If you need further encouragement to look behind the label, watch Annie Leonard’s ‘The Story of Stuff’, a 20-minute, fast-paced, fact-filled look at the underside of our production and consumption patterns.

If necessity really is the mother of invention, it’s time to find creative ways to live a good life on less. Sunday Times’ columnist and reformed shopaholic, India Knight, has a new book which shows you can save money and the planet without sacrificing fun or style. It’s called The Thrift Book and if you buy it via this link from Amazon, Capacity Global will receive up to 10% per cent commission to help our work tackling social injustice.

It’s official – craft is a cool and caring way to give gifts this Christmas. For tips on getting started, try http://www.craftster.org/ and http://www.craftycrafty.tv/ Or buy someone else’s beautiful handmade items at http://www.etsy.com/

Saturday 29th November is Buy Nothing Day, a global attempt at a 24 hour consumer detox. Challenge yourself not to spend a penny for a whole day! And with all that extra time out of the high street, host your own swap party or join an event like Birmingham Cathedral’s Big Green Give-away.

If there’s anyone still wondering what environmental justice is all about, take a look at Cutting Edge’s Rich Kid, Poor Kid. Exploring the very different lives of two girls from the same south London street, this documentary sensitively highlights how income, family and environment work together to shape social attitudes. Channel 4 Catch-up

There’s also a fantastic series on the planet’s last true wilderness, the deep ocean.
BBC i-player

The RSA and partners are hosting a free one day workshop on 28 November exploring the impact of nuclear energy in art and culture. The prominent artists, writer and experts discussing their work from Hiroshima to the present day energy crisis include Kate Hudson, Chair of CND, and Steve Kurtz, whose art got him arrested as a terrorism suspect. Email art@rsa.org.uk to secure your place. You don’t have to be an RSA member to attend.

For the best photography from around the world last year, visit: World Press Photo 2008 at London’s Royal Festival Hall from 13 November – 8 December. From reportage to portraiture, the exhibition shows 185 award-winning photographs including the hunting grounds of the Leopard seal and the human impacts of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Want to join the OPC online book club to discuss this? Or may you’d like to host your own?

Click here to join the OPC online book club
Click here for hints on what makes for a stimulating discussion
Click here for OPC fact sheet on ethical shopping

"I travel sustainably, but not much!  My small car has a Brown's gas converter to increase its mileage - it generates hydrogen to burn fuel more efficiently and more cleanly.  I walk or cycle whenever possible.  I live in beautiful South Devon and I cannot afford to travel these days, so I enjoy every minute of being here.  Life is one long holiday." Ruth Coe, OPC reader

Click here to find out what we gave away in October (copies still available)
Click here to find out what we gave away in November (copies still available)