solar powered radio controlled car, much more frugal at £14.95. And for those who aren't interested in training a new generation of boy and girl racers, the Science Museum has a kit to build your own dynamo torch - perfect for all the budding boffins out there.

Our combined spending power at Christmas is huge, so thinking about what you're buying, where it's made and how it has been transported here will all help to shift trends in the direction of a greener Christmas.

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