Green News
Michael Jackson was always a big fan of 'healing the world' so it may not come as a big surprise to hear that that the singer was on the verge of releasing a new song that warned about climate change before his sad death on Friday.
The as yet unnamed song, which the singer was said to have been composing two days before his death, is just part of a library of 'secret tunes', now set to be released posthumously.
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Fashion & accessories
It's about this time of year that I cast off my (second hand) designer gear and girly frocks for something a whole lot more grungey before heading out to slum it hippy-style in a field for a bit.
Organic, recycled and fairtrade labels excel in festival clothes and accessories, so one of the best places to look if you're dressing for Glasto, Latitude or Leeds are the hippyshopper faves. I've picked out a few festival-friendly outfits here, most of which are now available at great prices, as the summer sales are in full swing.
Read on over the jump for details.
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Green gadgets
The humble radiator quietly and anonymously sits against the walls of numerous homes throughout the UK. When we're cold it gives us heat. It requires little if any attention, it just sits there and provides us with efficient warmth when we need it - right?
Well, sort of. There is a secretive side to this familiar beast that can be quite wasteful and costs us money - the side I'm talking about faces the wall. But thanks to a simple innovation that sits on top of the radiator all this wasted heat can be drawn back into the room to get you feeling all toasty much quicker and allow you to turn down that power hungry thermostat, saving you money!
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Food & drink
A humble cup of coffee is usually transformed into a stylish and sophisticated cappuccino by adding frothed milk, which has been whipped up using an electric 'steamer'. But if you don't want a bulky and energy-guzzling device taking up space in your kitchen, a cool alternative is on offer at Ethical Superstore, which now stocks the 'Presso' non-electric espresso and cappuccino coffee maker. It has handles, a bit like a bottle opener, to create the necessary pressure to make these speciality coffees and more.
Still confused? So was I. Follow the jump to see a video of the Presso in action!
£88.95 at Ethical Superstore
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Kids stuff
Question: How do you get your kids interested in green issues? Answer (well one answer anyway): Buy them an inexpensive robot building kit of course!
Not only does your child get to build 6 different robotic masterpieces - including a dog, a boat, a windmill and a car - but also gets to learn about solar energy in the process. All the instructions are easy to follow and the kit only has 25 parts to it. The best bit - no screws in sight! Oh, and don't worry that the UK's lack of sunlight might spoil your kids' enjoyment as the solar charger can also produce power when exposed to a bright halogen lamp. [Paul Ridden]
Carbon Neutral Living
Emily Cummins is an inventor with a focus on helping the environment. This wouldn't be so unique if it wasn't for the fact that she is only 21, and has been inventing since the age of four when her grandad gave her a hammer.
Starting by taking things apart and rebuilding them with her grandad - who she describes as an 'inspiration' - in his shed, Emily progressed and won a barrage of awards and competitions at school for inventions such as a toothpaste dispenser that minimises waste, which she came up with at just 15 years old. She went on to become Cosmopolitan's Ultimate Save-The-Planet Pioneer in 2008.
Currently in her 3rd year of university at Leeds, she studies part time so she can work on her inventions, and dedicate time to inspiring young people.
Emily's best known invention is the sustainable fridge, (pictured with her) which she also produced at school, and is set to change lives in the third world, as it is used to hold medicines. Emily is currently working on a second generation version that is intended for commercial use.
Emily believes that all new inventions should be green. She says "This concept - to maintain the quality while neutralising the damage to the environment - must be extended to all the other appliances we can't seem to function without such as TVs, cookers, dishwashers, computers, even cars."
"Just like Trevor Baylis's wind-up radio, the key is to creating quality green alternatives to the items which people have come to rely on."
If you think you have a great idea for a green invention, she suggests you check out N powers 'Bright Ideas competition' on their website, where you can also check out some great tips for getting more energy efficient.
Recycling
I never had a night light as a child, but from what I do know they're supposed to help if you're scared of the dark. Somehow I don't think this one would have helped me, but still, its gorgeously made and very unique.
It comes from RE, a shop in Northumberland that sells products that have been remade, recycled or rescued. From shelves, to cards, to
light fittings.
If you're made of stronger stuff then I, and you want the Mexican Day of the Dead Skull Nightlight Cover, you can order it online for £17.50
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