It’s now possible to rank dishwashers, washer driers and washing machines by water usage as well as energy usage thanks to Sust-it. With nearly 40 per cent of homes now having a water meter, saving money by saving water is an important issue.

We’ve taken OFWAT’s average price for a cubic metre of water, and fed this into our calculations to give an overall running cost. For dishwashers there is very little difference in water consumption between models, they use on average 10 litres per wash, or cost about £3 per year. The real baddies are the washer dryers, some can use over 130 litres per wash – double the water consumption of a washing machine and can cost as much as £45 per year.

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

The latest brainwave by Environmentalist Group 10:10 could save the UK 500,000 tonnes of carbon emissions every year and it is so very simple!

In our country, we move the clocks around and in so doing waste valuable daylight in the morning and burn expensive lightbulbs in the evening. 10:10 are proposing a change in the way we do this. A plan called ‘Lighter Later’ suggests that we move our clocks forward by one hour for the whole year. We should then change our clocks as normal in Spring and Autumn. This would equate to GMT +2hours in the Summer and GMT +1 in the Winter, which would give us all valuable daylight hours when we were awake and not at 4.30am when most of us are sleeping. It would also delay the time at which we switch on our electric lights in the winter – sometimes as early as 3.30pm in the afternoon.

So all in all, we would gain more sunlight, reduce our electricity consumption, save money and reduce the carbon emissions!

The 10:10 campaigners are collecting signatures which will be presented to the Prime Minister on June 21^st, the longest day of the year. They already have 10,000 signatures but would love to get 5,000 more in the next few days. To sign up to the campaign follow this link and be a part of the solution!

Gecco Interiors Limited is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Virtually every modern appliance we use runs on electricity, but the biggest consumer is the refrigerator. Fridges and freezers are found in almost every single home in the country, and they collectively use over £1.2 billion worth of electricity each year. Refrigerators require so much energy because they’re always switched on – which is unavoidable – but there are several things you can do to reduce the energy consumption of your fridge-freezer:

Try to keep it as full as possible, without overcrowding. Your fridge or freezer will operate more efficiently the more it has inside it, because keeping air cold uses more energy than refrigerating food.

When placing food inside your fridge or freezer, allow it to cool down naturally first. The less work your fridge-freezer has to do, the less energy it will use.

Don’t leave the door open when taking food out. The longer the door is open, the more cold air escapes, and the more energy is needed to reduce the temperature again once the door is closed.

Make sure you don’t have the temperature turned down too low. Refrigerators shouldn’t be set any lower than 36-38 degrees, while freezers should only be on 0-5 degrees.

If your freezer requires manual defrosting, then make sure you defrost it regularly. The more ice your freezer has in it, the more energy it is using – if the ice around the inside is more than 1cm thick, you need to defrost it.

If you are thawing food from the freezer, put it inside the fridge. This helps keep the fridge cool without using energy to do it.

Make sure your fridge-freezer has plenty of room around it for air to circulate, and keep it away from any external sources of heat, including direct sunlight.

Check the condenser coils for dust – this reduces their efficiency, so if they are dusty, turn the fridge-freezer off and give them a quick clean.

Make sure that the seals on the door are working properly. If you have condensation on the outside of your fridge-freezer, that’s a sure sign that you need to get the seals replaced.

If you are looking to buy a new fridge or freezer, make sure you get one that is marked with the Energy Star – the global indicator of energy efficiency.

Follow these tips, and not only will you reduce your carbon footprint, you’ll reduce your energy bill as well!

Panasonic currently tops our energy efficient chart for thier side by side Fridge Freezers and washing machines too. Look around sust-it to find the best deals on the most efficient Fridge Freezers.

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

Find out what we’re up to and how we can help you stop wasting energy… What’s happening this energy saving week.

