Clockwork radios and rechargeable radios -ethical gift alternatives from Ekklesia

If you are looking for a radio to give as a present for Christmas then there are a couple of ethical options that are well worth considering.

The first is a mini rechargeable radio, which is extremely popular with joggers, walkers, cyclists and keep fit enthusiasts everywhere.

Huge amounts of money are spend on batteries for little hi-fis every year. It is expensive but also a huge cumulative cost to the environment!

The mini rechargeable radio is a marvellous alternative. Measuring a very slim, 7mm deep x 85mm tall x 53mm wide, it is small enough not to feel like you're running round with half a house brick in your shorts. But its also a snip at the incredibly low price of just £7.99 - so would make a great stocking-filler. It's supplied complete with headphones and charging station.

If you would like something a little bigger and more unusual, you might like to try a clockwork radio.

Whilst watching a television programme in September 1991 about the spread of AIDS in Africa, a chap called Trevor Baylis had the inspirational idea for the clockwork radio.

The programme highlighted the problem that in remote villages there was no electricity, and the cost of batteries was prohibitive. As a result, the health messages about AIDS were notgetting through to the population.

Trevor Baylis started by experimenting with ideas in his garden shed that evening. His initial idea was based on the old style windup gramophone. The turntable was driven by asimple spring. His idea was to use this principal to build a spring-driven radio.

The ideas developed and what emerged was the clockwork radio.

The multi-functional radio has its own dynamo which is operated by winding the handle which folds in to the body of the radio. You can then decide whether you need to power the radio, the light or even use the power to charge your mobile phone.

A brilliantly clever piece of kit for any traveller the clockwork radio is an ideal gift idea for all gadget fans.