Top 10 | News & Views

Top 10 August Eco Pictures

Below we have listed the Eco Pic of The Day August Top 10 Eco Pic’s.

Click the link to see the picture;

1 - NO KINDA SURPRISE – PLASTIC POLLUTION

2 - PLASTIC MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE

3 - PLASTIC BEACH RUBBISH IN LE TOUQUET

4 - THE GREAT PACIFIC GARBAGE PATCH

5 - PLASTIC FOOD CHAIN

6 - PLASTIC BOTTLES IN SAINT MALO

7 - FRENCH SUPERMARKET MINI RECYCLING CENTER

8 - HEATHROW TERMINAL 1 RECYCLING BINS

9 - RUBBISH TIDE AT LE MONT SAINT MICHEL

10 - PORSCHE 918 SPYDER HYBRID SUPERCAR

Top-Ten Eco Things to Do When You’re Bored

Enjoy the fresh air. Grab the bikes, take a picnic and enjoy the great weather and fresh air. Whether you are with your family or by yourself you’d be surprised what a bit of outdoor activity and a good long walk will do for your brain and your boredom! Check out eco picnic ideas here.
Read a good book. Go down to your local second-hand or charity book store and grab yourself a good read. Settle down with a glass of wine and indulge in some ‘me-time’. Try and read something new and a bit different – this will keep your mind engaged and broaden your horizons!
Board games. Whether it’s an old Monopoly that’s sat covered in dust at the back of your cupboard, a game of twister found at your local charity shop, one of the fantastic eco-friendly games you can get online or your grandma’s scrabble set a board game is a great way to relieve boredom and engage the whole family!
Clear out those cupboards. Not only will this help remove clutter from your house it will also give you something constructive to do to remove that boredom! Sort out all your old clothes, books, CD’s, DVD’s and cuddly toys and take them down your local charity shop for a responsible and eco-friendly time-killer!
Research ways to make your life more eco-healthy. There are hundreds of fantastic websites that offer great advice on how to keep eco-friendly and eco-fit. Whether you’re after a responsible holiday, advice on how to stay slim or advice on ways to kick your life into eco-gear you can find articles and how-to’s online.
Dig out an old classic. Take a look through your collection of old DVD’s for a classic old favourite and enjoy some leisure time.
Get creative! Whether it’s fashioning new clothes out of old ones or helping your kids create dolls houses from boxes and ecover bottles (Blue Peter style!) there’s always creative ways to re-use your recyclables.
Think. We often have such hectic lives that we rarely just sit down and have a think. Grab a cup of tea and sit in silence – you’d be surprised just how relaxing that can be.
Do some exercise. I won’t bore you with the merits of exercise. Everyone knows it’s good for you http://www.moreeco.co.uk/news/top-ten-ways-to-keep-eco-healthy/ and helps you trim up. But if you are bored there’s no better way to feel better than get that heart pumping. Grab some of your favourite tunes and go for a jog for a sure-fire way to alleviate boredom and feel fantastic.
Eco-shop! Don’t forget you can always check out your favourite eco retailers. Whether shopping for a special occasion or just browsing there are always new products at our retailers. Check out some of MoreEco’s favourites here.

Top Ten Eco Tips for Hitting the Beach

Eco Beach

1. Don’t forget the UK. With the sun shining and the sea sparkling don’t think you have to fly abroad to get that tan. Stay in the UK for an eco-friendly summer experience. For inspiration check out Responsible Travel and our advice on summer holidays.

2. Enjoy summer trends. Just because you’re trying to stay green doesn’t mean you can’t grab yourself a maxi dress or trilby this season. Grab the hottest trends from eco-stores and look fabulous with a clear conscience. Check out EcoTrendSpotter for more information.

3. Protect your skin. Everyone has those old bottles of sun cream lying around the house so why waste them? Rather than buying a new (and expensive bottle) make sure to protect yourself the eco-friendly way by finishing every last drop. If you do need new cream, make sure to buy it from an eco store – Big Green Smile has a fantastic selection.

4. Drink more water. The benefits of water have been well documented but did you know it is an effective way to get rid of that cellulite? It’s free and comes out of tap so no need to damage the environment whilst you get your health fix.

5. Picnic away. There are plenty of fantastic eco picnic accessories on the market (check out Nigel’s Eco Store for example) so take a picnic to the beach and forget about the washing up. Saves money, is great fun and can be planet-friendly if you buy with ‘green’ in mind.

6. Walk. Enjoy this picture perfect weather by taking a stroll down to the beach. Save on parking fees and lower your carbon footprint. Amazing.

