It’s always a treat to find unique handmade jewellery online and I’m never disappointed when I visit Munique Fashions as there is always something new and different to choose from.  Seriously girls I have taken to emailing links of my favourite jewellery pieces to my better half so he can get it right on those all important gift giving occasions. So its very handy making use of those wish lists and email a friend options available on most websites.  Valentine s Day is around the corner and I have my eye on this spectacular shell pendant. 

To be honest I can’t decide between the shell pendant, the pearl shell necklace and the blue coral ring so I’m sending him all.  Whichever jewellery gift he chooses I know I will be happy. 

Munique fashions specialize in handmade jewellery sourced from artisans around the world.  I must say that I am truly impressed with their unusual jewellery selections which always evokes the question “Where did you get that?” from my friends.  

If you love ethnic jewellery and contemporary jewellery then Munique Fashions is the perfect fashion accessories fit for you.  Their copper jewellery selections exceed your expectations with highly decorative designs and craftsmanship that you certainly would not find on the high street.

Part of the exclusivity and uniqueness of the handmade jewellery designs selected by Munique starts with the materials used like PET recycled bottle, hair clips and lava stone to create stunning statement necklaces and chunky jewellery. 

Munique Fashions is well worth a visit when you are looking for unique fashion accessories online or to buy that all important gift for her.  

Munique’s valentine gift to you

Right now get a whooping 30% discount off everything at Munique Fashions when you use discount code – valentine – at checkout.  There’s still time to get that precious valentine day gift for your loved one or treat yourself to handmade jewellery on your wish list.  But hurry offer ends this Monday. 

Your 30% discount can only be redeemed at checkout. To take advantage of this generous discount please enter discount code – valentine – at the checkout. When you type the word – valentine- in the discount code box at checkout and press return, your discount will be applied automatically. Discount code expires Monday February 14, 2011.

With your 30% discount this volcanic lava stone pendant mounted on sterling silver chain can be yours for just £40, fantastic value for unique handmade jewellery that will be treasured forever.   Shop now and save http://www.muniquefashions.com/

Munique Limited is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

As the Government gets firmly behind renewable energy with the confirmation of the Renewable Heat Incentive, it’s a good time to look at the different technologies available.

Renewable energy encompasses any technology that takes its energy from the natural resources of the sun, wind, tides and ground. ‘Renewable’ simply means that this energy, unlike fossil fuels, is self-replenishing. There is now a wide range of renewable products, from wind turbines and wave hubs to biomass boilers, heat pumps, solar thermal and photovoltaic.

Currently no single technology offers a complete solution, so the way to achieve the most energy efficient system is to integrate several technologies. Nu-Heat has been researching the different options available based around its range of products.

Most of the heating systems in our homes run at 70 – 80°C but heat pumps can work efficiently at temperatures as low as 35 – 45°C. Underfloor heating is an ideal partner for heat pumps as it works efficiently with low temperatures, although factors such as floor coverings have to be considered as this will influence the performance.  

Connecting a heat pump with radiators used to be impractical, as the reduction in flow temperature would require a standard radiator to be approximately 250% bigger than normal! However, new high-efficiency radiators (incorporating low energy fans that cut in if the temperature drops below a certain level) are a similar size to regular models giving a more realistic alternative. Using the same radiator type, underfloor heating downstairs can also be combined with radiators upstairs, although it’s important that the temperature of both elements is kept exactly the same to maintain the effectiveness of the heat pump.

For an even more efficient system, solar thermal can be added into the design to supply domestic hot water. For this, a hot water cylinder with solar coil will be needed. With different controls for the separate elements of such a system, it’s important that the controls work in harmony and are correctly programmed. It helps the supplier to know when heating and hot water is likely to be used and the estimated water usage for a property.  

A holiday cottage development in Awliscombe near Honiton is a good example of how an energy efficient system can be successfully installed. The conversion of two derelict barns into three contemporary holiday cottages utilises a combination of underfloor heating and air source heat pumps. The farm buildings were Grade II listed, so the way the internal space was used for the conversion was crucial, as the existing ‘footprint’ of the building couldn’t be expanded. The choice of underfloor heating removed the need for radiators, freeing up around 15% of the room space. System design indicated that heat pumps were viable and an 8kW air source heat pump linked to a cylinder (for the hot water requirements of each cottage) was specified. As air source heat pumps are located outdoors, even more practical use was made of the existing internal space. For this property, Nu-Heat’s heat pump calculations show that potentially the annual fuel consumption of the cottages could be reduced by around 50% against gas and 58% against oil – and even more as fossil fuel prices continue to rise. Before installing the system, Paul Pulman of Pulman’s Builders received specialist training at Nu-Heat’s Honiton based training centre.     

