10 Affordable Eco Fashion Designers

Eco Fashion may sometimes be slightly more expensive, but it tends to be more durable. Buy a winter coat from the high street for £100 and you may have to replace it in two years. Buy an eco winter coat for £400 and it may last you for 40 years. Eco fashion saves you money in the long term, as these designers show with their durable eco fashion items.


21-02-2010

www.anatomyfashion.co.uk
Under £400 for a tailored jacket designed to last for decades. Garments are made using sustainable sources such as organic cotton and bamboo.

www.ejfoundation.org
The Environmental Justice Foundation receives donated designs from established names such as Luella and Katharine Hamnett in order to keep their prices low. T-shirts from these designers would normally be considered high-end and retail for around £90, whereas EJF sell them for £30, and they’re made with organic and fair trade cotton. A great example of affordable eco fashion.

www.stamo.co.uk
Stamo features an innovative ‘half garment’ concept. For example, two half jackets of different styles are sewn together for form a whole, using various recycled and vintage fabrics.

www.minna.co.uk
Minna’s zero waste policy means that all waste remnants are used to embellish the garments. They are hand made using sustainable and organic fabrics.

www.thenorthcircular.com
The North Circular use Wensleydale sheep wool and other materials sourced within the UK. Their cashmere garments are up to £150 cheaper than you’ll find on the high street.

www.izzylane.com
Even if you forget about fashion, Izzy Lane is making an essential contribution to global biodiversity. They look after Wensleydale sheep and save them from extinction.

www.beautiful-soul.co.uk
Not only does Beautiful Soul use Wensleydale sheep wool, they also use up-cycled materials, and have won the Ethical Fashion Forum’s Innovation Award.

www.joannacave.com
Joanna Cave converted to being ethical, and found she didn’t need to increase her prices. 90% of her materials are recycled. For example, she found that recycled silver is the same price as buying it new.

www.ninadolcetti.com
These shoes are hand-made in London with recycled materials sourced in the UK. Heels are formed from sustainably sourced cork and wood, and soles comprise largely of recycled leather. The curvy collection has recently introduced vegetable tanned leathers.

www.elvisandkresse.com
Famous for having Cameron Diaz wear a belt made from recycled fire hoses, Elvis & Kresse Arts have stylish eco accessories in the range of £90-£300, affordable for an exclusive high end range.




Atul Srivastava
Eco Expert
www.ecoexpert.tv
Follow me each day on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ecoexperttv

5 Eco Money Saving Valentine’s Day Gifts!

Valentine’s Day gifts are inherently somewhat personal, so there may be fewer conversations amongst friends or around the dinner table about ideas for eco money saving Valentine’s Day gifts. We English are happy to share tips about saving energy in the home or where the nearest recycling points are, but what about your love life? Here’s my no holds barred, top 5 eco money saving Valentine’s Day gifts!

08-02-2010

1. Pants to Poverty! These pants are made from fair-trade and organic cotton, starting at £7 a pair. Established in 2005, the company has a serious mission behind its comic marketing. Pesticide pollution, empowering women and economic empowerment for farmers in India. Pants to Poverty aims to “rid the world of bad pants”, saying “we want our pants to be completely transparent”. They mean in terms of the production process, of course.
www.pantstopoverty.com/

2. Eco Condoms! Yes, you read that right. A pack of 12 costs £8.99. French Letter have brought out eco friendly condoms made from FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified rubber, so the planet doesn’t suffer while you have fun! They carry the BSI (British Standards Institution) kite mark, so they are as safe as any other brand.
www.nigelsecostore.com/acatalog/Eco_Condoms.html

3. For Her: BaByliss Eco Hair Dryer 5137U, £18.45 from John Lewis. Products in the home that heat things up tend to use the most energy. This hair dryer gives you the powerful drying performance of a conventional 2000 watt dryer, but uses only 1000 watts, saving you money on your energy bill. You could get her an eco kettle, but a hair dryer seems more appropriate for Valentine’s Day!
www.johnlewis.com/230476291/Product.aspx?source=14798

4. For Him: The Jimi Wallet, starting at £6. Made from 100% recycled materials, the Jimi wallet is water resistant and therefore already popular with blokes who enjoy their outdoor activities, particularly cycling and snow sports.
www.love-eco.co.uk/products/jimi-wallet

5. Bamboo Candles, starting at £9. Bamboo is a multi-purpose, eco-friendly grass that, when harvested, carries on growing again. Bamboo candles are filled with soy wax, an annually renewable resource which is non-toxic, biodegradable, and virtually soot and smoke free. It’s so soft, you can even use it as a massage oil when it’s warm.
www.myecostore.co.uk/bamboo-candle-p-293.html




Atul Srivastava
Eco Expert
www.ecoexpert.tv
Follow me each day on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ecoexperttv

Eco Competition!

