You can’t budge on the web these days for adverts promoting Groupon, Living Social, Keynoir or Wowcher discount deal on spas, restaurants, 4×4 drives and even holidays.

Everyone and your gran has either been tempted by, or purchased one of these deals.

In fact, we know quite a few people suffering from compulsive Groupon disease that sees them buying vouchers for things they’ll never actually do and don’t really want.

But what if you’re an eco-worrier filled with middle class guilt? You’re in luck!

There are a few group-buying sites popping up that take a new spin on the popular business model.

Eco-friendly group-purchasing sites

Zipongo

Zipongo is a Bay Water, USA-based site that promotes deals for healthy foods (rather than the glut of cupcake offers a certain group-buying site prefers). It’s all about natural foods, like cereals and coconut water.

It’s not entirely a surprise to see a scheme like this succeed in San Francisco – a place known for its healthy habits –but it would be great to see it branch out. Whether Londoners feel the urge to bulk purchase quinoa, millet and bulger is moot, however.

Blissmo

Blissmo offers discounts on organic and eco-friendly products, ranging from independent jewellery designs to toxin-free nail products. Recent deals include plant-based iPhone cases, organic homemade dog treats (I wonder how that one did) and a water-powered alarm clock.

Currently only serving the US and Canada.

EthicalDeal

EthicalDeal helps you discover green things to do in your area. Deals include organic hair cuts, eco-friendly spa stays, discounted yoga clothing and tickets to Make It! Vancouver.

It’s currently only running offers for the US and Canada, but hopefully bleeding heart liberals all over the world will soon be able to acquire raw, vegan and sugar-free confectionary.

[Image: Ethical Deal]

Do you know of any alternative group-buying sites? Let us know in the comments!

A version of this article originally appeared on Jorg & Olif

More stories like this

• Three alternative ways to do your shopping in 2012
• Are eco-friendly cars any fun? Ford Fiesta Econetic
• What the Dorks want for Christmas 2011
• Plumen CFL eco-bulbs that aren’t ugly. Was that so hard?
• Cardboard vacuum cleaner? Neat idea
• How to green your website

Supermarkets are soulless places, aren’t they? All those busy aisles of grumpy shoppers who wield their trolley/pram/wheelchairs like a lethal weapon, diving for the last cut-priced cuts of meat and avoiding the zombie-like members of staff.

This is exactly why they stick the wine aisle at the end of the shop, so you’re driven to bulk buying booze just to recover from the experience.

Oh, and food shopping online isn’t much better. Nothing quite like ordering a food shop only for it all to arrive with a use by date for the next day.

Thankfully, supermarkets are no longer our only option. Obviously, there are your friendly local shops that you should definitely support. But there are a few more shopping options you might like to check out too..

The People’s Supermarket
This actually started out as a TV series a year or two ago, but I’ve noticed various versions of the concept springing up all over the place.

These supermarkets are run by communities with members each working a day or two a month. They’re designed to connect urban areas with local farmers. Members of the community decide what stock they want, which the supermarket then orders from local suppliers.

Membership costs vary. The official People’s Supermarket charges £25 a year (which gets you a 10% discount in store). Near me, in Reading, there’s a not-for-profit called True Food Co-Op which does pretty much the same thing and doesn’t charge for membership.

City Farms and Community Gardens

In response to the huge demand for allotments, dwindling garden spaces and an appreciation of the Slow Food way of life, City Farms and Community Gardens are popping up all over the place.

They offer communities the chance to get away from the city and grow some fresh, organic fruit and veg. And they also help empower communities and connect those who may otherwise feel detached. Plus they make the limited green spaces in the cities look beautiful.

Head to Farm Garden to find out where your local city farm or community garden is.

CarrotMob

CarrotMob is a concept that approaches businesses and encourages them to commit to a more eco-friendly way of working. If a business agrees, they have to submit a deal. The agreement might be something along the lines of “If 500 members of CarrotMob turn up and buy something, we’ll commit to spending 50% of the revenue on more eco-friendly machinery”

How Organized Consumer Purchasing Can Change Business from carrotmob on Vimeo.

I love this concept. Boycotting has a negative feel to it, but buycotting? This feels like a positive move where both parties stand to gain.

What alternative ways do you do your food shopping?

More stories like this

• Groupon for hippies: Alternative group buying sites
• Are eco-friendly cars any fun? Ford Fiesta Econetic
• What the Dorks want for Christmas 2011
• Plumen CFL eco-bulbs that aren’t ugly. Was that so hard?
• Cardboard vacuum cleaner? Neat idea
• How to green your website

Want to know what the Dorks want for Christmas this year?

