The Steamer

The Universal Steamer has three parts: the base, the basket and the lid. All three are used together to steam food, while the base can be used alone for baking potatoes or reheating food. The components are made in the UK from polycarbonate, which is very strong and does not stain, and are guaranteed for five years. The steamer is big enough to cook two portions of fish or meat and is designed for exactly two portions (170 g/6 oz) of rice. It is dishwasher safe, but should only be used for cooking in microwaves and not exposed to direct heat.

How to use

Food to be cooked is placed in the basket and covered with the lid. The base is filled with water to a level dictated by the type of food that is being cooked – the steamer comes with two guides giving information about how much water to use, how to arrange food and average cooking times. Different foods can be cooked together, with faster cooking food placed in the middle of the basket and slower cooking items around the edges. As microwave cooking times will vary, Microwise advise cooking in small time increments the first time the steamer is used for each food type until cooking is complete, then noting the overall cooking time required for the next time it is used.

Pros

• Easy to use and comes with clear instructions
• Very easy to clean because it does not stain or retain odours
• Strong and shatterproof
• Makes cooking with a microwave easier
• Food retains more vitamins and flavours
• Energy is saved by cooking in the microwave
• Time is saved because food often cooks more quickly than on a stovetop and you don’t have to wait for water to boil or cooker rings to heat up

Cons

• There are three parts to wash up
• It can be difficult to guess how long food will take to cook the first time the steamer is used for that food type, although the guides do give some indication
• The steamer can get very hot in the microwave – care is needed when taking it out

All of the cons listed above can also be true of stovetop steamers (or pans) and the steamer is versatile and inexpensive, so the ease, convenience and lower energy use of cooking in a microwave make it worth the effort of initially learning how long to cook each food type for.

If you would like to learn more about how you can reduce your environmental impact have a look around the website.

[1] efficient-products.defra.gov.uk/spm/download/document/id/786

[2] http://busycooks.about.com/o

Therefore, it is a good idea to use reusable fabric or strong plastic bags, or at least reuse the “single-use” plastic bags given out by shops as much as possible. However, this does mean that you have to remember to take bags shopping with you and have somewhere to store them. They can be kept in the car, but you still have to remember to put them back there after shopping, and take them into the shop with you. And if you don’t have a car or use one to go shopping, this isn’t an option.

With this in mind, the Baggee, first released in 2010 [3], was developed by Jaq Croft, who was tired of always forgetting to take her bags with her and wanted to find a practical, stylish and environmentally friendly solution. She invented this key ring plastic bag holder so that whenever you go into a shop, you will always have some carrier bags with you ready to reuse and won’t have to take a fresh one. In addition to the Baggee, the Doggee, which is the same size as the Baggee and stores 20-30 dog refuse bags, has also been produced to prevent dog walkers having to carry around bulky loose bags or heavy full packets in their pockets.

The Baggee is a hollow, 55 mm diameter plastic ball (which is recyclable and made in the UK), with a hole that allows plastic bags to be pushed in and taken out. It is designed to hold 2-3 plastic bags, but could take a couple more depending on the size and how well compressed they are. The size of the ball is ideal as it holds several bags without being bulky or inconvenient. It can be attached (to keys, bags, dog leads, trolleys, etc) very quickly and easily by the removable spring lever key ring provided, and comes in a range of six colours. The plastic is strong and durable but not heavy – full of carrier bags the Baggee weighs about 35 g (1 1/4 oz), including the key chain attachment, which is 7 cm long and very sturdy.

The Baggee could also be used to hold a small cloth bag or strong plastic reusable bag, to make them easier to carry around, or at home to store away plastic bags waiting to be reused or taken to recycling points. Even if you are good at remembering to take reusable bags with you, if you also want to reuse the smaller plastic bags that are sometimes needed to take loose fruit and vegetables to the cashier this could be a convenient way to keep them contained but readily available. Alternatively it could be used to transport or store small quantities of other items, such as bags for used nappies, plastic gloves or sandwich and freezer bags to be reused. It is an inexpensive, space-saving and tidy alternative to having bags, cupboards and cars full of loose carrier bags or large packs of other items, and where possible helps to make reusing them easier and more efficient.