Which is the most worthy eco project? Six eco charities are locked in battle for a prize of 30,000 Euros! Who will you vote for? I voted for BTCV – you don’t have to register to vote. Just visit this link and click on the project you want to win!


www.livefortheoutdoors.com/News-Landing/Search-Results/Features/Vote-for-the-most-worthy-eco-project-right-here/

5 Eco Money Saving Resolutions!

At the end of January many people start to notice that their New Year resolutions are starting to falter. Psychologists have noticed that New Year resolutions are rarely maintained throughout the year unless they were already deeply embedded in what you want from life, not just made up for New Year. Use the New Year to help reaffirm any money saving or eco resolutions you want to become habit. Here are my top 5 eco money saving resolutions for 2010.


26-01-2010


1. If you need to buy a car and can’t use public transport, convert to hybrid in 2010! Many hybrids are now cheaper than their full petrol counterparts by the same company. By definition, hybrid cars have the power there when you need it. Even if you’re not interested in the environment, you’ll pay less for fuel. And hybrids come with financial benefits beyond massive fuel savings. Hybrids often qualify for road tax and congestion charge exemption, car insurance discounts and parking permit discounts. Add it all up and you’re saving hundreds of pounds a year!

2. Walk or cycle in 2010! Jumping in your, hopefully hybrid, car might sound energetic, but it’s consistent walking and cycling throughout the year that will firm up your legs, bums and tums. You’ll look good on the beach, improve your life expectancy, save money on petrol, and save money on wear and tear on your car.

3. Eliminate gym costs in 2010! BTCV run Green Gyms throughout the UK, where you can get fit for free through conservation volunteering. Forget spending about £40 a month on that gym membership that you never make full use of anyway. You’ll burn up to a third more calories in an hour of Green Gym conservation than in a step aerobics class. Sessions are designed to work a variety of muscle groups. If you currently spend £40 a month on gym membership, join a Green Gym instead and save £480 a year!

4. Kill the ‘Phantom Load’ in 2010! The term refers to your mobile phone charger, computer cord and time-telling DVD player that all suck energy even when there isn’t anything attached on the other end, hence the spooky phantomness. Clock in the microwave? £50 a year added to your energy bill!

5. Holiday locally in 2010! Although some air fares are cheap, you will often save money overall if you take into account airport taxes, travel to and from the airport, insurance and other costs associated with foreign travel. You’ll also spend a smaller percentage of your time in transit, allowing you more quality time together.



Atul Srivastava
Eco Expert
www.ecoexpert.tv
Follow me each day on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ecoexperttv


Sources and thanks to:
www.charteredpsychologist.co.uk
www.btcv.org
www.moneynews.co.uk/1994/more-than-hybrid-car-insurance-discount-prompts-reaction/
www.guardian.co.uk/money/2007/oct/14/ethicalmoney.transportintheuk
www.parkers.co.uk/News/Road-tax/FREE-to-tax-cars/
www.edie.net/news/news_story.asp?id=12418
www.mnn.com/local-reports/new-york/student-blog/dorm-friendly-eco-resolutions-for-2010
www.prx.org/pieces/15391-eco-resolutions#description
www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/new-years-resolutions-47121520

Eco News! Weekly Round Up - 17 January 2010

Volunteer to take part in the UK's biggest ever Swan count! http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news

'Wild Law' Post-Copenhagen Discussion in London, Wednesday 27 January 2010. Further details at: http://ecoexperttv.blogspot.com

Watch Ecology TV and listen to Ecology Radio online! http://ecology.com/tv/index.php

Locavore! Word of the year 2007! Person who eats local food, reducing food miles and climate change! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Locavores

5 Media Myths of the Copenhage Accord! http://www.grist.org/article/2009-12-22-5-fallacies-in-the-coverage-of-the-copenhagen-accord

Cities to lead renewable energy! http://ecology.com/ecology-today/2009/12/23/iea-city-leaders-can-take-the-lead-for-alternative-energy-use

Onion waste used to produce electricity for company in California! http://ecology.com/ecology-today/2009/07/26/eco-roundup-072609

Middle East could solar power World 3 times over! http://www.greenprophet.com/2009/12/28/15169/mena-solar-power

Set some 'Environmental Intentions'! http://ecology.com/ecology-today/2010/01/07/step-forward-set-an-environmental-intention/

Fantastic sea creatures found in Antarctica! http://ecology.com/ecology-today/2010/01/02/eco-roundup-01-02-10/

Learn more about hydrogen vehicles! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogen_vehicle

Bolivian President praises Avatar for call to save nature! http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/12/evo-morales-praises-avata_n_420663.html

Find out what can be recycled in your area. Enter your post code into www.recyclenow.com

Jeremy Clarkson vs Eco Expert: Battle of the Hybrid Car Reviewers! http://ecoexperttv.blogspot.com

Climate effort of world leaders delays Doomsday Clock by 1 minute! http://uk.news.yahoo.com/22/20100114/tts-uk-nuclear-doomsday-ca02f96.html

Climate and weather are not the same! The globe is still warming! http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/jan/10/climate-change-uk-big-freeze




Atul Srivastava
Eco Expert
www.ecoexpert.tv
Follow my daily Twitter updates of Eco News: http://twitter.com/ecoexperttv

'Wild Law' Post-Copenhagen Discussion in London: 27 January 2010

Wild Law: post-Copenhagen
Discussion January 27th 2010

The 15th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP15) took place in Copenhagen between the 7th and 18th December 2009.


