With the sudden drop in temperature over the weekend, hope that most of winter might be behind us has been abandoned, and the fight to keep warm is back on.

Here at Boys&Girls, we thought we’d put together a brief guide to help you keep your kids warm this winter, the ethical way.

1- Layer up

Dressing your children with several layers instead of just a thick one is the key to keep them warm. Layers help trap warm air between each item, which acts as further insulation from the outside cold. Wearing layers will also help them regulate their body temperature better, by opening or taking off one layer when overheating, and putting it back when they’ve stopped running around. Tuck vests into trousers rather than pulling over the outside, and make sure that the layers are not too tight and don’t restrict movement so blood flow is not impeded.

2- Prefer natural fibres

Layering is even more effective if the layers are made of natural fibres, like cotton, silk or wool. Because natural fibres let the skin breathe better, if your kids work up a sweat, they won’t be cold later on.

It is even better if you go for organic clothes: with no harsh chemicals used in the production process, their skin won’t get irritated, which is especially important in the winter when they will be wearing more layers for several months.

3- Don’t forget their extremities

Remember that up to 40% of body heat is lost through the head, and that feet and toes usually get cold quicker than the rest of the body. Gloves, a hat and thicker socks are therefore indispensable in colder weather, and also allow you to add splashes of colours to outfits that tend to get a bit dark in winter.

At Boys&Girls, we createcool clothes for kidsthat are bright and cheerful, but also made of 100% organic and fairly traded cotton. With our range of colourful long-sleeved t-shirts, hoodies, leggings and sweatpants available on sale, you will be able to keep your kids warm with an on-trend, funky look that doesn’t cost the earth. And for extra coziness, all our Autumn/Winter hoodies and sweat pants are made in our SuperSoft fabric, a brushed sweat providing ultimate comfort.

Boys&Girls is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

This past weeks little deluge of snow may have provided a nice seasonal blanket of white over your solar PV modules. While the glass in most modules has self cleaning properties, the adhesion of snow means it will cover the modules until the temperature rises. In the case of a ground mounted system, you can simply clean them off yourself.

Light is restricted through the snow, so output will be down, but you may be pleasantly surprised to see that on a sunny day with a covering of snow, the output is quite good. This is because the module temperature is really low, which improves efficiency, plus snow still transmits diffused light. Only when any layer of snow gets quite thick, will the output start to drop off dramatically.

First publsihed on the YouGen blog. About the author: Chris Rudge is an energy expert on YouGen and is a  qualified electrician who specialises in renewable energy. For more information on renewable energy,  please visit the YouGen website.

YouGen is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Banish Dry Winter Skin with Skin Blossom

 “It’s that time of the year when we notice skin drying out – but just a little care restores soft, hydrated skin.”

 Cause of dry winter skin

Healthy skin is coated in a thin layer of natural lipids, or fatty substances.  They keep in moisture and leave skin soft and supple. Dry skin is caused when the fatty oils are stripped and skin is exposed.  During winter the low temperatures, low humidity and strong, harsh winds deplete skin of its natural lipid layer and dryness occurs.

Tips to banish dry winter skin

Moisturising is important for nutrients, hydration and protection, but does not get to the root cause. We need to care for skin properly and feed it from the inside. Follow our tips for soft, glowing, hydrated skin:

• Heating systems cause dry air so combat this with a good size bowl of water near the radiator.
• Exfoliate skin regularly but gently, to condition and remove dead cells. For the face try a cleansing milk like ours (£4.95/ 150ml) and muslin cloth – remove the milk with a luke warm cloth using small gentle circular movements. Treat your body to dry brushing with long sweeps towards the heart to exfoliate, detoxify and improve circulation.
• Use natural and organic moisturisers like our Skin Blossom Organic Bloom range as conventional skincare can contain harsh chemicals. Organic skincare however, works in harmony with the skin.
• Apply moisturisers morning and night. The best time is after a warm bath as damp skin traps moisture in and open pores encourage nutrient absorption. Our Moisturising Body Lotion (£5.75/ 200ml) is packed with organic plant oils to replenish.
• Faces are exposed more than any body part, so they need extra care. As well as nutrients and hydration, protection is key. Our Nourishing Face Moisturiser (£6.95/ 50ml) is perfect because the masses of Jojoba oil act like a liquid wax to sink in but protect from the wind, rain and pollution.
• Avoid irritating skin with simple changes such as using a non-bio detergent, and switching from a face wash to a milk. Our Gentle Cleansing Milk (£4.95/ 150ml) removes make-up and purifies without stripping, and our Cleanse and Nourish Body Wash (£4.75 200ml) has a delicate lather with orange to comfort and soothe.
• Apply hand cream during the day as constant hand washing strips moisture. Our Care & Protect hand cream is perfect. It’s packed with plant oils and Shea Butter for softness and protection (£5.25 60ml).
• For a nourishing overnight treatment on parched hands, feet and lips slather them in organic coconut oil at bed time.
• Feed skin from the inside by drinking lots of water and eating foods high in good fats like Salmon, Avocado and nuts.