For more sustainable and resource efficient items designed to help you minimise your environmental impact visit our store.

[1] http://www.wrap.org.uk/media_centre/press_releases/total_carrier_bag.html

[2] http://www.wasteawarenesswales.org.uk/recycle/plastic_bags.html

[3] http://www.baggee.com/AboutUs.htm

]]> https://www.energysavingwarehouse.co.uk/learning-portal/baggees-never-be-without-a-carrier-bag-again/feed/ 0 https://www.energysavingwarehouse.co.uk/learning-portal/small-dishwashers-for-economical-users/ https://www.energysavingwarehouse.co.uk/learning-portal/small-dishwashers-for-economical-users/#comments Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:26:40 +0000 http://www.energysavingwarehouse.co.uk/learning-portal/?p=386 Continue reading →]]> While water is becoming more and more scarce, environmentally conscious small households and offices may want to find an economical dishwasher, which is small enough for their requirements. And there are several designers who have already thought about them. [1]

The first concept by Marie-Christine Lacasse & Marie Claude Savard [2] not only looks good but it even combines the dishwasher and the cupboard in one. The dishwasher operates by moving along while cleaning.

Another space-saving solution is the dishwasher, located next to the sink. Its capacity is bigger than its size would indicate and it can use up to fifty per cent less water than ‘traditional’ dishwashers [3].

Another example of a dishwasher merged with a sink is the rotating solution [4], where the dishes are washed while under the counter, and the other half is used as the sink at the same time.

More and more manufacturers also produce ‘dishwasher drawers’ [5] for smaller kitchens. Others have thought about the possibility of immediate washing up after dinner by integrating the appliance into a table [6].

If design is key for the users there is also a great selection already. One of them is the small Gota device [7], which even recycles the steam from the pre-wash cycle for later re-use.

For those who want to take their dishwasher with them, for instance for camping, there is now also a solution. The concept by David Stockton has a unique shape for economic usage and it’s so small that it’s portable, while it only uses a small amount of water. It has to be filled up with water and cleaning liquid and then turned manually, as well as for the drying process. [8] 

Another environmentally friendly solution is using a new technology. The Wind Washer from Electrolux uses high-pressure air, steam and UV light for cleaning [9], while the Zeolith dishwasher from Siemens features a moisture-absorbing material, zeolites, used during the dry cycle. Power consumption is lower than at traditional devices, and the water is also saved on a longer term. [10]

Overall, there are several concepts and designs for energy-efficient small dishwashers, and they look to be really promising for the future, especially by being compact and/or using a novel washing method. But for now, many of these are only concepts and for the real benefit they need to be mass-produced.

For even more environmental benefit why not couple this new technology with an eco-friendly dishwasher tablet? We also have a wide range of other cleaning and washroom products.

[1] http://4szoba.hu/cikk/mosogatogep/3097-felejtsd-el-a-mosogatast

[2] http://www.treehugger.com/kitchen-design/mural-dishwasher-by-lacasse-and-savard.html

[3] http://www.treehugger.com/sustainable-product-design/less-is-more-dishwasher-is-integrated-into-sink.html

[4] http://www.treehugger.com/kitchen-design/a-new-spin-on-the-dishwasher-a-rotating-sinkwasher-combo.html

[5] http://www.treehugger.com/sustainable-product-design/looking-for-low-water-usage-in-your-tiny-home-try-a-dish-drawer.html

[6] http://www.treehugger.com/kitchen-design/dining-table-with-built-in-dishwasher-is-convenient-saves-space.html

[7] http://www.yankodesign.com/2009/03/09/teeny-tiny-dishwasher/

[8] http://www.treehugger.com/kitchen-design/portable-dishwasher-designed-for-camping-but-would-work-at-home.html

[9] http://www.ubergizmo.com/2009/05/electrolux-wind-washer-dishwasher-concept/

[10] http://www.treehugger.com/gadgets/siemens-zeolith-dishwasher-uses-moisture-sucking-minerals-to-boost-efficiency.html

Nature photographers have for a long time been at the forefront of environmental conservation.  Ansel Adams, a well-known American photographer, not only had a love for wildlife photography, but was also active in pushing for environmental conservation and the establishment of American National Parks in the West of the United States.  Nature photographers, in addition to everyone else, have a responsible for preserving the environment that others may wish to capture.

