Hippyshopper

Radiohead recycled soda bottle jacket at w.a.s.t.e

AbiSilvester — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 09:15:47 PDT

If you're off to one of the season's many festivals and are already freaking out about the rain forecast, you might want to check out this fantastic lightweight jacket made from "approximately 15 old bottles".

Phillippa Forrester asks kids how to save the planet

AbiSilvester — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 04:29:53 PDT

What do adults do when try as they might, they can't come up with a solution to a seemingly intractable problem? A popular solution is seeking an answer through the mouths of babes. And when the issue is as pressing and as controversial as the environment, why not seek the ideas of those untainted by the million and one problems and prejudices that plague adult pundits?

It's Green Britain Day!

Steph Powell — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 04:18:34 PDT

If you didn't know yet, today is the first ever Green Britain Day. Started to try and get Britain greener by the 2012 Olympics, there will be events around our fair country to raise awareness of environmental issues and to...

Get beautiful nails (without cruelty)

AbiSilvester — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 05:18:23 PDT

As a bit of a newbie to nail-painting and long-time animal lover and vegetarian, I was really looking forward to trying out the nail polish range from the original bunny-friendly brand Beauty Without Cruelty.

Natalie Imbruglia gushes on water issues

Steph Powell — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 23:35:54 PDT

I most know Natalia Imbruglia for being a singer (and sometimes an actress) but it seems she's also a campaigner for environamental issues! She's teamed up with Ecover to make the film below about the importance of water cycles.

Why you should follow us on Twitter...

AbiSilvester — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 09:26:01 PDT

Keeping up with the fast-paced world of greener living can be a struggle, but if you want to cut through the greenwash and keep abrest of developments, our Twitter feed is here to help.

Fun, fragrant fire-starters for eco barbeques

AbiSilvester — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 06:46:31 PDT

At home, one of my favourite ways to wind up my Dad was throwing his ornamental pine cones on to our open fire in the winter. I loved the way the (carefully collected and long-cherished) giant cones lit up so quickly and burnt with a brilliant blue flame, created by the salt in the sea air they'd absorbed as they grew.

WIN a Method detox kit from Big Green Smile

AbiSilvester — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:15:45 PDT

Method make some of Hippyshopper's favourite things, from the revolutionary O-Mop to the cleaning wipes that smell of yum.

Is this the world's smallest and greenest computer?

AbiSilvester — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:13:02 PDT

Paul Ridden Writes: Not only does the Fit-PC 2.0 make claims to be the world's smallest fully functioning PC but also to be the greenest. I can't remember seeing anything smaller (and I've seen a LOT of PCs) so that's one claim that I can't argue with. The PC is 115mm by 101mm by 27mm, so if you've seen anything smaller that provides the same or similar specs, feel free to leave a comment!

Andrea Garland vintage lip balm - recycling has never been more attractive

AbiSilvester — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 23:46:48 PDT

Sarah Fisher writes: Recycling and cosmetics - it sounds an unlikely combination. But UK aromatherapist Andrea Garland has brought both passions together with her all-natural range. Her one-off beauty items are bursting with vintage chic. A selection of balms and creams are supplied in tins, compacts and pots from the household staples of the last century, from sewing kits to travel sweets. They're all completely unique, and best of all, you can return your tin to have it refilled with your favourite balm.

The quick sit: a green answer to surprise guests

AbiSilvester — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:31:16 PDT

Paul Ridden writes: The doorbell rings. You answer and it's a bunch of your friends come for an unannounced visit. You show them to the front room but there aren't enough seats for everyone. The kitchen is way too small and as for the bedroom - they're just not those kind of friends! The sun is shining for a change so you could take the party into the garden but there is even less opportunity for bums on seats there. You can't risk losing your 'party host of the year' title by having people sit on the floor or standing around. What to do, what to do?!?

Will Michael Jackson's legacy help save the planet?

AbiSilvester — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:40:35 PDT

Michael Jackson was always a big fan of 'healing the world' so it may not come as a big surprise to hear that that the singer was on the verge of releasing a new song that warned about climate change before his sad death on Friday.

Get eco chic festival style this summer

AbiSilvester — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:03:57 PDT

It's about this time of year that I cast off my (second hand) designer gear and girly frocks for something a whole lot more grungey before heading out to slum it hippy-style in a field for a bit.

