Who would have thought? Straight-faced Colin Firth is quite full of surprises. Some bring a cringe, and some pretty green. For cringe, think of his blindingly sequined, bell-bottomed, deep V-neck one piece dance costume from Mama Mia. For green, Mr Darcy has joined the league of Hollywood green warriors that include Leonardo Dicaprio and Brad Pitt by co-founding an eco-lifestyle shop, Eco-Age, in Chiswick, London with his wife Livia Giuggioli, and two other partners. This 3 storied green shop offers apparel, interior decor, kitchen appliances, toys and furniture - all heavy with an eco-conscience.

Highlight merchandise include the recycled Webe tote bag made from chicken feed bags in the *Caribbean, a lampshade made from thin birch bark, cushions made with fabric recycled from rubber ropes and felt, carpet woven from organic wool (sheeps reared on organic food?), Estonian eco toys like small sheep, hand-made by the farm owner, from sheep wool shorned on her farm, and stuffed turtle plushes made out of linen pulp and filled with grain wood shavings.

Not satisfied with just providing the full retail experiences, Eco-Age also provides an eco-interior decor consultancy, advising customers on eco paints, wallpaper, soft finishings, energy saving electrical appliances and solar applications.

The one thing that impressed me the most was how the store strives to be a green role model by making sure that it is retrofitted to a high ecological, sustainable standard. Limecrete is used instead of concrete;  flooring is made from recycled wood. The store counter is made from woven rubber bicycle tires while its display units are made from recycled materials too. The store also hopes to be detached from the energy grid. Its roof garden is fitted with solar panels and a wind turbine, hence, effectively creating its own energy. The roof also holds a system that collects rainwater for use in the toilet.

The next time you are in London- green girls, add this address to your itineary. This could be your biggest chance to getting up-close and personal with Mr Darcy himself… if you can get past his gorgeous Italian wife.

If, however, you are planning on a staycation for now, let the green lifestyle heroes Treehuggers take you on a virtual trip.