This year’s theme is waste and we’re helping people across the UK, stop wasting their time, money and energy. Short on time? Check out some quick and easy ways to stop wasting energy with our Energy Saving Clock. Some ideas only take one minute!  Try the energy saving clock.

Real families waste habits revealed.  Look out for our undercover reporter videos, where children from across the UK secretly film their family’s wasteful home habits and find out what simple actions they can take to stop wasting energy.  See what they discovered.

Dave’s tips of the month.  As the days get colder it’s important we know how to keep our homes cosy and warm without spending a fortune. Read Dave’s top tips for getting your home ready for winter and make it a green Halloween too!  Get your home ready for winter.  Make it a green halloween.

Smart meters for everyone.  Did you know all houses are on track to have Smart Meters by 2020? The new meters will mean an end to estimated bills and having to wait at home for readings and could save you money on your bills too.  Find out why smart meters are such a good idea.

Save energy as a community.  You don’t have to go your energy saving journey alone. Hundreds of communities across the country are coming together and running their own projects – from energy awareness days to renewable energy installations. If you’re a part of a community group and would like to set up your own project, the Green Communities program can help you.  Find out more by clicking here.

60 years on from the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights – the UN has been called upon to officially recognise the rights of the Planet

10th December 2008 – today’s 60th anniversary of the United Nation’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights has been chosen as an appropriate springboard for addressing the growing crisis of global climate change. Choosing to launch a campaign for a UN Universal Declaration of Planetary Rights on this significant date is hoped to encourage people to recognise its urgency and importance in a bid to raise widespread awareness and positive action across the globe.

The Trees Have Rights Too campaign was introduced to the United Nations by Polly Higgins, on 6th November at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, in a bid to encourage this uniquely placed organisation to put in place the necessary steps to achieving this Universal Declaration.

Says Polly Higgins, “What is required is a seismic shift in our consciousness, rather than a mere reduction of emissions. This shift should give full recognition of the duty of care that we owe to this beautiful planet. Just as the humanitarian crisis of the Second World War gave birth to the implementation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 60 years ago on 10th December 1948, so we now have a planetary crisis that needs to be addressed with equal urgency. Let this be the date when we take those first steps to seriously address this problem.”

Official advice from NASA’s James Hansen urges us as a civilisation to reduce our green house gas emissions to 350 parts per million from the current 385ppm. Polly Higgins extends this, saying “It’s not merely a matter of reducing emissions, but also formally committing at a meaningful global level to a duty of care to the planet. We have to provide an inspirational legal foundation to create the legal tools to remedy the damage, pollution and loss as well as to protect that which is precious and still exists. Just as The Universal Declaration of Human Rights has provided us with the tools to fight for human rights so now we need to do the same to provide the necessary tools to fight for the planets rights”

Climate change is one of the symptoms of the damage humankind has caused by excessive consumption of the earth’s resources. We have but a small window of opportunity to act – and that window is opening now. The Trees Have Rights Too campaign for a Universal Declaration of Planetary Rights would create the international impetus to act now in our collective duty of care towards our ailing planet.

“We must speak for the Earth – We are the Earth”

More about the campaign – www.treeshaverightstoo.com and more about Polly.

Deepdale Backpackers and Camping, the eco friendly backpackers hostel and campsite on the north Norfolk coast, have just been voted the Best Green Company in the Green England Awards 2008.

“This award is superb, not only is it a national award, but it’s our customers who voted for us, which shows us how much they appreciate the way we consider the environment at Deepdale”, said Alister Borthwick, managing partner of Deepdale Farms.

Since Deepdale Backpackers opened five years ago, they’ve won other awards for the environmental nature of the business, but this is the first national award.

The customers of Deepdale have always been involved with the green sides of the business, from recycling their rubbish to getting involved with the annual conservation weekend. In fact many customers come back year after year because Deepdale makes such a big effort to reduce their impact on the environment. So far this year Deepdale has supplied over 31,000 bed nights in the hostels, on the campsite and in their tipis.