If you, as a photographer, have not yet made the transition from manual or disposable photography to digital photography, now is the time to switch.  Digital photography is easier on landfills as it involves less packaging and does not generate used films.  Furthermore, the development process involves toxic chemicals and uses a tremendous amount of water and electricity.  Digital equipment may be more expensive in the short run, but will save money on film and processing in the long run, as well as reducing your ecological footprint [1].  If you are printing your own photos why not consider recycled photo paper to do this on? This article provides an overview over some of the environmentally friendly cameras and brands that exist.

Canon

A good example of a green Camera is the Canon EOS Rebel T2i digital camera which does not contain lead parts.  Lead has been known to be harmful, so Canon decided to launch a camera that would differ from other types.  The T2i camera manufacturing process has also been established as being more environmentally friendly than other camera manufacturing processes [2].

Nikon

Nikon is also another brand that has become more active in helping the environment and has significantly reduced its use of hazardous chemicals in its products.  The manufacturer also offers free recycling of batteries and other electronic devices in an attempt to reduce waste.  One of its energy-efficient and economical items is the CoolPix S80 camera, which also has a longer battery life span, saving on the electrical costs associated with multiple charges.

Olympus

Olympus, is one of the companies known to be dynamic in the fight against anthropogenic induced climate change and are actively reducing the use of harmful chemicals.  The company usually displays a green leaf on its products that signifies the item’s recyclability, reduced harmful substances, and effective energy saving features.  For example, the Olympus FE-47 camera is one of the company’s environmentally friendly cameras, as it has no PVC, cadmium and lead.

Sony

Sony, has taken the more creative side of things, by launching its 2006 “odo” design concept group whose devices are powered by kinetic energy.  The series of photography products look like simple toys and the products are made of recycled parts or Bioplastic.  Furthermore, the parts are connected by sturdy natural rubber bands, which means that the series of products use a minimum of screws which greatly simplifies assembly and disassembly [3].

Sony’s Twirl N’ Take digital camera is a hand-powered still camera that uses a built-in generator that can charge up to take one picture as you push its roller back and forth for about 15 seconds.

Similarly, the Crank N’ Capture digital video camera is powered by turning the crank on the side for shooting and playback.  Unlike a regular digital video camera, images are not smooth but intentionally choppy, as if animated by flipping pages.  The designers invite users to enjoy this novel and charming effect.

In addition, the Spin N’ Snap, digital still camera, is powered by sticking one’s fingers through two holes and spinning the camera end over end.  Because there is no LCD screen, the holes also serve as a viewfinder [4].

Another way of viewing images is with the Push Power photo viewer.  Push Power is powered by pushing the viewer to rotate its bottom-mounted wheels as the unit is held with both hands.  The viewer displays the digital photos stored on Bitty memory cards. The viewer can also be recharged while in use, as it continues to display images.  Sony has also created the “Juice Box”, a solar battery, which collects sunlight.  Once charging is done, it can be folded up as a portable battery for all “odo” series products [5].

[1] http://content.photojojo.com/tips/eco-friendly-photography-tips/

[2] http://us-ecotoners.blogspot.com/2011/01/eco-friendly-cameras-for-greener-photo.html

[3] http://www.sony.net/Fun/design/activity/sustainable/odo.html

[4] http://www.zdnet.com/blog/digitalcameras/sonys-eco-friendly-hand-powered-digital-camera-in-action/201

