Everyone needs tea towels. Some people even collect them as mementoes from holidays and days out. And the Eden Project’s beautifully made, large organic cotton tea towels fit the bill perfectly as well as being an ethically responsible gift choice.

Featuring a pretty herb print by the well known Cornish artist Ley Roberts, they’re a whopping 50 x 80cm, masterpieces in 100% organic cotton. Plus there’s a stylish apron to go with it. There’s a special Eden project apron in a gorgeous floral print too, again by Ley Roberts. Measuring 63 x 86cm, they’re just as well made as the tea towels and suitable for men and women who love spending time in the kitchen creating mouth-watering meals. Great for gardening too… or to keep your clothes clean when enjoying crafts and art projects.

Both are made from lovely, thick organic cotton is grown in Turkey. The print itself is handled in Cornwall, just two miles from the Eden Project itself, which is nice to know. Originally created for sale in the attraction’s shop, they’re now available from Green Tulip online ethical gifts store. A full 5% of the sale price goes right back to the Eden Project to help with their amazing conservation and education programmes, research into sustainability and overall upkeep. So when you buy, you make a direct contribution to an excellent cause.

Did you know that ordinary cotton farming uses a great deal of pesticide? Although non organic cotton doesn’t harm your health in any way, shape or form it can have a terrible effect on the people who farm the crop.

Cotton is usually grown in developing countries and using large amounts of fertiliser, under pressure to return large harvests in the short term, damages soil fertility in the long run. Pest control costs money and often results in cotton farmers getting into serious debt, which in turn affects the health and welfare of their children. It’s a vicious circle and one the Eden project is determined not to contribute to.

These days more than 170,000 farmers are producing an organic alternative and, interestingly, crop yields are not particularly different from the pesticide route.

With the Eden project’s support organic farmers avoid debt and learn how to use natural pesticides which help keep pests away from the crops. They can grow food alongside their cotton crops without being poisoned, for eating or for sale, and their economic outlook is a lot brighter. The resulting higher incomes mean better health and education for them and their children, which can only be a good thing. So join in now and buy Eden project cotton products for the common good!

If you’re anything like me you’ll have a notebook in every room. There’s nothing worse than having a brilliant idea in the bedroom only to forget it before you’ve scuttled downstairs to the living room, where you’ve left your pad and pen.

Anyone who’s into ethical shopping appreciates the flood of delicious options made from sustainable materials. Just because they’re worthy and responsible it doesn’t mean they’re dull. Once upon a time recycled paper was the poor cousin. But the huge rise in demand over the past few years has made today’s recycled papers and cards indistinguishable from quality non-recycled materials.

The Eden Project, in Cornwall, is one of the county’s most popular tourist attractions as well as a treasure trove of fantastic plant life. And their funky range of recycled paper notebooks, sketch books and ring binders are a case in point.

Originally designed by the Cornish Designer Ley Roberts for the Eden Project, they’re quirky and colourful, perfect for any room in the house… including the bathroom if you’re prone to having your best ideas immersed in a lovely hot bath! But they’re more than just a pretty face. As well as looking good enough to eat, 5% of the sale price of Eden Project designs goes back to the Eden Project charity itself. So when you buy you’re contributing to the organisation’s educational programme, conservation efforts and vital research into a sustainable future.

There’s a handy A5 hardback linen covered notebook, the ideal bedside, project, travel or cook’s notebook. There’s a version with an elastic strap to keep things neat and tidy, with a nifty mix of lined, plain and squared paper. Plus A4 versions, great for kids and budding artists, light enough to carry comfortably just in case inspiration strikes outdoors. Some people carry a notebook in their handbag or briefcase. Others are so amazingly organised they keep an A5 notebook and pen in every handbag they own, just in case. If you’re a real human ideas factory, you might need one in your car too!

In line with the Eden Project’s ethics, all their paper products are printed in Cornwall so have a nice, low footprint. And they always use 100% recycled paper.

Of course you could always use your smartphone to ‘jot’ ideas down. But there are so many beautiful notebooks around, it’s a shame not to take interior design advantage and make them an integral part of your home’s look and feel. And an essential part of your kit whenever you leave the house!