The Green England Awards are run by Green England, a directory of green and ethical products, services and days out throughout England. With tips, information, articles and news on going greener it helps everyone live a little greener.

Penny Ritson of Green England says, “I heartily congratulate all the winners. It’s great to see the green and ethical businesses get the recognition they deserve. I wish them all a very green, ethical and prosperous 2009.”

Deepdale Backpackers and Camping naturally continue their eco-friendly activities throughout the year and are open all year for self catering hostel accommodation in private ensuite rooms or dorms, in tipis and of course camping for the hardier visitors to the north Norfolk coast.

In April the annual North Norfolk Coast Earth Day Event is held at Deepdale. This event will run from 10am to 4pm and is FREE to attend for the general public and businesses who would like to meet installers, pressure groups, advisors or have a look around the eco friendly facilities of Deepdale Farm. Companies wishing to exhibit at Deepdale on 22nd April are more than welcome. Click to find more information.

For more information on the facilities at Deepdale Backpackers and Camping and the eco friendly aspects of the business please visit www.deepdalebackpackers.co.uk or call into the site in Burnham Deepdale, approximately half way between Hunstanton and Wells-next-the-Sea on the A149 coast road.

Get the most bang for your buck during the credit crunch!

When it comes to the environment, it makes sense that bulk and multi buying is a greener alternative to buying smaller quantities. There is less packaging involved and your purse also sees the effects. This is so important in these days of recession! With this in mind Ecotopia.co.uk have now increased its bulk buying and multibuy lines for consumers and trade customers.

Save on every product when you multi- buy online at www.ecotopia.co.uk. Check out our extensive range of food, drink, Christmas gifts and gadgets for top savings. Even bigger savings of up to 30% are achievable on Bio-D, Ecover, Faith in Nature, Clearspring and Suma Foods for which you can buy in bulk. Choose this green alternative to reduce packaging waste and save money.

Ecotopia.co.uk has also passed on the VAT saving of 2.5% on all its products saving you even more money this year and with hundreds of cheap gift ideas, homewares and everyday products at the best prices on the web; Christmas doesn’t have to cost the earth!

Fantastic credit crunching shopping at your fingertips!

Organise the perfect green Christmas this year and save money with Moreco.com – the rewards site with a difference. We understand the credit crunch is hitting everybody hard so with every purchase you will earn points, save cash, offset your carbon and be privy to loads of great retailer offers.

Christmas is traditionally the most polluting and costly time of year but with moreeco you will have access to thousands of eco gift ideas alongside ethical groceries, clothing and energy saving products and services all designed to help you manage on a tighter budget.

Check out our top gift ideas here:

1. Wine Buff’s Selection from Abel & Cole for a green tipple at £47.00
These true French classics will be gratefully received by any discerning wine drinker. Sancerre, a distinctive, zesty white wine is accompanied by a robust, fruity famous partner from the southern Rhone. This is the perfect pair to accompany Christmas Dinner. (376 points)

2. Ethical Hamper from Ecotopia for an organic feast at £64.95
Packed with exquisite ethical and organic Christmas goodies, this Natural Hamper Company Christmas hamper is designed for maximum indulgence with minimum guilt! Sourced from mainly British companies this hamper is a foodie lover’s feast! (448 points)

3. Hydrating body lotion from the Green People for a gorgeous body at £16.50
Christmas is a great time to pamper ourselves and make the most off time from work. Maintain moisturised skin by using Green People’s Organic Body Spa products. (128 points)

4. Santa Pants from Ethical Superstore for a spot of festive fun at £9.95
Pants to Poverty is the evolution of the Make Poverty History ‘whiteband’. These eco-friendly pants represent viable ethical alternative underwear. They are made from organic cotton and are proud to carry the Fairtrade Label. As well as this, £1 profit from the sale of these pants is reinvested into campaigning for Trade Justice. These pants have a cheeky festive twist; making them a perfect gift this Christmas. (80 points)