[5] http://www.sony.net/Fun/design/activity/sustainable/odo_eco2008.html

]]> https://www.energysavingwarehouse.co.uk/learning-portal/environmentally-friendly-photography/feed/ 0 https://www.energysavingwarehouse.co.uk/learning-portal/tangle-teezers/ https://www.energysavingwarehouse.co.uk/learning-portal/tangle-teezers/#comments Mon, 17 Oct 2011 20:31:09 +0000 http://www.energysavingwarehouse.co.uk/learning-portal/?p=344 Continue reading →]]> Tangle Teezer hairbrushes have a type of teeth that mean they can brush and detangle hair easily, minimising breakage. They were designed with better hair care, rather than energy saving in mind, so how are they good for the environment? Here is a review of the product itself, which might make things clearer…

Tangle Teezers were invented by Shaun P, a hairdresser with over 25 years experience around the world. The idea grew over several years, as he experimented with different designs to find teeth that flex the right amount as they move through the hair, to detangle rather than break it and smooth cuticles while brushing. He took the idea on Dragon’s Den, and although that was a somewhat unsuccessful experience, he finally managed to get his product manufactured and has gone on to great success, with patent pending on the design. The teeth work brilliantly to detangle hair without pain or breakage. Anyone who has long or particularly tangle-prone hair knows how painful, time-consuming and hair-damaging brushing it through can be. The original Tangle Teezer took four years to design and is shaped so that it is easy to hold. It’s 11.2 cm by 7.2 cm with no handle and is virtually impossible to break. The teeth have two lengths, 1.3 and 0.7 cm long, and feel lovely on your skin as you brush. And they get through tangles very easily! You don’t have to repeatedly brush in the same place and there’s no need to gingerly work away at your hair so it doesn’t pull and hurt; it’s designed so that you don’t have to be gentle. You don’t have to start at the ends of your hair and work back up either, you can start at the crown and sweep it through your hair. Literally a few seconds, and it’s done. It can be used on wet and dry hair, and is perfectly fine to take in the shower and use to spread conditioner through your hair. There are tips for using them in the box and on the website [1] and the brush is also suitable for use with hair extensions and weaves and prolongs how long colour lasts when hair has been dyed.

A Compact styler is now available too, with a special guard to protect the teeth in a bag or suitcase, for example. It’s smaller than the original, at 10.5 cm x 8.5 cm x 5.0 cm, but the teeth are the same.

For children there is the Magic Flowerpot – the Tangle Teezer teeth are backed by a pink flower, making an easy to hold brush that looks pretty and encourages girls to brush their own hair. At 11.2 cm x 11.2 cm x 8.5 cm it’s a good size for children to hold, without being too small for adults. The flower sits on top of its own pink or blue flowerpot when not in use, which protects the teeth and is also good for storing things like hair bands and clips in.

Tangle Teezers are becoming increasingly more widely available in hairdressing salons throughout the UK, and a stockist finder is available on the website [2]. Direct from the website store [3], the original Tangle Teezer costs £10.20, the Compact Styler £12.24 and the Magic Flowerpot is £13.26. Bearing in mind a decent traditional style brush can cost £5-10, this is pretty good value when, considering how durable they are, it’s likely to last you a long time.

So, the environmental benefits…first and foremost, the amount of conditioner it saves! Because your hair is so much easier to detangle and keep smooth, you don’t need to use as much conditioner, and along with saving the resources and energy that go into producing it and the chemicals it washes down the drain, that also means that you’re consuming less in packaging. You use less water when you wash your hair too because you don’t have to leave the conditioner on for as long either. It takes away the need for detangling sprays, you don’t have to replace hairbrushes as they become worn out or broken by getting stuck in bad tangles, and you can brush your hair in 10-20 seconds in the mornings (perhaps less for shorter hair), instead of needing several minutes to brush it properly. That saves a lot of time, and that’s potentially less time you’re spending with the lights on before you go out. You also don’t need to worry about drying your hair so much either, because once the Tangle Teezer has detangled it, it stays that way while it dries naturally. The brush also smooths and straightens hair out, so if you do straighten your hair, part of the job is already done for you and you’re using less electricity to do it (so it’s better for your hair too!). If you colour your hair, the colour will last longer and this will save hair dye in a similar way to conditioner. A bit of saved conditioner here and a little less electricity used there might sound like little things but when you think about how often you wash and brush your hair, over time that adds up. Essentially, by making detangling and caring for hair easier, Tangle Teezers save time and money and in doing so also reduce the impact washing and brushing your hair has on the environment.

