Jo Wood proves she’s not just a rock ex-wife with Jo Wood Organics
Although perhaps best known in the tabloids as ex-wife of Rolling Stone guitarist Ronnie, and now a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing, Jo Wood is also an established name in the organic toiletries industry. Combining her imitable style with a genuine love for healthy, organic living, she has produced a range of luxury organic products suitable for any celebrity’s bathroom. Her Jo Wood Organics skin care range includes bath oils and fragrances, complemented by fragranced candles. Influenced both by her love of Africa and her own South African heritage, they are strictly organic, vegetarian friendly and avoid artificial enhancers or chemically derived ingredients. Furthermore, all packaging is fully recyclable. As well as her luxury Amka and Usiku ranges, Jo Wood also produces a Tula and Langa ‘everyday’ ranges, available in stylish gift sets. Products in this range include body scrubs and body mousses. So whatever your budget, you can enjoy a touch of organic, healthy glamour. You can read more about Jo’s healthy, organic approach to living in her book Naturally: How to Look and Feel Healthy, Energetic and Radiant the Organic Way
Music with a conscience with sustainable and environmentally friendly guitars
Simon Lee Cyclotron recycled guitars are beautiful, top quality instruments that also manage to be eco-friendly. Combining traditional design and with cutting edge environmentally friendly materials, these guitars are truly a thing of beauty. Unlike many traditional instruments, the guitars do not use endangered hardwoods in their production. Instead, they have a maple neck and a body made from recycled plastic, featuring top-quality hand-wound Bare Knuckle picks ups (as used by some of the world’s most famous guitarists). This allows the guitar to be eco-friendly without sacrificing the top level sound you would expect from a high quality guitar. Each guitar is handmade to order and comes in a range of finishes, depending on the material used: ‘marble’, which uses reclaimed plastics from the food industry; snow, which uses factory-reject yoghurt pots (complete with foil fragments, giving a stone-like material that polishes to a hard shine; chilli, which uses off-cuts from industrial pipes and superfresh, a mix of domestic bottles and containers, and espresso, made from recycled coffee cups. Or there is pirate, which uses crushed CDs – which were seized by Trading Standards during a raid on illegal CD production factories – suspended in the blue plastic of office water cooler bottles, if you want a guitar with a history as interesting as the songs you play on it! The guitars aren’t cheap – you wouldn’t expect instruments of this quality to be – but if you want to invest in an instrument that is beautiful, unique and will last a lifetime but doesn’t cost the earth, then Simon Lee Cyclotron guitars may be playing your tune.
The beat goes on with Vinylux recycled vinyl products
While most people traded in their record collection for CDs long ago, vinyl retains a place in the heart of many music lovers. One company, Vinylux, has decided to save old vinyl records from landfill by recycling them into stylish gifts and home wares. Vinylux products take old records (LPs and 45s) and rework them into new designs. Over the past five years, the company has taken over 400,000 records and used them to make eco-friendly goods, stoping around 120,000 pounds of plastic and cardboard from going to landfill. As well as reusing the vinyl in its products, Vinylux sends all its off-cuts from the production process to recyclers, and any covers it cannot use are collected for paper recycling. The company also has a strong eco-policy, using post-consumer materials wherever possible, non-toxic printing inks and minimal packaging. Vinylux’s range of gifts include a vintage vinyl bowl, vintage vinyl snack tray, vintage vinyl coasters, vinyl clock and photo frame. Each has the record label clearly visible, making every one of them a unique and interesting, eco-friendly gift – perfect for the music lover in your life! Vinylux also recycles old album covers into stylish notebooks, available in large and medium sizes. If the idea of your favourite record being turned into a decoration feels like desecration, don’t worry – the company assures customers that only records that are no longer playable are used in the production process, stating ‘No music was harmed in the making of this product’!
Offsetting Your Carbon Footprint: Grow Your Own Tree
There is nothing new about growing fruit, vegetables, plants or flowers in the garden, which are seen as effective ways in which organic produce can be cultivated at home to save money the green way. Furthermore, people are now more conscious of their individual impact on the environment, which is commonly expressed in terms of the so-called carbon footprint. Much like a normal footprint, the carbon variety refers to the impression left on the environment by a particular individual or household in the context of harmful CO2 emissions.