7. Make a splash. The sea is there to be enjoyed so rather than clambering into chlorine-filled pools enjoy the cool natural waters the sea has to offer (good for your skin, too!)

8. Pimms o’clock? As long as you stay well hydrated there’s nothing wrong with a little alcoholic indulgence. Grab some recycled glasses and enjoy this wonderful summer drink (with a little local fruit and cucumber, perhaps?)

9. Eco Slim. Read our previous top ten eco slimming tips for advice on how to get bikini ready in a way that’s beneficial to you and the planet.

10. Enjoy yourself! There’s nothing healthier to society and the planet than laughter. Get involved, bring your loved ones and enjoy.

Eco Summer Holidays!

For once the weather in England is shining and it serves to remind us to ditch the chocolate and get bikini ready. Whether you’re staying at home or jetting off to some luxurious location don’t let the sun distract you from the importance of keeping an eye on your carbon footprint.

There are plenty of eco-friendly alternatives to flying away to your favourite destinations. Check out responsible tour operators to find out what the least damaging methods of travel are to the planet. Also try and buy sustainably wherever you can. Here are our top ten tips to keep yourself eco-friendly this Summer.

1. Get in the slimming mood – eat less, drink more water and buy more organically produced food. It’s good for the planet and for your beach-body.

2. Get outside and enjoy the sunshine. There’s nothing better than ditching the car for a sunny walk to work and it will tone up those legs too!

3. Avoid those airports. Planes are the number one most damaging form of transportation to the planet. Try and find alternatives such as the train or ferry.

4. Buy eco wherever possible. We all need you need to protect your skin with sun tan lotion and your eyes with sunglasses so make those purchases count. Buy sustainably sourced products from eco-shops.

5. Recycle your old summer clothes. It’s all too easy to fall for the latest trend (maxi-dress anyone?) so make sure you truly need it before you buy. Leaving the purchase until the next day is sure to stop any impulse purchases. And if you simply have to have it then try and buy eco-friendly wherever you can.

6. Support Britain! Stay in the country and enjoy everything we have to offer. Avoid increasing your carbon footprint by lavishing in the stunning scenery the UK has to offer.

7. Shop around. Find the best deals and the most planet-friendly goods.

8. Use your green thumbs. This stunning weather is the perfect excuse to get out in the garden and enjoy the sun.

9. Talking of gardening, use those leftover scraps of food to make your own compost. Stops any wasteful disposal, recycles leftovers and it’s good for your garden. Perfect.

10. Have fun! There is nothing better for the planet than optimism. Believe you can make a difference, do what you can, buy sustainably where you can and then enjoy yourself.

>>> Find out more about responsible travel here

Top Ten Eco-Lifestyle Changes

1. Get in the Garden – get outside and have some fun gardening! There are plenty of fantastic green products around and growing your own fruit and veg helps reduce your carbon footprint and persuades you to keep healthy!

2. Compost Compost Compost! – Make sure you keep a compost bin and make the most of your left over food scraps. Just place all peelings and left over biodegradable vegetables in your compost bin and then watch your home-grown vegetables thrive.

3. Walk – walk your kids to school, walk to work, walk to town. Reduce your carbon footprint and tone up by ditching the car keys and grabbing your walking shoes.

4. Watch that water level – Only boil the amount of water you need, fill your dishwasher to the brim, time your showers, limit the number of baths you have and watch your water bills (and carbon footprint) decrease.

5. Turn it off – turn off those appliances. Turn off the lights you aren’t using. Switch the TV off at the plug each night and don’t leave your laptops and mobiles plugged in all day everyday. Not only will you be helping the environment but you will notice a difference to your energy bill.

6. Recycling can be fun! – Get the kids involved. Check with your local council what can be recycled and make sure to adhere to their rules. And get creative! Old clothes can be given new life, old containers can be used to make toys (think Blue Peter!) and wrapping paper and gift cards can always be personalised and re-used.

7. Find eco-alternatives – Going on holiday? Take a train, not a plane. Try and stay local or take an eco-route where possible. Or looking to buy a new book? Head to your local charity shop, they will have plenty!

8. Get eco-fit – don’t stay at home watching television. Grab the kids, turn off those lights and get active! Take a walk to your local park, have fun and get fit. Learning to enjoy the outdoors will help you appreciate the importance of keeping our environment healthy and getting active will make you feel more energised and less like sitting in front of the TV or computer.

9. Teach those around you – Make sure your family, your children and your friends know the importance of making small changes in their lives that can considerably reduce their carbon footprint.

