Recycling
Is your plastic bag collection starting to build up again? My kitchen currently looks a bit like this, and not being an expert knitter, I'm tearing my hair out trying to decide how to dispose of them responsibly.
One answer woul be to make this lovely bag, which can be done using a simple coiling method based on a Native American weaving technique. You don't need any weaving experience to do this, and you work will result in a brilliantly colourful bag you'll feel proud to take out shopping with you. Why not face the placky bag pile and give it a try tonight? [Via Crafty Crafty]
Related: Make your own Turkish-style string bag | Really easy pattern for a fabric shopping bag
Green News
Fashion Conscience is the place to be if you're after the very best in high-end eco chic fashion and accessories, and GreenMyStyle have a treat in store for anyone who'd like to get hold of items from brands like Terra Plana, Jo Wood Organics, Ovetto and Method at prices at more affordable prices. They're offering an up to 20% discount on all these names and more, plus the chance to win dinner for two courtesy of GreenMyStyle. Click here for details!
[Via GreenMyStyle]
Green gadgets
Back in the autumn, we had a lot of fun testing out the latest in home energy-monitoring gadgets; discovering the ugly truth of how much electricity we consume. I was quite impressed by how easy it was to monitor the data on my PC, but now these devices have joined the social media generation and will actually tweet the information direct to your twitter account!
Tweet-a-Watt integrates with the Kill-a-Watt (one of the top-selling energy monitoring gadget's that's now available to buy in the UK here) to bring you your meter readings updates wirelessly, via twitter. You can see a live account of how it works here, and in all honesty, some of the reports are a damn sight more interesting than 90% of the 'tweets' I receive on a daily basis! [Via Adafruit]
Related: Green Challenges: Energy Monitoring Week day one | Get atmospheric C02 readings live on Twitter
Fashion & accessories
The love affair between Melissa and Dame Viv is clearly far from over as these brazen bronze three-strap sandals have appeared on our radar just in time for that tricky transition into spring.
There's something of the gladiator about the shoes, which would go down a storm with bare legs and a mini dress. As ever in this range, they're ethically made in Melissa's native Brazil from that almost lickable recycled plastic that's such a treat on the beach. Pick up a pair for £61 at My Wardrobe
Related: Bubblegum-scented recycled plastic shoes by Melissa | Best of 2008: eco-friendly and sustainable shoes
Green News
OK...it's not remotely in the spirit of Hippyshopper for me to applaud the action of climate change, but can I please make an exception in this one instance? The crane fly is surely the most pointless and bothersome insect ever, and I for one would be happy to never have one fly into my face again. And if their numbers continue to dwindle, maybe I'll get my wish! The fact that it's due to climate change is...beside the point.
Or, if you're going to be more sensible about it, this story merits our approval becaue it'll get those who don't discriminate against members of the insect world to take action and save the crane fly from extinction. It appears they do in fact serve some useful functions, such as providing food for upland birds like golden plover, which are rather pretty. In fact, Dr James Pearce Higgins, of RSPB Scotland, said: "This is the most worrying development that I have found in my scientific career to date. So perhaps not such a reason for celebration after all...
Related: Not cute or furry, but insects need love too | One of UK's rarest insects thrives on Scottish Island
Green News
It's been a week of doom and gloom on the environmental front, what with the news that Obama will have to put some of his most important green projects on hold and that sea levels may now be on an unstoppable mission to wiping out several British cities.
Read enough stories like this, and it's quite possible to wonder why you're bothering to turn down your thermostat, forego cheap flights or shell out for organic food, so in the name of boosting morale, I've rounded up some of the more positive stories that are lurking out there, reminding us exactly why we do make those efforts and how they can be worthwhile.
Follow the jump for five good bits of green news!
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Green News
Whether you're a card-carrying eco shopper with a regular order for recycled toilet roll or just someone who's had a one-off whim for some organic chocolate, you're bound to know about the two biggest players in online green retail: Ethical Superstore and Natural Collection. The two 'green giants' have co-existed for years but have announced today that they are to merge into one even bigger eco store, trading together as a 'force for good'.
Citing the current 'challenging retail environment' as motivation for the merger, the two firms predict that their combined sales will reach £8m for the 2009-10 financial year, putting them well outside the league of smaller market players; a fact that will undoubtedly lead to questions on how this will effect the stores' competitors.
[via The Guardian]
Continue reading >>
Is your plastic bag collection starting to build up again? My kitchen currently looks a bit like this, and not being an expert knitter, I'm tearing my hair out trying to decide how to dispose of them responsibly. 
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