Every person leaves a carbon footprint behind them and, in this increasingly eco-conscious community, each is accountable for it. As such, many homeowners have sought to reduce their carbon footprint by adopting renewable energy sources, such as installing solar panels, insulating lofts and cavity walls, upgrading boilers and installing underfloor heating, which typically uses less energy than conventional radiator systems. However, there is a greener way in which carbon footprints can be offset somewhat. Indeed, if every home that has a garden or access to public grounds planted a tree, the world would literally become a much greener place to live.
Trees are beneficial to the environment not least because they support eco-systems in a general sense but also because their leaves absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Thus, the Grow Your Own Tree kit from Canova, which comprises a compostable grow bag into which the included silver birch tree seed is sowed and eventually planted into the ground, provides a convenient way to grow trees, which will considerably offset carbon footprints. And if you don’t have access to a garden? There are a range of kitchen friendly options, from organic herbs in a bag to instant kitchen boxes or instant compact herb gardens.
Green Fingered NASA Technology
Urban dwellers often find themselves in the unfortunate position of wanting to grow something green to help the environment but cannot do so because they do not own or rent a little patch of Earth. Those people who are lucky enough to have their own garden will note growing plants, flowers, shrubs and trees can prove to be a very rewarding experience. Moreover, as environmental awareness has increased sharply recently, many people take great delight in giving a little back to the planet.
Furthermore, gardens are ideal for people who wish to grow their own food, which is sensible in the middle of a recession and an era in which green produce is heavily treated by chemicals. A garden is also useful for growing flower bearing plants such as rose bushes, which come into their own on birthdays and Valentine’s Day. You can even grow your own organic Christmas decorations by planting a holly bush. However, the aforementioned urban dweller does not always have access to this way of life. Indeed, in his or her case the grass is very much greener on the other side. Nevertheless, the Aeroponics Power Plant Growing Machine, which is based on cutting edge NASA technology, is the perfect solution for those stuck in a concrete jungle.
Requiring a connection to the mains electricity supply, the Aeroponics Plant Growing Machine is exceptional in that its technology enables plants to grow without the need for any soil whatsoever. Indeed, only water needs to be added to the machine, which uses a special growing sponge, nutrient mix and microjets to stimulate relatively rapid growth. Perfect for the green fingered soul trapped in a concrete jungle. (And if that all sounds too technical? You can still grow your own organic herbs out of a bag on your kitchen windowsill or even buy a ready made kitchen windowbox. So there’s really no excuse…)
Fair Trade Gets Fashionable
As awareness of the plight suffered by many in the ‘Third World’ increases, choosing Fair Trade products has become a popular trend among consumers in developed nations. The economy of Fair Trade produce ensures that workers in developing countries receive a relatively comfortable working environment with fair rates of pay and social security. Furthermore, a significant proportion of Fair Trade profits is driven back into the local community that produced the goods, so not only does such trade become sustainable but the future of developing nations becomes a little more secure.
With the recent news that Fair Trade products in the UK have just broken into the beauty care market, it is timely to discuss the continuing growth of Fair Trade fashion accessories. Indeed, various accessories including pendants and bracelets are produced by workers in countries such as India in addition to those across Asia, South America and Africa. Hand crafted goods are typically produced to a very high standard in such places by workers who rely on such trade to support themselves and their families. For some of these workers, the extra money earned from producing Fair Trade accessories can make the difference between eating or not eating or being able to put a child through school. Therefore, the importance of buying Fair Trade fashion accessories should never be undervalued.
Fair Trade goods have long since thrown off their worthy but dull image. Lingerie brand Pants to Poverty do a selection of fun, trendy Fair Trade and organic underwear, while fair trade brand Made has commissioned pieces by young celebrities such as Peaches Geldof to appeal to a younger demographic. At the higher end of the market, designers such as Fifi Bijoux specialise in well-crafted precious metal pieces and fine jewellery. Furthermore, Fair Trade accessories are often highly sought after for their rich attention to detail and splendid decorative charms. Goblin charm bracelets, tutti frutti necklaces and a range of sparkling pendants are staple items of such trade, whilst stylish handbags made of recycled materials are increasingly in demand. Fair Trade shopping bags are also becoming more popular as people cut down their usage of plastic bags.
