Miss Advice

Natural Hemp Kindle Case

So there have been some reports recently (you can find a good summary here) saying that the Kindle is more environmentally friendly than buying real paper books. I’m inclined to think it may be true on my first rule-of-thumb which is simply cost. These days the cost of something is, well OK a lot of it is tax and maybe the less said about that the better. But leaving aside the tax we pay for two things in a product, people’s time to design it, make it and sell it and the raw materials (including the usually petroleum derived energy) used to manufacture and transport it. The more you pay for it the more it is likely to have cost the environment. Just a rule of thumb but using it I equate my Kindle, price wise, with maybe a dozen or so books.

But hang on. What bit of the environment are we worried about and why? If we are worried principally about green-house gas then perhaps we should think again. If I cut down a tree which has sequestered a truck-load of carbon, the CO2 cost depends on what I do next. Worst clearly is burn it and not plant a new one. However if I make the tree’s carbon into books, store my treasured tomes carefully AND plant a new tree, the CO2 cost might even be negative. We have a net sequestration of atmospheric CO2 and the Kindle doesn’t look so good.

The key question now becomes ‘how much energy is used in the manufacture of the Kindle device compared to the books?’ and here’s the problem for the paper, it may only be a fifth of the total CO2 used in the manufacture that’s actually sequestered in the pages. The rest is burned during the manufacture and transportation. So I pick up my Kindle again with a smug glow? Not so fast. These days we have some control over our fuel sources, perhaps I can choose to pay a bit extra for a renewable-energy manufactured book transported by renewable-generated electric truck and I’m back to a net sequestration of CO2. Breaks my rule of thumb this extra cost but I think it may be an exception. Then there are the other impacts of even sustainable paper production, (lack of) bio-diversity in managed forests and waste products of production, a good discussion can be found at lovelyasatree.com.

I don’t think we are finished yet and some readers out there will spot more complexities I have missed. Working out what is green and what is not can be fiendishly difficult. Still I really don’t think anyone should feel guilty buying a Kindle. Hmm then I have to buy a case to stop it getting scratched – after all I want it to last – buying a new one each year would not be earth friendly (sorry Amazon). I look round at the case material alternatives, Neoprene, Silicone, Leather…. doesn’t sound good – but hold it, there is a green alternative here as well, hemp! Take a look at these Kindle cases from UK designers Tuff-Luv.

The summer season is here and so are the holidays, the weddings and the birthday parties. As the weather is warming up it is time to go outside and get some sun in to your face. What better way than enjoying a birthday picnic in the park or on the countryside? A train ticket, a colourful picnic blanket and some gorgeous food are the only things you need to organise a fun day out in the sun. Our country is full of great spots for outside dining. Bring your own sandwiches and soak up the sun in one of Britain’s finest outdoor venues. Just to name a few:

New Forest, Hampshire, England

One of Britain’s largest national parks is situated in the South of England. Walk around the cute villages of Christchurch and Brockenhurst and try not to buy some antiques or handmade curiosities in the artisan shops. The new forest is very big and famous for its great cycle and walking paths. Enjoy the fresh air, the animals that are running wild and beautiful scenery for the day until you find that perfect spot to sit down and enjoy your home made picnic. Don’t feed the ponies though; they will never leave you alone.

Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, Scotland

The Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh houses the world’s biggest collection of plants that are native as well as non-native to the UK. It is a great place for a day out especially during spring when the trees start to blossom and the flowers come out. You can easily walk around for an entire day in between the multitude of flora that the gardens have to offer. Take a look at the website for special events and festivals that are organised during the spring and summer months to make your visit even more special.

Fermanagh Lakelands, Enniskillen, Northern Ireland

Fermanagh Lakelands are part of the beautiful countryside of Northern Ireland. They are situated in the West of the country and only 2 hours away from Belfast. Within the parameters of this countryside jewel you will find a treasure of outdoor activities. You can do anything from caving to hiking and from cycling to paintballing. We suggest a nice horseback ride through the countryside of Irvinestown with a picnic at Enniskillen Castle.

Llangennith, Swansea, Wales

This beautiful stretch of sandy beach on the coast of West Wales is great for an outdoor picnic. The beach itself is gorgeous and deserted during low-season. However there are always some great surfers battling the crashing waves who are certainly of entertainment value. If the weather really heats up, you can also sign yourself up for some surf lessons in one of the many surf schools around the area.