When thinking about renewable products and systems, it’s good to talk to local experts who can give advice about what will and won’t work. For example, a heat pump may not be the right product for a poorly insulated older property but solar thermal could be a suitable alternative. A reputable supplier will be able to put you in touch with an experienced renewables installer.

Nu-Heat is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Keen 2 Learn is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Lobos Retreat is set in a peaceful valley beside the river Amioso on the edge of the market town of Serta in Central Portugal. Our locally crafted bentwood yurt is tastefully decorated to give a relaxed and peaceful ambiance. The grounds of the yurt has loads of space for you to relax and read a book in peace or stroll along the river, fish for trout or watch for the abundant wildlife in your personal natural oasis. The sound of the river is the main soundtrack to your stay, but the wildlife will give its own distinct chorus to compliment this. Nearby, we have two of the largest lakes in Portugal, many rivers, river beaches and forests to enjoy. Your nature filled, eco friendly, relaxing holiday is only a phone call away. A rough guide price for eating out: 2 course dinner including wine 8-10 euros. 2 course lunch including wine 4-6 euros. Coffee 60 cents. Glass of wine 50 cents. Bottle of wine 3-4 euros. Bottle of beer 33cl 90 cents. http://www.organicholidays.co.uk/at/2936.htm

Organic Holidays is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Should you replace old inefficient unreliable washing machine, or old fridge. It certainly could be worth your while! If your fridge or fridge freezer is over 10 years old you could be consuming double as much in electricity, or three times as much if it is 18 years old, compared to an average performing modern fridge. Go for one of sust-it’s top performers and you save another 65% on top of that!

This applies to your washing machine too; if your machine is over 10 years old it could be burning over TWICE as much energy as the latest models. Worth considering especially when you add on 7% energy price hikes that have just happened, energy efficiency makes real sense!

yes, you’ve sust-it — the best place to find eco electricals

Sust-it is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Shambhu’s is delighted to announce some Valentine’s season treats, lovingly prepared for you to enjoy over those special moments

To find out about our new luxurious Chocolate Hearts and Valentine’s special offers on our cheesecakes and chocolate fudge slices, check out our catering service section:
www.shambhus.co.uk/catering-service

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Shambhu’s is a vegan catering company serving the London region and home counties. We have a wide range of vegan canapés, main meals, snacks, salads, desserts and treats, and provide free delivery to many London locations. Please visit our website for further details:
www.shambhus.co.uk

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Shambhu’s (Vegan Caterers) is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Up until now it has been difficult to know what the trends are with brand values within the FTSE 100. For the first time we share our research.

You can read the report here. 

epitype is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

We have three comfortable and well appointed ensuite bedrooms [two king size doubles and one single), with luxurious accessories and up-to-date technology. Breakfast is a lavish affair with an emphasis on fresh local ingredients and homemade, organic and fair trade produce. Eggs are free range from our own rescue chickens, or supplied by a local farm. Fresh orange juice and locally pressed apple juice is offered every morning, as well as a choice of artisan sour dough breads. We make our own bacon and sausages using Gloucestershire Old Spot pork. Our ‘green’ credentials include responsibility to the environment and to our local suppliers, reducing energy use and food miles, and using environmentally friendly products. We recently installed a solar photovoltaic system to generate some of our electricity and sell some back to the National Grid. On a good sunny winter day we can generate up to 3500W per hour. http://www.organicholidays.co.uk/at/2935.htm

Organic Holidays is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

It’s not long now till Valentine’s and a traditional gift for your beloved is chocolate.

This year, why not treat them to something a little different, with some Organic Raw Chocolate goodies from Elements for Life?

All their products contain raw organic cacao, so maintaining as much of the nutrition as possible. They are also all dairy free, free from refined sugar and gluten free. Suitable for vegans, diabetics and lactose intolerance.

First off, there is their raw organic chocolate making kit which provides everything you need to share the fun of making your very own fantastic raw organic chocolates.

Or perhaps you’d prefer to give a raw organic chocolate gift box, with it’s selection of 4 amazing flavours.

There’s still time to place orders to get them delivered before Valentine’s, but you need to get your order in before Thurs 10th Feb.

We’re also offering a 10% discount to any Ethical Junction members or readers. To claim, simply include the code EJVAL2011 when ordering either of the above products before 14th February 2011.

Lightbeing Creations is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more