Katie Lee: Dork Editor

Please may I have a Kobo and an E-One laser hair removal gadget? I had both of them in for review this year and they’re the things that have left the biggest hole since they went back. Also, I bought my friend the whole of The Guild to watch and I haven’t actually seen it myself. So I’d like someone to get me that, please.

Emma Cossey: Web dork

I’ve just bought a house, so all I seem to buy at the moment is dull house things. Therefore, I’d love some vouchers to splurge on clothes, Abel & Cole, Amazon and Boots. My other, more extravagant, want is an Apple Macbook Air , because my Dell is destined for that great laptop space in the sky.

Tamsin Worrad: Science dork

I would like:

Babyliss Big Hair style – I’m assured this will end my bad hair days forever. (Emma agrees, amazing hair styler)

Series 3 & 4 of The Big Bang Theory because I am way behind

‘How to live safely in a science fictional universe‘. I feel this could contain important advice

Star Trek Mr Potato Heads: they’re adorable!

Zachary Quinto. I KEEP asking and yet nobody is doing anything about it?

Imogen Hitchcock: Lifestyle Dork

2012 is going to be the year in which I find my inner domestic goddess and I start to do ‘stuff’ around the house. Therefore, dear Santa, I’d like the following in my stocking (please note, industrial size stocking may be required):

A Kitchen Aid mixer in blue willow: it’s so damn pretty!

A sewing machine and a stack load of books on how to use it. I used to do sewing at school but for the life of me, can’t remember where to start. However, I’d rather like to while away the winter months making clothes (or, probably in my case, making hideous monstrosities that I’ll be inordinately proud of)

Some Le Creuset. I’m sure it makes my cooking taste so much better.

I don’t ask for much, do I?

Nick Bryan: Film & TV dork

My big gadget purchase this year was the Kindle, I’d quite like some new books for it, but Santa (yes, alright, my mother) tells me that I am contractually obligated to get something to go under the tree. Still, I’ll finally be reading the Game of Thrones book in some form.

I’ve been meaning to catch up on the Powers graphic novel series by Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Avon Oeming now they’ve made a TV pilot, there’s a non-Kindle book for the tree.

I might also get the first two series of Misfits on DVD because I miss Nathan. Yes, I’m a sap.

Now it’s your turn! What’s on your Christmas list?

More stories like this

• Last minute Christmas gifts for geeks
• Dork Adore Gift Guide: Masterchef marvels
• Dork Adore Gift Guide: The Scientist
• Colour blocked kitchen gadgets
• What do the Dork Adore writers want this Christmas?
• Misfits: Christmas Special – Dork Review

Sometimes it’s tough being a girl geek in a market seemingly geared towards men, so it’s fantastic to see a cosmetics company aiming to challenge that preconception with their range of cosmetics inspired by all things dorky.

Geek Chic Cosmetics are a small independent US company (who ship internationally) who hand make all their cosmetics and promise not to put in any weird stuff in them. Their cosmetic shades are inspired by everything zombies to gaming, geek speak to sci-fi tv shows, which is surely enough to get any geek girl excited.

All the products are eco friendly and cruelty free and prices range from $4.99 for a single eyeshadow to $11.99 for a foundation. Not just for the beauty geeks though, Geek Chic offer a cos-play range for all your dressing up needs.

More stories like this

• Geek! A necklace especially for you
• Groupon for hippies: Alternative group buying sites
• Three alternative ways to do your shopping in 2012
• Dork Fashion Icon: Daria Morgendorffer (Daria)
• Sheldon Tees: Dress like Dr Sheldon Cooper
• What the Dorks want for Christmas 2011

Want to know what the Dorks want in their stocking this Christmas? Here’s a round up of what we’re hoping Santa brings us this weekend. Check out our wish list — which seems to consist mainly of TV boxsets and geek gear.

Katie

Thanks to all the positive stuff about Misfits on Dork Adore, I actually watched the second series — and LOVED it! I normally don’t watch programmes out of sequence, so this was unusual for me. To right this wrong, I’d really like series one on Blu-ray.

Emma

I’ve managed to destroy yet another pair of earphones for my iPod, so I’m after a pair of Audio Chi headphones. If Santa is feeling particularly generous, I wouldn’t mind a Power Plate machine at home.  It’s the Slendertone of the 21st century donchaknow?

Realistically though, I’d be quite happy with Kick Ass and Scott Pilgrim on DVD, and maybe a voucher for Abel & Cole so I can start the new year on a health kick.

Nick

Nowadays, the huge DVD boxsets are getting stupidly cheap, so my big Christmas presents will be a few of those. I can now get the complete run of Battlestar Galactica, Sopranos, Six Feet Under, The Wire or West Wing for around fifty quid from many online vendors, which is the price I used to pay for a single series.

