by Celia Ann Rooney

In most of Britain the spring has been glorious, for once, and I think this has contributed to a more general optimism than was apparent only a couple of months ago. It may be too soon to suggest that we are on the road to recovery, but at least the patient has survived the winter. Many organic and ethical companies are struggling, as people look for bargains and set aside their principles - but we need to support those businesses that are trying hard to do the right thing: after all, we want them to still be there when times are better.

1. Greenfibres has a new catalogue out, with some great products - they are one of the older organic clothing suppliers and pride themselves on exceptional customer service. Take a look at their new range - and remember to check out the sales bargains.

2. Triodos Bank is not one of the big, High Street banks that everyone knows - but because of their ethical standards, they didn't suffer the same traumas last year: when their competitors fell apart, Triodos stayed strong and continues to offer the same secure returns as it always has. If you are looking for a safe and ethical place to invest your savings, you might want to take a look at Triodos Bank

3. Did you know that you could actually save money by going green? This site tells you how! They say - No matter what life style you have today, everything you need to know about saving money and helping the planet is all in this book

4. Growing your own food was always a good idea, and now it is becoming essential for many people as a way of stretching the budget as well as providing fresher, greener and tastier veg for your table. Evengreener have a great range of compost bins, boxes and kitchen caddies to make the whole process of making your own fertilizer less smelly and more natural.

5. 'Sustainable shoes' is not a phrase you hear often, so check out Terraplana's amazing range of footwear - including the incredibly comfortable 'barefoot' range. Your feet will be pleased you did!

6. Have you ever thought of keeping bees? Have a free read of this article by 'Barefoot Beekeeper' Phil Chandler and see how easy it can bee!

January has closed on a chilly note, the recession is biting and we are all looking for ways to maintain a green lifestyle while staying afloat. And how we spend our money is important: we all want green and ethical businesses to come thorough the hard times, and they need us now more than ever. Many small businesses are struggling, so let's support them when we can - especially when they have great bargains on offer!

1. Of course we had to have a Valentine's Day offer, and we found some nice ideas right here at Love Eco.

2. You'll find vibrant and colourful things for your children at Babi Pur and everything is from fair trade producers or made locally in Wales. And guess what - they have a sale on right now! Shop with confidence for your baby or toddler, everything is ethically sourced and of the highest quality. We stock organic cotton baby clothes, Fairtrade certified cotton baby clothes, bamboo baby clothing, natural skincare and fair trade toys and clothes so you can keep your baby green and stylish.

3. If you are still in need of adult's or children's warm outer clothing this winter,   Seasalt are selling a late delivery of jackets and waterproofs at cut prices - take a look here.

4. Peruvian Connection weaves fashion, art and culture into luxurious clothing     and accessories. Every garment and piece of jewellery is completely original. Women's clothing up to 33% off. and men's up to 50% off and a clearance sale with up to 80% off!

5. The Go Green Company have some great power-saving gadgets - but what really caught my eye there was a big reduction of real sheep's wool duvets - just right for February nights. 6. Here's a very interesting concept for connecting borrowers and lenders that actually sidesteps the credit crunch and the banks!  Zopa is a lending and borrowing exchange, offering loans of £1000 to £15000 for up to 5 years. They are also one of the only loan providers allowing borrowers to repay their loan early with no penalty or sneaky fees, so it's a really flexible loan. And, by the way,  Zopa lenders also offer loans at some of the lowest rates in the market. Unlike the high street banks, they have no shortage of funds, so there's no credit crunch here!

Today's links include one for gadget freaks, one for lovers of fine art and design, one for fashionistas, one for energy savers, one for recyclers and one for anyone who eats food! All have keen prices - many with sharp reductions. Enjoy!

1. BigGreenSmile.com have a gadget sale, with up to 55% reductions on natty, green gizmos that will appeal to 'boys' of all ages and both genders! They also do baby, home and cleaning stuff. Free postage on over �£50 orders too.

2. If you are in search of the unusual, and appreciate good design, you will find many lovely things at Pure Design - including jewellery, sculpture and fashion items.

3. Green Trading have some really tasty and fashionable organic and ethical clothing, accessories and grooming products - many with big reductions - I see prices cut by 50% or more.

4. The Go Green Company provide you with information on a wide range of products that enable you to Go Green and make a positive impact -  from energy efficient light bulbs, through to solar panels, to highly efficient ground source heat pumps. Lots of savings to be made here!

5. Ecoutlet have a great range of unusual products made from recycled materials - many with substantial price cuts.

6. Lastly, a book that could answer your questions about what a really healthy diet consists of - the Healthy Urban Kitchen Cookbook is packed with good info from New York's top personal trainer - no pills, powders, body builder supplements or low fat, low carb 'diet' foods. Discover EXACTLY what you should eat to look and feel your best.