17/6/11 Update: The steam washing machine below is no longer available at the listed retailers as it has been discontinued by LG. Why not check out these alternatives:
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Introducing The LG F1402FDS6 Steam Washing Machine
Suprisingly using a steam washing machine like the LG F1402FDS6 uses far less energy and water than a traditional water based washing machine. Steam washing provides a better and more environmentally friendly wash than water does – as steam uses less energy and the steam penetrates clothes more effectively as the steam molecules are smaller, hotter and more active than water. The LG F1402FDS6 has an A++ energy rating which is the best energy rating of any washing machine on the market at the moment. LG claim that the F1402FDS6 will cut water usage by 35% and energy usage by 21% compared to a traditional machine. In steam mode the LG 1402FDS6 sprays hot steam on your clothes continuously for either 20 minute or 40 minute cycles depending on which one you select. Either way your clothes will emerge fresh and crease free – cutting down on your ironing as well as your washing energy bills.
The 40 minute Dual Spray Steam Cycle is for intensive stains and the 20 minute refresh steam setting a quicker setting which will freshen and take the creases out of lightly soiled clothing. If you want to turn a shirt round quickly before going out this has to be the fastest and most energy efficient way of doing it in double quick time – the shirt will come out fresh and ready to wear in just 20 minutes. The LG F1402FDS6 also has normal washing cycles if these are needed to get your clothes clean.
Overall the F1402FDS6 is an attractive washing machine (if there is such a thing!) and is available in black, cherry, rose, white and blue. It has a large LCD display and is a cool, efficient and practical gadget for the modern kitchen.
Find the best deal on a LG F1402FDS6
The price of the LG F1402FDS6 has come down in the last few weeks and there are some great deals to be had on the popular stream washing machine at the moment.
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Price |
Delivery |
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| Boots |
from £530 |
£19.99 |
 |
| Dixons |
£599 |
FREE |
|
| Currys |
£699 |
FREE |
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| Comet |
£729 |
FREE |
|
| John Lewis |
£749 |
FREE |
|
Here are some of the benefits of the LG F1402FDS6
- Steam Washing is more environmentally friendly and provides a better wash than water.
- Reduced Allergens – Steam washing is certified to reduce allergens as the temperature of steam dissolves the irritants that can harm sensitive skin. The Allergy Care Cycle maintains a constant temperature of 60C to help remove allergens.
- Direct Drive – Normal washing machines use and external motor located outside of the washing drum which produces lots of noise, vibration and burns up lots of energy. The LG F1402FDS6 has LG’s Steam Direct Drive system which is directly attached to the centre of the washing machine drum.
- A Bigger Drum – The LG F1402FDS6 has two sizes of drum – an 8kg and a 9kg – whereas the average washing machine drum size is 6Kg. The bigger drum size allows the LG F1402FDS6 to have a bigger churning action producing less tangles and a better quality wash.
- Less Creases – With the Steam Refresh Cycle your clothes can be washed and ironed ready to wear in just 20 minutes
- Washing Programs – a variety of steam and traditional washing cycles to suit your needs
The LG F1402FDS6 Specifications
- Wash Capacity - 9Kg
- Energy Efficiency A++
- 9 Washing Programs – Refresh, Allergy Care, Baby Care, Cotton, Cotton Quick, Synthetic, Delicate, Hand Wash/Wool, Quick30
- 13 Special Options – Pre Wash, Rinse Hold, Rinse +, Rinse ++, Steam Wash, Medic Care Rinse, Intensive, Crease Care, Tub Clean, Spin Only, No Spin, Child Look, Beeper
- Only a Cold Water inlet is required
- Dimensions – Width (600mm) x Depth (640/620mm) x Height (842/812mm)
- Weight in Box – 69Kg
- LCD Display
First published 29 May 2009. Please note that blog posts remain live, and any offers or information may no longer be current when you view this page.
