City got you down? Crave nature, fresh air, fresh food and perhaps even a bit of dirt under your fingernails? You don't have to spend a fortune to escape the rat race and/or learn about growing organic food. WWOOF it!

While many are seeking to climb the material ladder in life, others have reached the upper rungs and found out it's not all it's cracked up to be; choosing to set a different course - downshifting. For others, particularly in this economic climate, downshifting is more a forced phenomenon. Either way, downshifting means less consumption - and that's good for the environment.

So what gift should you get for the person who has everything? Absolutely nothing. Consider giving something to someone else on their behalf; such as an environmental group.

In this age of soaring gas prices and the looming threat of climate change; by doing more of your shopping online you can save on fuel, emissions and probably score a bargain on the way.