Oh, and if you liked The Walking Dead TV show, the Compendium collecting the first 48 issues of the comic is good value, and isn’t printed on toilet paper or anything like that. Don’t drop it on your foot though.

Michelle

Tamsin

More stories like this

• What the Dorks want for Christmas 2011
• The five best fashion iPhone apps
• Frackulous: Scott Pilgrim app fix, Samsung Galaxy Android-brillity and Angry, Angry Birds
• Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: Dork Review
• Scott Pilgrim: Knives Chau and Ramona Flowers X-Stitch
• Four pretty iPod speakers

Stuck for what to get your kids this Christmas? Then you’re either very lucky to have a child with a conservative Dear Santa list, or they’re not old enough to write yet. Either way, you’re probably looking for a bit of inspiration of what to fill their stocking with.

Which brings us to Toyology. The Toys and Playthings Show features real kids and adults putting the latest toys and games to the test. There are three episodes up at the moment, and you can see episode three below which features bouncing dolls Baby Alive and Fur Real’s Go Go The Walking Pup…

What are you getting your kids for Christmas?

More stories like this

• What the Dorks want for Christmas 2011
• Top events in December: Christmas and CES
• Last minute Christmas gifts for geeks
• Buying from the US, is it worth it?
• Groupon for hippies: Alternative group buying sites
• Three alternative ways to do your shopping in 2012

I’m a little late to the iPhone party. Like several years late. Consequently, I’ve gone a bit mental in the apps store, downloading every decent app I’ve heard about in the last few months/years, and a few more embarrassing ones (Christmas countdown anyone?). I of course blame this entirely on Frackulous, who have been torturing me with videos of Angry Birds and Remember the Milk apps for months.

As a girl who prefers to conduct her shopping from home, where shopping in my trackies with a glass of wine is considered acceptable, it was somewhat inevitable that I’d make a beeline for the fashion apps section of the iTunes store. An area where I’m spoilt for choice.

So, after spending some time shopping in the name of research *ahem*, here are five of the best fashion apps for your iPhone.

Debenhams: Admittedly, the fact that they’re offering 15% off at the moment when you download the app helps, but the Debenhams app really is brilliant. From the app itself, you can browse clothes in your size, save them into wishlists, and then buy through the actual app. And it’s FREE!

ShopStyle: ShopStyle is a shopping site that allows you to search for products from hundreds of different stores, then click through to the shop to buy them. The free app does pretty much the same thing, allowing you to search by product, brand or shop and save them to view later.

eBay Fashion: eBay actually has several free apps for the iPhone, but the fashion app is great if you’re only interested in shoe, bags and dresses. You can search for items, bid on them, or save them to a ‘closet’, where they can be arranged on a plain background or over a photo of you.

Sartorialist: For real-life fashion, the free Satorialist app allows you to see the latest images uploaded, and share them on your Facebook page. Simple, but entertaining.

StyleBook: The only app in the list with a pricetag, at £2.39. This app makes your Cher-from-Clueless dreams come true. It lets you take photos of your clothes, so you can create outfits, resize pieces, remove backgrounds and check when you last wore it. OCD sufferers rejoice.

As a side note for all you London-based non-iPhone users, you might want to check out Salesgossip. They’ll text you every time there’s a new sale on in the high street.

Did we miss one? Tell us your favourite fashion iPhone app!

More stories like this

• Dork Review: Morf, the domestic goddess of apps
• Pizza Express, Paypal and the app that pays for dinner
• Royal Wedding Apps: Dork Adore Round-Up
• Get your iPhone and get off the couch
• Frackulous: Scott Pilgrim app fix, Samsung Galaxy Android-brillity and Angry, Angry Birds
• Frackulous: X-Factor apps, social diary apps and QR code apps, oh my!

If you know me, you’ll know I’m a scientist because I’m enough of a dork about it that I tend to tell everybody I meet. So, the idea of wearing some science round my neck for all the world to see got me very excited.

These science equipment necklaces (£6.99 each from Finest Imaginary) are the perfect way to scream ‘I’M A SCIENTIST!’ or simply “I really like beakers and vacuum flasks!”

Either way, it’s putting your inner dork out there on display for everyone to know.

If you think that one’s amazing, just wait till you see the other four I’ve picked out for you.

More science-based neck decoration

Plasmid necklace, $85 by NBdesigns

To the average bystander this pendant is just a silver ring with a gold insert but to those in the know it represents one of the most useful tools in molecular biology.  I see this necklace as something of a dorky secret symbol; imagine how smug you’ll feel when somebody else realises what it is!

