Hippyshopper how-tos
Want to cut down on the potentially harmful chemicals that can easily build up at home? Here are some simple steps you can take to make your home a toxin-free haven!
• Bleach is a powerful corrosive substance, so try to use it very sparingly, if you use it at all. The sort that contains phosphates can upset the balance of natural systems in rivers and lakes, so you should always try to buy phosphate-free varieties, e.g Selden ACT toilet cleaner. Alternatively, white distilled vinegar can be used to disinfect, clean and deodorize. But be warned: NEVER use bleach and vinegar together, as the two can cause a reaction releasing toxic chlorine gas.
• When decorating, always buy the right amount of paint for the job. Alternatively, choose a paint that does not contain volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), like the range from Oliver Heath. VOCs are solvents that evaporate during use (hence the horrible smell associated with painting), can damage the environment and affect human health. B&Q has introduced a handy labelling system that tells you a product's 'VOC count'. There's some great info on the nasties found in paint here, as well as some great tips on where to dispose of old tins if you do over-buy.
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Vegetarian and Vegan living
Tomorrow (November 1st) is World Vegan Day. A number of organisations are planning events on or around the day itself - and if you want to help raise the profile of veganism even more, or indeed if there's simply nothing much going on around where you live, there are plenty of things you can organise yourself. For event details, and suggestions for campaigning activities, ActiVeg.org has a handy page here.
Don't forget that the whole of next month is also Vegan Month, so if you can't manage to sort anything out for tomorrow, you've still got plenty of time to organise the necessary resources to set up a literature stall, or leaflet local businesses. For even more campaigning tips, I would suggest that you order yourself a Vegan Society activist pack.
Vegetarian and Vegan living
One organisation which is going all-out in recognition of World Vegan Day is cosmetics company Lush, whose staff are all adopting a vegan diet for the day - with some braver employees even planning to don giant vegetable outfits! Vegetarian campaigning group Viva! has also offered its support, and has sent Vegan Starter Packs to every Lush store, as well as setting up a helpline for Lush staff who want more information on following a vegan lifestyle. Lush products - although not all vegan - are guaranteed vegetarian and cruelty free, so with any luck this move will persuade a number of their already veggie workforce to go a step further! It would be nice, too, to think that this could be a sign that Lush may one day feel inclined to eschew entirely the honey and milk-based ingredients it uses in some of its products, and finally offer an entirely vegan product range.
Ethical & green gifts
Alpacas aren't just cute and slightly ridiculous-looking beasts; they have uses too. In fact, in some parts of the world, their presence is vital.
With this in mind, Practical Presents is inviting you to buy a friend or family member one wooly jumper they won't want to throw away. For £50, you can purchase an alpaca for a family in Peru, where the animals are a crucial part of the community. In the freezing andes, they provide a constant source of highly nutritious milk, and their wool can be sold by families struggling to make ends meet. And in a climate of -35 degrees, they also offer vital insulation.
So why not make this generous gift on behalf of a loved one? They may not get to meet their shaggy friend, but they will receive a rather splendid alpaca finger puppet...
Recycling
Think carefully before you toss your trusty mobile aside; it could soon be being handed to you as your wedding ring!
A unique jewllery range, made by Australian designer Nic Cerrone, uses recycled mobile phone components to create unusual and striking pieces. His range is currently being auctioned here, and includes a men's ring and necklace, women's necklace, bracelet, earrings and cufflinks.
Rose Read, manager of Aussie mobile recycling program MobileMuster said she hoped the move would encourage more people to recycle their old handsets.
Related: 5 ways to recycle your mobile phone
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Arts & information
Heads up, shopaholics: if you're looking for another online store boasting green credentials, Smartly Green opened its doors this week with oodles of respected and well known names on board. You'll find all kinds of objects of desire here, from clothes and accessories to mobile phones and toys.
Now, seeing as almost every high street store I can think of seems to be represented here (including a smattering from Arcadia and Tesco) I can't comment on how ethical site is.
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Home & Garden
The art of excluding draughts is alive and well at ECOutlet.
These vintage print door snakes will keep you safe from the wind and the cold and increase energy efficiency in the home. And because they look so lovely, they'd make great gifts too. Made from recycled fabric and stuffed with biodegradable buckwheat husks, they're about as green as it gets. Available online at £19.99.
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