The 'eco' hairdryer from Babyliss

If you've ever shared space with someone with a hairdryer habit, you'll probably already be painfully aware of how much juice these things get through.They're notorious for over-heating and shorting out electricity circuits too, so if they could only invent one that wasn't so power-hungry that would be a good thing for all concerned.

Babyliss claim to have done just that with their new 'eco' hairdryer, which uses around half the electricity of a standard model. Most dryers use around 95 per cent energy for heat and 5 per cent for air flow, but this model uses a new type of motor that optimises air flow. In other words, it boosts the least energy-intensive way of drying your hair. £19.95 from Ethical Superstore