After a few uncomfortable weeks of watching TV in a hat and scarf, I recently tracked down the epic draught in my living room to the fireplace. When it's not playing host to a roaring log fire, the hearth becomes a vast, gaping chasm that lets in huge amounts of cold air.

It's crazy that we let this happen when we spend so much time making sure windows and doors are sealed up, so I was pleased to find an answer to my Siberian sitting room in the form of one of these balloon thingies.

No, I'm not talking recycled nipple tassels or hemp corsets (though both sound cool!), but some very unusual home decoration from stylish eco emporium EcoCentric.

The cabaret-themed wallpaper would certainly make a dramatic statement in any eco boudoir or lounge, featuring buxom beauties that remind me more than a little of Immodesty Blaize. Like Miss Blaize it's made in the UK and is also hand screen-printed using water-based inks on high grade paper from sustainably sourced trees. More details here!

Related: more eco wallpaper from EcoCentric | DIY non-toxic wallpaper paste | Beautiful recycled birdcage wallpaper

Here's another great example of how old furniture can have a lifespan beyond its original purpose; in this case with commendably green results.

An old bathtub makes an excellent DIY wormery, as the owners of Lifeboat Farm found out. Much more attractive than an old plastic vat, and by attaching a tap to the bath's existing plumbing, they get liquid feed in industrial quantities [Via Craftzine]

Related: Wiggly worms work | Compst crock for your fruit and veggie scraps

Continuing in our quest to find great new uses for old stuff around the house, I wanted to share this great idea from Crafty Nest, who've posted a tutorial on turning an old cupboard door into a stylish and useful serving tray - one that would be a godsend for anyone with hordes of relatives coming round at Christmas. What I like best about this project is that every element of the original item is used in the new one, with the drawer pulls becoming functional handles on the tray - a sure sign of good repurposing.

Full instructions on how to turn a cupboard door into a tray can be found here [Via Crafty Crafty]

Related: Repurposed home #3: Kitchen | Repurposed home #2: funky and functional furniture | Repurposed home #1: lighting

There's a big buzz around repurposing and upcycling at the moment, and it's easy to see why: preventing waste is one area where frugal and green living come together, and if you're not already worrying about the state of the planet, the odds are you'll have given some thought to your financial predicament.

Over the next few weeks we'll be looking into all sorts of creative ways you can re-use objects around the home and turn them into unique objects that are even better than new. This week, the theme is lighting: follow the jump for some great ideas for lighting up your home in style using free or inexpensive materials that would otherwise go to waste.

London mayor Boris Johnson has given his backing to a new scheme which seeks to transform unused land in the capital into gardens and plots for locally produced food.

Capital Growth is encouraging enterprising Londoners to convert as many areas as they can to green spaces capable of growing food - that means gardens of schools and nursing homes, as well as the flat roofs of commercial and residential buildings.

The hope is to achieve 2,012 new gardens by the time the Olympics come around. It sounds like a lot, but with four years to go and a large amount of unused space available, it's not unrealistic to imagine that green-at-heart city-dwellers will rise to the challenge.

Find out how you can get involved - whether by growing your own, or by offering space to others - at Capital Growth.

[via Treehugger]

As our resident energy saving 'expert' Gary Cutlack recently pointed out, the washing machine is in many ways the scourge of the modern home. Most machines are fairly inefficient, and my own investigations into electricity usage made it quite clear to me that washing is one of the most energy guzzling activities we get up to on a daily basis. So it's well worth investing in a 'greener' washer now to save on C02 and cash.

That's what LG are hoping we'll think as they launch their state of the art 'green steam' washing machines; limited edition works of wonder that guarantee a greener wash.

Related: A waterless washing machine | Eco-friendly washing machine is 'fastest in world' with 14 minute cycle

I love draught excluders! No other domestic item is quite so good at being simultaneously cute, retro and functional in quite the same way. Of course, you could always get a plain strip of plastic or brush to stop air escaping from under your doors, but what would be the fun in that?

Follow the jump to find out where I found these guys

Related: Hippyshopper guide to surviving the credit crunch | Top five ways to keep warm this winter

If I learnt one thing from my recent energy monitoring challenge, it's not to use the tumble dryer so often. But what about when you really need to get your jacket dry in time for a meeting, or don't have any dry, clean sheets? I'd not tried these little alien-looking balls before now, but surprsingly, they do seem to dramatically reduce the amount of time needed to get things dry as well as making them softer to the touch and less creased than usual.

So how do they work?

If you're trying to banish antibacterials and other harsh chemicals from your home's cleaning arsenal (and, trust me, your hands will thank you for it if you do), then Cath Kidston's home cleaning and soap range is an attractive way to make the switch. The 'Washing Line' range consists of delicately-scented products made with non-toxic and biodegradable ingredients that are paraben and sulphate-free and veggie-friendly.

I know a lot of Kidston fans, and am well aware that they're prepared to pay above the odds for her distinctive and lovely designs. But alternatively, you might want to try Maison Belle, which is a little cheaper and which I personally swear by. You can buy everything in the range online.

Related: Video review: Maison Belle homecare products | Cath Kidston skincare range goes paraben-free

If you've always wanted a Warren Evans bed but couldn't quite stretch to the prices (which, I should add, are already surprisingly reasonable) then this Friday could be your chance to stock up on stylish, organic bedroom furnishing. That's because Warren Evans is offering a 10% discount on all FSC-certified products to celebrate FSC Friday, an awareness day held by the FSC to encourage people to look for the tree-saving logo when buying wood and paper products. All Warren Evans beds are FSC certified, giving you another reason to enjoy a sleep-filled night with a clear conscience.

Follow the jump to find out more about this great offer.

Here's a fun little addition to your eco-home, with a bit of a double-sided message. Seen from one angle, the all-natural, coconut husk mat gives a warm greeting; from another, it's less friendly. A great housewarming gift for anyone with a sense of humour and of responsibility for the planet.

£15 new in at Nigel's Eco Store

If you're the proud owner of an organic veggie patch or like to grow beautiful plants, leaf mould is an excellent natural soil improver, lawn conditioner and mulch that you can start making around this time of year. You can't buy it anywhere in the shops, so if you want to give you garden an advantage, read on over the jump to find out how to make your own.

I'm looking for a rug for my room at the moment, and the selection I've seen so far has been so disappointing! So many are made from dull, synthetic materials or are just too pricey. It was only when I looked up rugs on Etsy when I found these fun creations, all of which were something else in a previous life...