Serotonin necklace, $85 Molecularmuse

These necklaces were made by a doctor of molecular biology turned crafter — my kind of gal. Demonstrating that science really is beautiful, this simple design is in fact the structure of the serotonin molecule. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter which regulates mood: it makes you happy! Is there a better way to remember to smile?

Silver microscope necklace, $12  from AgHalo

I love charm necklaces, and this sterling silver one is a bit different from the standard hearts, owls or teapots you usually see. A very delicate way of showing off your scientific credentials!

Laser cut necklace $69.50 by Morphologica

Taking its inspiration from nature, the unique shape of this  laser cut necklace was inspired by images of proliferating cells. It’s definitely an eye catching statement piece and is made by yet another scientist (this time a neuroscientist) craftster.

So, which one is your favourite?

Tamsin is a crafty, geeky blogger, who can be found tweeting , blogging on her blog Miss Believer, and writing about tea over on Brew us a cuppa.

More stories like this

• Geek! A necklace especially for you
• Last minute Christmas gifts for geeks
• Snap happy camera necklaces
• Groupon for hippies: Alternative group buying sites
• Three alternative ways to do your shopping in 2012
• What the Dorks want for Christmas 2011

Wil Wheaton, star of Star Trek: The Next Generation and Big Bang Theory, has recently announced a collaboration with J!NX to create a line of clothing.

Wil Wheaton, who is a passionate supporter of the geek community, has helped design a selection of graphic t-shirts, influenced by gaming and geek culture.

The J!NX clothing line includes four t-shirts in a range of colours, for men and women. Wil’s affection for World Of Warcraft is pretty clear across most of the t-shirts, in particular with the Rules Lawyers style.

More stories like this

• What the Dorks want for Christmas 2011
• Groupon for hippies: Alternative group buying sites
• Three alternative ways to do your shopping in 2012
• Sheldon Tees: Dress like Dr Sheldon Cooper
• Dork Adore Gift Guide: The Scientist
• Dork Fashion Icon: Leslie Winkle (The Big Bang Theory)

The internet is a pretty wonderful place to shop for the objects of your desire. Filled with every kind of retailer you can imagine, you’ve got a pretty unlimited array of options for clothing, food, transport and well, anything really.

The greatest advantage of shopping online has to be customisation. Worried about turning up at a big family event in the same dress as your Aunt Glenda? Design your own online. Need the perfect present that shows someone how much you love them? Get clicking.

So, fancy pimpin’ up your life a little? Here are a few of the best customisation sites.

StyleShake

Fancy playing fashion designer for the day? StyleShake allows you to design your own dress, choosing the fabric, trimmings and style. You can either browse the current galleries, or start your own from scratch. They’ll even offer free alterations if it doesn’t quite fit you.

Prices depend on the design, but they vary from around £49 to just under a £100. Check out the gallery for some examples.

Upper Street

At the higher end of the price scale, Upper Street offers you the chance to create your own pair of designer shoes. You can choose from an assortment of materials and colours, and cover it in as many embellishments as you desire.

Like StyleShake, there’s an inspiration area if you fancy tweaking someone else’s design.

Prices are around £200 for a style like the red one above, so they’re not cheap, but they’re useful if you need matching shoes for a wedding or event.

Eyes Lips and Face

A much more budgetable way of pimping your life is by introducing a customised make-up palette into your collection. ELF Cosmetics lets you create your own compact from a selection of custom eye, lip and face colours for on the go makeovers.

The compacts are £1.50 and each custom colour is £1.50, so you’ll get the whole customised compact for £7.50.

FoodAdo

There’s plenty of sites around that allow you to put together your own food package or hamper, but FoodAdo is particularly great as it allows you to order and have it delivered by mail order Parcel Force. It also offers an extensive range of products from small artisan food producers, so it’s more about special purchases and treats rather than your usual weekly shop. It’s a bit like browsing a quaint little food market from the comfort of your sofa.

MyVelo

Finally, you can pimp your ride (without inviting the soul-destroying Tim Westwood to your home). MyVelo lets you personalise a bike with your choice of frame, colour and components, and delivers to you in three weeks.

Prices for a bike with all the trimmings, like the pimpin’ Dork Adore bike above, come in at around £375. You’ll get all the eco-friendly benefits too (and time saving benefits for anyone relying on public transport). If you have a generous employer, you might want to talk to them about the Cycle To Work Scheme.

So, there’s a few ways to customise your life. Any other additions?

More stories like this

• BundleBox – A better way to buy from the US
• What the Dorks want for Christmas 2011
• The five best fashion iPhone apps
• SendSocial: Send stuff without an address
• Wishpot: A new online shopping tool
• Group Buying: The latest online shopping trend