10. Get involved – stick to your eco-resolutions and find out about any local charities or organisations that need help with their green agenda. If you can spare some money look to giving a monthly sum to a non-profit organisation that concentrates on ecological issues and, if you have the time, campaign your local MP and local companies to make green promises (and stick to them!).

Top Ten Eco-Ways to Get Fit and Lose Weight!

This article shows you how to get fit and lose weight in a way that won’t bust your pocket or your carbon footprint!

1. Go for a walk – There is nothing more refreshing or eco-friendly than going for a stroll! It uses absolutely no carbon energy and can be a replacement for your school or work trip meaning you save on petrol as well as keeping fit!

2. Eat seasonally – Save on energy consumption by buying local, seasonal and fresh produce. Try not to buy anything that has been flown in from abroad and have a go at trying some new foods to mix up your diet!

3. Go to a local exercise class – Support your local community and businesses by attending a local exercise class. Whether it’s pilates, yoga or spinning this can be a great way to trim up and meet new people in the area.

4. Take your nutrients – Shops like Holland & Barretts provide a great range of vitamins and supplements that will help keep you fighting fit and your metabolism high.

5. Cycle to work – Cycling has many benefits for your body. It’s great cardiovascular exercise and, now the weather is warming up, can be a brilliant way to get to and from work.

6. Don’t take too many baths! – Not only do too many baths waste water and energy, they are also bad for your skin! Having too many can dry out your skin meaning you require more moisturiser and products that can be detrimental to your bodily health.

7. Get your Five-a-day – Make sure you get your recommended five fruits and vegetables a day. Keep them seasonal, keep them local and try them in all kinds of combinations. You will be surprised what a difference it can make to how you feel.

8. Lose weight the sensible way – Don’t invest time, money and energy in fad dieting and overpriced exercise machines. Go for a run, take the kids to the park and eat right and you will see that weight come off at a healthy rate that is maintainable.

9. Eat less meat – Get your protein from other sources, such as nuts, and help cut your personal carbon footprint as well as naturally increasing the healthy foods you eat during the day.

10. Have fun – Enjoy the outdoors, enjoy your food and look and feel eco-fabulous!

Top 10 New Year Eco Resolutions

Make 2010 the year that you make green a habit and countdown to 2010 with the environment in mind. Check out our top ten New Year resolutions to help you conserve the planet and the cash in your wallet this New Year.

1. Cleaning without toxic chemicals is a wonderful way to turn your home into a healthy and healing place to be in the New Year. Unfortunately, over past decades the ever-expanding store of home cleaning products has included a number of dangerous weapons, loaded with strong, artificial colours and fragrances and harsh cleansing agents like bleach, ammonia, alcohol and more.

At MoreEco, they have a great range of eco shops that sell green cleaning products at great prices. There are a great range of green cleaning product ranges such as Ecover,Method and Bio D that are just as effective as the traditional chemical laden products you find on supermarket shelves. And don’t forget multi buy and bulk options to save you even more money.

2. Stop using the refrigerator that is ten years old and get an appliance recommended by the energy saving trust instead. You will drastically cut down your carbon emissions by doing so. Try eco appliances around the home –as well as doing a great clean they will cut your energy bills.

For instance, check out the new Ecolectric PerformAir 1000w Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner for a spotless and healthy carpet. As well as being packaged in recycled and 100% recyclable materials, it has an economical 1000w low energy motor leading to a 50% energy saving, helping to reduce your energy bills but without compromising on performance. It is a great vacuum cleaner!

3. Every household in Britain produces more than a ton of waste annually, almost 80 per cent of which is buried in landfill sites, polluting ground water and producing gases that contribute to climate change and global warming. You may already recycle the waste you produce, but what about not producing it in the first place? Try and buy in bulk! These retailers sells many products in bulk quantities to save you money and reduce packaging by refilling old containers.

4. Shun at least one non-green product all year. Make it something that you really like, but can live without it but would purchase if it were more eco-friendly. You can always write to the company that manufactures this product and tell them why you now choose not to buy it

5. Not so fantastic plastic! Stop drinking bottled water. Drinking tap water reduces your carbon footprint, landfill rubbish and saves you money. Need water for the gym – buy a reusable bottle!

6. The best resolution to make for the earth is to use the car less or get rid of it altogether. Walk, bike, use public transit or car share. The emissions and money saved will be immense! The World Wildlife Fund advocates going car free one day each week.

Get out of your car and find an alternative way to work one day a week. 1 in every 2 of us drive to work each and every day. Think what would happen if we all left our cars at home just one day a week and walked, rode our bike, or took public transportation instead. We would have cleaner air to breathe, less traffic, and a smaller carbon footprint to boot.