Find out more at www.skinblossom.co.uk

The Skin Blossom Organic Bloom Face and Body range

Gentle Cleansing Milk (£4.95 150ml)

This nutrient rich milk gently cleans skin and removes make-up to leave it soft and comforted. The natural antioxidant blend of vitamins A, B, C and D along with the minerals found in this cleanser nurture and revitalise. Glycerin helps purify without stripping the skin’s natural barrier and hydrating Aloe Vera works with Sweet Almond oil to moisturise and reduce inflammation. Made with 88% organic ingredients and delicately fragranced with essential oils. Suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin.

Nourishing Face Moisturiser (£6.95 50ml)

An anti-oxidant moisturiser that hydrates and nourishes skin. Its rich light texture glides on skin beautifully without dragging. Packed with Jojoba oil to assist with skin rejuvenation and prevent dehydration – so skin stays moisturised throughout the day or night. Jojoba oil combines with Shea Butter and Vitamin E to deliver minerals and anti-oxidant vitamins A, B, C, D, E and F to condition and protect.  Made with 88% organic ingredients and delicately fragranced with essential oils. Suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin.

Care and Protect Hand Cream (£5.25 60ml)

An easily-absorbed cream that leaves hands beautifully moisturised, protected and cared for. The special blend of plant oils fight dryness and work with restoring Shea butter to leave hands in tip-top condition. Made with 92% organic ingredients and fragranced with balancing and uplifting Rose Geranium. Suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin.

Cleanse and Nourish Body Wash (£4.75 200ml)

This sumptuous wash creates a fine lather to gently cleanse skin without stripping nutrients. Suitable for use in the bath or shower it contains nourishing Vitamin E and hydrating Aloe Vera which combine with plant cleansers to make bath and shower time a skin-loving experience. Made with 74% organic ingredients and fragranced with soothing Sweet Orange. Suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin.

 Moisturising Body Lotion (£5.75 200ml)

A caring, non-greasy lotion that leaves the skin soft and supple. A little goes a long way in giving skin the moisture it needs without clogging pores, so skin can function and breathe. The ingredients are packed with plant oils which deliver masses of key nutrients to moisturise, soften and protect. Made with 93% organic ingredients and fragranced with soothing Sweet Orange. Suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin.

Skin Blossom Organic Bloom is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Last winter was one of shivering on the sofa, extra jumpers, and exorbitant heating bills. If you haven’t already done anything to make your house a bit cosier, and warmer for winter, now’s the time to get on and do it.

The great news is that there are lots of small, practical and cheap things that make a big difference. My favourite one at home is stuffing bubble wrap down holes in the floor, left when a radiator was removed, to stop the howling draughts that used to swirl around my ankles whenever I was watching TV. It’s not the most beautiful repair I’ve ever done. But quick, free and very effective!

YouGen will be bringing you a series of practical ideas of things you can do between now and the end of November to help you keep warm and keep your bills down this summer. We’ll be adding a new idea on YouGen’s facebook page every weekday, and we hope you’ll join us there with your ideas and questions, and examples of things you’ve done that have worked in your house.

Also, watch out to for our new poll. We want to know whether you expect to be warm enough at home this winter (at a cost you can afford). Please let us know by voting on the home page. And we’ll be running competitions for the best idea and the best picture submitted, with prizes that you’ll be able to use to improve your home energy efficiency.

It all kicks off on facebook on Monday – we look forward to seeing you there. And if you can’t wait, then there’s lots of things to get started with on our energy efficiency pages, or you could browse our learning from the pioneers section for inspiration on a massive scale.

YouGen is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Winter travellers face foreign insect danger

Now there’s frost on the ground and dark afternoons in the UK, there really is nothing better than packing a suitcase with summer clothes for a winter time holiday.  But research from natural anti-insect range incognito has discovered that whilst people always remember to pack swimwear, sunglasses and sun cream, warding off biting and stinging insects is often low down or even non-existent on the list when heading off to sunnier climes –especially at this time of year.

Says incognito founder and recent Dragon’s Den contender Howard Carter; “mosquitoes and other small insects are unfortunately prevalent all year round in warmer countries including parts of Europe, and travellers need to remember to protect themselves against the possibilities of contracting potentially fatal insect-bourn diseases such as malaria and dengue fever or they could be bringing more back than a sun tan.” 

Howard himself contracted malaria despite taking anti-malarial drugs and a Deet-based repellent in Dec 1998, which provided him with the inspiration to create the range.

The incognito range of products which includes a spray, moisturising after sun lotion, shampoo, incense sticks, lemongrass and citronella soap, along with an innovative loofah soap, all contain the same, deliciously fragrant organic Citronella found only on the island of Java, amongst other strong natural ingredients.  This provides increased protection against bites over ordinary citronella as insects have yet to build up any tolerance to it. 

The range contains no harmful ingredients such as DEET, parabens or synthetic additives. It is also suitable for use on all the family including babies and has a light, fresh fragrance well suited for both men and women.  The entire range is kind to the environment and certified by the Vegan Society apart from the loofah soap, contains honey.

incognito products are available to buy all year round in the UK at Harrods (including Gatwick and Heathrow), John Bell & Croydon, Planet Organic, Whole Foods and in Ireland at all branches of Sam McCauley’s. Or direct through the website www.lessmosquito.com 

Celebrities including X Factor judges Cheryl Cole and Simon Cowell (who both use it in the Caribbean), as well as Davina McCall, Ewan McGregor, Elle McPherson, Derren Brown, Anneka Rice and Charley Boorman all love and use the incognito range regularly on their international travels.