Paul Ridden speaks to Radiator Booster founder David Haydon

AbiSilvester — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 08:33:06 PDT

The humble radiator quietly and anonymously sits against the walls of numerous homes throughout the UK. When we're cold it gives us heat. It requires little if any attention, it just sits there and provides us with efficient warmth when we need it - right?

Presso's Non-electric cappuccino maker

AbiSilvester — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 10:11:23 PDT

A humble cup of coffee is usually transformed into a stylish and sophisticated cappuccino by adding frothed milk, which has been whipped up using an electric 'steamer'. But if you don't want a bulky and energy-guzzling device taking up space in your kitchen, a cool alternative is on offer at Ethical Superstore, which now stocks the 'Presso' non-electric espresso and cappuccino coffee maker. It has handles, a bit like a bottle opener, to create the necessary pressure to make these speciality coffees and more.

Solar robot is good green fun in the sun

AbiSilvester — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:39:21 PDT

Question: How do you get your kids interested in green issues? Answer (well one answer anyway): Buy them an inexpensive robot building kit of course!

Solar robot is good green fun in the sun

AbiSilvester — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:39:21 PDT

Question: How do you get your kids interested in green issues? Answer (well one answer anyway): Buy them an inexpensive robot building kit of course!

Inventing a greener future: Emily Cummins

Steph Powell — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 08:08:07 PDT

Emily Cummins is an inventor with a focus on helping the environment. This wouldn't be so unique if it wasn't for the fact that she is only 21, and has been inventing since the age of four when her grandad gave her a hammer. Starting by taking things apart and rebuilding them with her grandad - who she describes as an 'inspiration' - in his shed, Emily progressed and won a barrage of awards and competitions at school for inventions such as a toothpaste dispenser that minimises waste, which she came up with at just 15 years old. She went on to become Cosmopolitan's Ultimate Save-The-Planet Pioneer in 2008.

Visit RE for some REally cool REcycling!

AbiSilvester — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:15:52 PDT

I never had a night light as a child, but from what I do know they're supposed to help if you're scared of the dark. Somehow I don't think this one would have helped me, but still, its gorgeously made and very unique.

Sainsbury's find a green use for cars

AbiSilvester — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 05:25:25 PDT

Following a successful trial at its depot in Northampton, a Sainsbury's store car park in Gloucester is getting ready to start producing enough energy to power the store's tills. The power will be generated by the action of cars rolling over kinetic plates, which have been positioned underneath road surfaces. The impressive 30kW per hour of energy produced by the plates should be more than enough to keep the tills running.

Did you make today a meat-free Monday?

AbiSilvester — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 11:35:20 PDT

I've seen people use all kinds of tactics to try and lure people into the joys of vegetarianism from shoving pictures of slaughterhouses in their buger-filled faces to just going on and on about how much great veggie food there is and the health benefits of avoiding animal products. But I've got to admire Sir Paul McCartney for trying to establish a weekly day of vegetarianism with his plan for 'meat-free Monday'. What's his beef?

Pump up the volume eco-style

AbiSilvester — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 05:30:32 PDT

Festival season is just around the corner and the good old UK weather might not be the only thing that stops you having a good time. But if you're a green gadget lover like me, then taking your favourite tech with you to the next music festival might be a cause for some concern...

Smart reveal the sporty green Brabus : Comes with sound generator for that vroom vroom effect!

AbiSilvester — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 02:35:59 PDT

Cars and eco friendly don't really tend to fall into the same category as each other- unless you're talking about electric cars that is. Even so, style normally seems to be lacking from these economical numbers (for example) but the latest model from Smart has managed to tick all the right boxes.

WIN a veggie goodie bag from Redwood Foods

AbiSilvester — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 04:37:09 PDT

Having been vegetarian since I was in primary school, I've tried a lot of veggie burgers in my time. There's the good (juicy, satisfying, meaty) the mediocre and the downright ugly (mashed up vegetables with breadcrumbs) but I feel I've still yet to sample the perfect veggie burger.

Creative recycling idea: tin can pincushion

AbiSilvester — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 10:13:45 PDT

You can do some really pretty things with tin cans (just ask Glittermouse!) but I've not seen anyone use this remarkably simple technique of turning them into nifty pincushions before. The outer part of the can is coated with decorative while the inside is stuffed with poly fill stuffing and covered with a fabric layer. Instead of waffling on about the process any further, I'll direct you to the entire tutorial, which is over on Design Sponge.