7. Insulate your hot water cylinder. Water heating is the single biggest energy consumer in the average home. Cut your power bill and reduce the energy your household uses by investing in a wrap for your hot water cylinder.

8. Grow your own to beat the credit crunch. Make sure the only crunch you feel is the bite of your home-grown vegetables next year with a great range of grow your own seeds, tools and accompaniments . As well as tasting great, you could save money, get fit, do your bit for the environment and be super-trendy all at once.

9. To make it easy to switch off chargers and electronic equipment when you’re not using them, get a standby buster to switch off all your machines and equipment. It will help you save electricity and money! Check out our range of energy savers here.

10. Don’t make Earth Hour a once a year event – commit to switching off your appliances at the wall and turning out any unnecessary lights. Use energy saving light bulbs in every light

Top Ten Ways to Save on Energy

1. Turn it Off

Turn things off at the plug. Make sure that little red light on your TV is switched off at night time and don’t leave your computer endlessly on charge!

2. Energy-Saving Products

Energy saving products can be a fantastic way to upgrade your home and keep your carbon footprint down. Water-saving products are a particularly efficient way to keep your bills down and your home eco-friendly.

3. Commit to 10:10

Make it your New Years Resolution to cut down your emissions by 10% in 2010

4. Clean your filters

Make sure all of your appliances are efficient by keeping them clean

5. New Appliances!

Ironically, keeping your old appliances might mean your using more energy than you need! If it’s from before the 90s then it might be time to think about buying a new and more energy efficient replacement.

6. Tumble Dryers

Turn them off!!! Dry your clothes outside for a nicer smell, a better feeling and a much-reduced energy bill

7. Heating

Heating can be one of the biggest expenditures, especially around this time of year. Try to exclude any draughts and seal your windows and doors as best as possible. Have thick curtains instead of blinds to retain the heat and don’t keep your heating on all day! If you keep your windows and doors closed you shouldn’t need the heating on.

8. Use The Dimmer

Using your light dimmers is a great way to cut down on electricity. Try not to have your lights on full power and remember to turn them off whenever you don’t need them.

9. Run Full Loads
In your dishwasher and washing machine. This can dramatically save water-use and save you money and time!

10. Insulate!

Insulation in your attic or home is the best way to retain heat on those chilly winter days

Top Ten Ways to Keep Eco-Healthy

1. Take Your Vitamins!

Keeping healthy on the inside is one of the best ways to feel healthy on the outside. Make sure to get your supplements from eco-friendly stores such as Higher Nature or Holland and Barrett. Keeping your body healthy stops you from craving extra foods and therefore creating surplus waste!

2. Use Natural Skin Products

There are plenty of eco-stores selling amazing green skin products that use only natural ingredients and haven’t been tested on animals. These products are kinder on your skin and produced more sustainably than other commercial cosmetic products. Once you’ve finished your current foundation or body lotion replace it with more natural products and reap the benefits.

3. Organic, Unbleached Clothing and Bedding Products

Kinder on your skin and good for the environment try to buy un-dyed and un-bleached clothing and bedding wherever possible.

4. Exercise Outside

Avoid the gym and exercise outside instead! Running, yoga, power-walking, swimming… a lot of these activities can be done outdoors saving you money and lowering your carbon footprint!

5. Eat ‘Green’ Foods

Try to eat organic, fairtrade, natural, un-processed and local foods. Not only are these better for the environment but cutting out processed foods has been proven to be better for your health and your body! Drink plenty of water instead of carbonated drinks and try to snack on natural plants, seeds and products.

6. Turn It Off

Turn off your electronic products. Try to avoid charging your phone or laptop unnecessarily and avoid some of the health risks that can come with using a computer or phone too much. Cut out those headaches, save on your energy bill and reduce your carbon footprint all in one!

7. Spend Time Outside

Get some fresh air! Spending more time outdoors is better for your body and helps avoid spending hours in front of the Tv.

8. Go Vintage!

Shopping at thrift stores saves you money and can revamp your wardrobe to bring you into the fashion-forward lane! Look amazing whilst recycling old clothes, what a great excuse to go shopping.

9. Plan Ahead!

Sticking to your goals and plans without being distracted by the commercialisation of the world can help keep you focused and happy. You can save money simply by sticking to your shopping list and not being taken in by the fancy displays! Never get the post-shopping blues again!

10. Walk the Dog

Walking the dog combines exercise, fresh air and bonding with your special pet! Getting outside of the house for a set amount of time each day can reduce stress and help keep you (and your pooch) trim… what an eco treat!