5. The Splodge Box from Eco Outlet for a happy child at bedtime at £14.99
The Splodge Box contains a wonderful interactive children’s storybook ‘The Spark’ which comes boxed with five ethically sourced and multi-sensory gifts including a liquorice root, lavender bag, rainstick, feather and postcard. Just read the rhyming poem to your children and follow the instructions within the text that shows them how and when to use the gifts. (112 points)

6. The Sun Jar from biggreensmile.com from £19.95
Bring a little Sunshine to someone this Christmas. This Sun Jar is a winner! It was awarded the Eco Friendly Gift of the Year Award. The traditional Mason jar and high tech energy efficient lighting are a great combination. The Sun Jar collects the sun’s rays during the day and uses them to create a warm glow during those dark cosy nights. (160 points)

7. ECO Trend Spotter
If you would like even more ideas for Christmas gifts, why not check out our ECO Trend Spotter. Loads of ideas to browse for all your family and friends.

For every 10 points you earn moreeco will also offset 1Kg of CO2 for you

Launch of first ever totally eco party ware brand

Eco My Party, home of totally eco party supplies, is soon to launch the first ever brand of eco-friendly party ware which will be available to both shoppers and stockists. The launch of the range should mark the beginning of the long-awaited end of polystyrene cups and plastic forks.

The unique 100% biodegradable range includes a wide variety of party essentials, from compostable tableware to fairly-traded rubber balloons and eco party games and decorations, all packaged in easily recognisable packaging with great shelf-appeal.

Until now, even online, eco-friendly party ware has been difficult for the customer to source but Eco My Party’s new totally eco party supplies range will make it easy and convenient to throw an environmentally-friendly party that doesn’t sacrifice style for ethics.

Helen Thomson, founder and director of eco my party, says, “When it comes to parties, tell plastic to fork off with our range of totally eco, 100% biodegradable party supplies.”

The groundbreaking range from the company who wants to put a stop to party waste will be available to both retailers and consumers from 1 December 08, from the Eco My Party online store.

Wimborne based Recruitment Company helps to save 200,000 trees by sending e-Christmas cards this year

Allen & York are specialists in the Natural and Built environment sectors, focusing heavily on supporting sustainability by initially turning their offices into a green building at the beginning of 2008.

This year Allen & York have decided to send green Christmas e-cards to stakeholders and have also dedicated 20 new trees in collaboration with the Woodland Trust, as part of their corporate social responsibility within the local community. 

The values of protecting the environment are underpinned in the Company and their actions, and plans will soon be uncovered of efforts to becoming even greener for the future.

Every year over 200,000 trees are pulped to create the cards sent over the Christmas period which last a matter of weeks and as a result cause the environment damage that will take years to overcome.

Mark Allen, Managing Director at Allen & York, said “It is extremely important to help protect the environment whilst still being able to send out the Christmas message through other channels. By using our ‘recycling focused e-card’ we are in-keeping with the Company’s values and maximising the message to reduce, reuse and recycle!”

Situated near Hazelbury Bryan in Dorset, Hazel Wood was a recently planted site, designed and planted in 1999 by local people to the area. Almost a decade later, Hazel Wood is home to a mixture of native broadleaves including; ash, willow, oak, field maple and hornbeam, densely covering 62% of the original site.

Working in collaboration with the Woodland Trust, Allen & York are delighted to be helping to support Hazel Wood, the UK’s woodland, which is destroyed each year during the festive season.

The Woodland Trust is a woodland conservation charity – established in 1972 – that now has over 1000 sites across the UK covering 50,000 acres of woodland.

“Allen & York are committed to help support and facilitate the successful progression of individuals who have a positive impact on the management of our built and natural environments, our health and safety and our quality of life.” Mark Allen went on to say, “We are not only focused on placing people in the environmental industry, but also supporting the environmental structure of our local community.”