Stylish and sustainable storage
The Swedes have long carved a reputation for being both environmentally aware and for stylish, affordable furniture, so it should come as no surprise that some of the most sustainable and eco-friendly designs are coming out of Sweden. But this is no disposable, mass market flat-pack furniture – it is using eco-friendly, sustainable materials to create contemporary yet classic designs. This ‘rock n roll’ shelving unit from Nigel’s Eco Store is made from high density paperboard, made in Sweden from unbleached cellulose fibres. It’s available in black, white or natural, but can be painted easily, and comes in packs of five different sized rolls that can be arranged in any configuration you like (or you can use more than one pack and be really creative!). It’s a unique and eco-friendly storage method that is easy to assemble – the rolls are simply velcro’d together and are easily attached to the wall. The materials are all sourced in an environmentally friendly way and are fully recyclable. If you prefer more traditional styles, you can try the Big Shelf unit, made from sustainable cardboard (40% recycled) or the five shelf CD tower, which is made from similar materials. ‘Chaos’ shelves take a slightly funkier approach, with sloped shelves creating a striking display space for books, CDs or DVDs, but again made from 40% recycled, sustainable and hardwearing cardboard. All are stylish enough to fit into any home, but with the added benefit of knowing that you are supporting sustainable, environmentally friendly design.
Gardening – a great way to start going green
If you have a small plot of land spare, perhaps an allotment or garden, you may want to consider getting your fingers green this summer. Despite a worldwide economic downturn, the cost of living continues to rise. Indeed, many shoppers have noticed that their weekly food list is costing more than it had been when the economy was experiencing a stable inflation. Fortunately, for those who are also interested in doing their bit to ’save the planet’, financial savings can be coupled with a greener way of life.
Growing one’s own supply of vegetables, fruits and herbs may seem like a mission impossible to the uninformed, but actually it is relatively straightforward to get started. Depending on your local climate and the physical space you have available, growing your own produce can be sustainable throughout the year and offers a wide variety of fruit, vegetables and herbs. If possible, erect a greenhouse in order to stimulate
regular growth, especially in relation to produce that would not normally grow during the UK’s colder months. However, do ensure that your greenhouse is eco-friendly by using materials that do not require excessive winter heating and, for the summer, develop a capillary watering system that supplies the plants with rain water, which can be collected in an external reservoir. Also ensure that produce is grown organically – the Earthmaker compost bin could come in handy for this – and that insect repellent plants such as Sweet Woodruff are used instead of pesticides. Finally, unless you want to feed the birds, do not forget to cover your produce with sufficient netting!
And to keep all of your gardening green you can find a great selection of green and ethical seeds, plants and garden accccessories at green retailers greenfingers.com , Nigels Eco Store and Biome