Members of UKELA’s Wild Law Group invite you to discuss the implications of the Copenhagen conference for the Earth Community, and what is next for Wild Law principles in protecting the earth's ecosystems and preventing catastrophic climate change. To find out more about Wild Law go to: www.ukela.org/rte.asp?id=5


'Wild Law: post–Copenhagen' is an opportunity for lawyers and others interested and involved in environmental protection to meet each other, to discuss the legal ramifications of the Copenhagen talks, and to learn more about wild law and earth jurisprudence.


Fresh from her return from Copenhagen, we are pleased to invite Polly Higgins to share her involvement and observations on the COP negotiations: Barrister, Initiator of the Universal Declaration of Planetary Rights and Rights of All Beings, and Founder of Trees Have Rights Too (www.treeshaverightstoo.com).

We are also looking forward to welcoming Linda Siegele, staff lawyer at the Foundation for International Environmental Law and Development (FIELD) (www.field.org.uk); hearing her experience of Copenhagen and hopes for the future. Linda has a varied professional background including renewable energy, international environmental law, intellectual property, traditional knowledge and biodiversity issues in East Africa.



Date: Wednesday 27 January 2010
Time: Networking from 6pm, talks at 7pm with time for discussion to follow
Venue: Upstairs at the Sir Richard Steele Pub, 97 Haverstock Hill, London, NW3 4RL (5 mins walk from Chalk Farm tube)
RSVP wildlawevents@live.co.uk (places limited: first come first served basis)


UK Environmental Law Association: making the law work for a better environment

Registered charity 299498, company limited by guarantee in England 2133283
Registered office: One Wood Street, London, EC2V 7WS www.ukela.org

President: Rt. Hon. Lord Justice Carnwath C.V.O.

Jeremy Clarkson vs Eco Expert: Battle of the Hybrid Car Reviewers!

I would usually advocate that environmentalists take a non-confrontational approach. It’s usually unhelpful to set up an ‘us versus them’ dynamic. Besides, most moderate readers would conclude the truth is about half way in between, or that there’s a ‘third way’. Those people are wise. Nevertheless, I think Jeremy Clarkson needs challenging on his review of the Honda Insight, and I think framing it as an all out battle might help him to take notice!

16-01-2010

Clarkson starts his review skipping over the fuel efficiency of the new Honda Insight, the point of the car. He tries to brush off the benefits to the planet: “sure, you could get 60 or more mpg if you were careful. And that’s not bad for a spacious five-door hatchback.” He prefers to base his review on “what it’s like as a car” to drive.

JC says: “It’s terrible. Biblically terrible.”

EE says: “It’s fine. Biblically fine.”

I have to wonder if Clarkson and I actually drove the same car. But we did. We both test drove the new Honda Insight 1.3 Hybrid, around mid 2009.

JC says: “It’s worse than the sound of your parachute failing to open. Really, to get an idea of how awful it is, you’d have to sit a dog on a ham slicer.”

EE says: “I couldn’t really hear the engine.”

Now I have to apologise to my readers. My language above was not as amusing as Clarkson’s. Perhaps I should rephrase, you know, just for effect.

EE says: “It sounds better than your parachute opening and drifting serenely to a soft sand beach for a peaceful landing. Really, to get an idea of how peaceful it is, you’d have to inject a dog with a tranquiliser”.

I think I’ve made my point. Clarkson is known for his colourful over emphasis, but in this case, I believe it’s at the expense of accuracy, and the planet. The engine doesn’t make your ears bleed, the seats don’t ruin your skeleton, and the top speed is a lot more than 23mph. Clarkson, you’re exaggerating. And what’s worse, numerically inaccurate. Not that anyone would believe 23mph anyway. Clarkson therefore effectively admits to his own journalistic hyperbole.

The systematically unfounded rantings of a famous petrol head have a dark side when people base their buying decisions on them. That dark side is the 150,000 women, men and children who currently pay for global warming with their lives each year. Tell readers in China and India not to buy the Honda Insight, and you’re adding to climate change. Perhaps I should over emphasise my point here for effect, and depict an image of Clarkson issuing death warrants and licences to drown.

Yes I noticed that the Honda Insight 1.3 has slightly less power than a Ford Mondeo 2.0. But it felt similar to any other 1.3. I pulled away from a roundabout pretty sharpish, getting me out of sticky situation. If you want to tow a caravan, maybe you need a 2.0, but for most people the 1.3 is fine.

We can at least try to say something is fine and be entertaining at the same time. How about we do a joint press release stating:

“If you want a normal family car that is “biblically fine”, buy the Honda Insight. It was built in Honda’s Fine Factory, designed by a team lead by Professor Fine of Fine University, Fineland.”



Atul Srivastava
Eco Expert
www.ecoexpert.tv
Follow my daily Twitter updates of Eco News: http://twitter.com/ecoexperttv


Sources and thanks to:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/driving/jeremy_clarkson/article6294116.ece?token=null&offset=0&page=1