Organising a picnic in a park or a forest is a great way to celebrate a birthday. Most parks are open to the public so you can invite as many people as you like, or make it a romantic lunch for two instead. To make the picnic extra festive bring one or two birthday present hampers which you can find online via many Great British patisseries. All you need other than that is a blanket, sunglasses and a charged i-Pod.

Enjoy the spring!

In times of economic hardship, large utility bills can cause a real concern for many people. However the truth is that many people are spending way more than necessary on utilities. By being clever with the supplier and tariff you choose and by putting in place simple energy efficiency measures most people could drastically reduce their utility outlay.

Shopping clever

Compare energy prices using a price comparison or money-saving website and you are likely to find a supplier who can offer you a better deal than your current provider. With many people estimated to paying up to £300 more than necessary, here are some things to consider when switching:

• Be sure to compare tariffs offered by each provider as well as the providers themselves. Many people sign up to ‘standard’ tariffs without thinking and miss out on further savings.
• Most people naturally choose to have one supplier provide both gas and electricity for convenience. However buying gas from one supplier and electricity from another could save you a considerable amount. Compare the prices for individual packages and dual packages. The possible savings may well outweigh the convenience.
• Choose the correct payment method. Most suppliers offer a cheaper rate to those who sign up to pay by direct debit but there are also savings to be made for pre-pay customers.

Energy efficiency

There are a number of ways in which you can reduce the amount of energy you use. By introducing these minor measures you can save a considerable amount of money:

• Energy efficient boilers, though more expensive than their standard counterparts, use much less energy heating themselves and savings on utility bills can quickly outstrip the initial purchase cost.
• Heat is lost quickly from water heaters and pipes if they are not well insulated. Ensure that your boiler is in a well insulated location and lag pipes to minimise heat loss and reduce utility bills further.
• Massive savings can be made by retaining heat once you have put it into your home. Loft, floor and wall insulation (both for cavity and solid walls) is easily installed and could save you over £300 a year in heating bills.
• Keeping an eye on thermostats to ensure they are at the correct temperature, fitting individual radiator thermostats, and having an electronic timer to switch off heating when not needed are all measures which can reduce your bills.
• Purchasing energy efficient electric appliances such as kettles, tumble dryers, dishwashers and washing machines can significantly reduce electricity prices. Water saving appliances can generate even further savings!
• Appliances left on stand-by (such as televisions, computers and laptops, satellite boxes, DVD and CD players and games consoles) are a huge source of waste. By switching these off with the power switch (or even at the mains) you could save up to £50 a year.
• Lighting is another area in which people waste a lot if energy. Standard filament light bulbs waste a huge amount of electricity so consider switching to a lower wattage energy saving bulb. And by remembering to switch off lights when not in use you can optimise your savings in this area!
• Everyday tasks are another area in which you can save energy: don’t overfill the kettle when boiling water; always cover pots and pans when cooking; close the fridge door in between use and cool foods before storing them in the fridge of freezer; wash normally soiled clothes at 30 and not 40; and optimise dry and breezy weather by drying outside not in the tumble dryer.

Your living space reflects what goes on inside of you in so many ways. Your visitors, family and friends alike, can probably guess what hobbies you’re into, what your schedule is like, and whether
you’re an outgoing person or an introvert. Likewise, your space can also lead to clues about your inner serenity or lack thereof.

If you’re feeling frenzied and pulled in a hundred different directions, it is highly likely that you could benefit from a little house cleaning. But finding your balance isn’t the only benefit you’ll get from a more organised living situation. From you thinking that you should “sell my old dvds with musicMagpie” to donating those free weights so that someone you know can keep up her New Year’s resolution, read all about the other advantages of clearing away clutter right here.

You can make someone else’s day. When you find old items that are in perfectly good condition, don’t just allow them to sit in your home. You could be doing yourself a favour by clearing that space, but you could also be doing someone else a favour by giving your stuff away. If you know someone who could benefit from that old bike, or an extra set of kitchenware, don’t hesitate to pay your fortunate lifestyle forward.

You can make money for yourself. Another useful idea for what to do with all of your trash is to turn it into cash. Using the Internet as a resource, you can find buyers for all of your old belongings, even some that are in disrepair. One of the most popular kinds of items to sell online are old discs, and you can use a service like musicMagpie to sell them as you clean. This site will send prepaid packaging through the post so that you can mail your CDs to them, or you can have a courier call to get them. Either way, you get to make a wad of cash without leaving your other household chores unattended to.

You can add a new look to your home. Once you’re able to see what you’re actually working with in terms of decor, you may even get inspired to move the furniture around or buy new pieces of art. Changing the layout of your house is the best way to feel renewed, and once you see the finished product, you will be more likely to to want to keep it that way and less likely to clutter it up again.

You can make life simpler. The old saying “less is more” goes a long way when it comes to home decor and organisation. If you spend untold amounts of time searching for your keys or trying to figure out where you put the remote control, the problem may be that you have too many things to search through. Getting rid of some furniture and trinkets (by either selling them or donating them) will help you locate everything much faster, including your mind.

You can get some physical activity. Clearing the clutter does wonders for your mind, but the health benefits don’t end there. If you’re smart enough to plan your clearing days ahead of time, you can use the afternoon to burn calories while you clean. The physical activity can be one of the ways in which you stay in shape, and it will only amplify your sense of pride in yourself.

You can impress your friends. If you like to entertain, your guests will also appreciate the effort that you put into de-cluttering. Having a home free of unnecessary objects often feels more inviting to visitors, and it can also make them want to stay longer.

Now that you have six good reasons to get started, hop to it! Cleansing your mind and your home at the same time is a great return on your time and hard work.

Too many couples these days fall into the trap of thinking that Valentine’s Day has to mean flowers, chocolate and jewellery. Although these are all possible presents, it’s best not to buy your partner the same thing every year – since even nice presents can become dull and boring if you receive presents that follow the same formula every twelve months. This year, try something a little bit different – shake things up with an unusual or unique alternative Valentine’s Day present.

Many women love gifts of gold and silver, but can soon become tired of jewellery. So why not go for something entirely different? Something silver and engraved is bound to demonstrate your affection for your other half, as well as having that extra personal touch. You can even give them your ‘last Rolo’ – now available online is a solid silver Rolo, the delicious chocolate sweet, an engraved gift with your very own personal heartfelt message. They’ll know you think they’re someone special if you give them your last Rolo.

You don’t even need to buy your partner a tangible, physical object – taking him or her away for a spa day, or an adventure day out, can show just as much love and originality. Why not take your partner zorbing? Strapped together inside a gigantic bouncy plastic ball as you bounce your way down the carefully-crafted hillside run, you’ll feel closer to your lover than ever. Your partner will really appreciate the unique gift idea!

If you have a bigger budget, you could even whisk your other half away on a weekend skiing trip to France! Cuddle up by the fire in a cabin on the slopes by night, and hit the powder by day. What better way to toast each other for Valentine’s Day than with the clink of champagne glasses on the side of a moonlit French mountain?

Obviously a weekend like that won’t come cheap, and so it’s not something that everyone is going to be able to afford. You can treat your partner just as much, though, by arranging a spa day or a romantic seaside getaway for the two of you, right here in England. There might not be mounds of snow for you both to zip through, but a walk along the beach, hand in hand together under the stars, can be just as exciting. You can get some great rates on single- or two-night room deals at coastal hotels up and down the country – all you have to do is look!

Even cheaper still, but just as appealing, are ‘couples adventure experience days’. For a one-off payment (usually just under £100) you and your Valentine can pick out one of thirty different events or sessions for the pair of you to experience together. This can be as simple as a swanky seven-course meal at a fancy London restaurant, or it can be as outlandish as White Water Rafting, or a makeover, followed by a photoshoot. With so many options available to you both, you’re bound to find something perfect.

Never fall into the trap of becoming predictable to your partner – especially at Valentine’s Day. Keep the magic alive by treating them to a unique alternative Valentine’s Day gift this year – instead of sticking to the ‘safe bet’ of chocolates and flowers, whisk her away on a romantic weekend for two, or treat him to a couples’ go-karting session! Go on – love’s what you make of it.