[1] http://www.tangleteezer.com/the-science-bit/default.aspx

[2] http://www.tangleteezer.com/salon-stockists/default.aspx

[3] http://www.tangleteezer.com/order-now/

Let’s take the basic accessory of a woman, the handbag. ELLE magazine asked several fashion designers – including Tommy Hilfiger and Diane von Furstenberg -, to create stylish handbags with solar cells, for stylish girls, which were then later available at an auction.[1] And of course, manbags are also available for eco-conscious men, for example from Neuber Energy [2].

What’s more, plenty of jewellery [3], including necklaces [4], watches [5], as well as ties [6], and trendy sunglasses [7] – all have their own versions with integrated solar cells. Indeed, the latter one even features a power jack for universal connection.

Solar cells can come with us to the beach, as well. Besides solar-powered bikinis [8], there are now beach totes [9] and chic designer parasols [10], which can help in charging music players or phones on the shore, while soaking up the sun.

Outdoor-lovers can now put up tents with solar panels [11] [12], and wear a solar backpack [13], hats and caps [14] or even jackets [15] while climbing the hills and walking in the forests.

A look into the future

Currently solar cells are made of various materials with many technologies, but one of the major challenges to overcome is flexibility. While these clothes and accessories already feature such solutions, there is further ongoing research by companies, all over the world.

Mitsubishi Chemical Corp has just announced the development of a new spray-on solar power technology [16], which should allow solar cells of less than one millimeter thick to be added to basically any surfaces, including cars, walls or even clothes. Such solar cells would not need glass layering, as it is usual with current solutions.

Similarly, the US-based company, Konarka [17] already manufactures semi-transparent solar panels in red or green, which can be printed on a number of materials, including glass. This means high flexibility, amongst others used on windows, large parasols or even roofs of bus stops, enabling them to collect the power of the sunshine.

These special solar cell technologies are aimed at increasing the flexibility and eventually efficiency of solar power usage, which could lead to the widespread use of solar energy.

Thus in the near future we may only have to get dressed to have all the power our devices need in a day.

[1] http://www.ecofriend.com/entry/elle-s-gorgeous-solar-hand-bags-auctioned-on-ebay

[2] http://www.konarka.com/index.php/site/pressreleasedetail/konarka_solar_panels_power_neubers_energy_sun_bags

[3] http://www.selectsolargadgets.co.uk/cat/149/solar-jewlery

[4] http://www.ecofriend.com/entry/eco-gadgets-solar-necklace-makes-you-shimmer-on-renewable-energy/

[5] http://www.ecofriend.com/entry/handsome-solar-powered-wrist-watch

[6] http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/08/solar-powered-necktie.php

[7] http://www.ecofriend.com/entry/eco-gadgets-solar-powered-sunglasses-power-your-gizmos/

[8] http://www.solarcoterie.com/

[9] http://www.rewarestore.com/product/beachtote.html

[10] http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/high-tech-meets-vintage-solar-powered-fan-and-parasol-lighting

[11] http://www.ecofriendlydaily.com/energy/solar-panel-tents/

[12] http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/06/a_solar_powered.php

[13] http://www.solargadgetsinfo.com/solar-backpacks.html

[14] http://www.selectsolargadgets.co.uk/cat/54/solar-powered-fan-caps-and-hats

[15] http://www.gizmag.com/go/2522/

[16] http://blog.cleantechies.com/2011/08/26/mitsubishi-develops-spray-on-solar-power-technology/

[17] http://www.konarka.com/index.php/technology/ongoing-research/

• Energy ratings for washing machines are based on kWh of electricity consumed for a cotton cycle at 60^oC with a full load [7].
• Using the UK average electricity tariff for June 2011of 13.18 p per unit, the cost per cycle for 320 currently available washing machines is 15.09-32.01 p based on electricity usage and water consumption [5]. The more expensive cycles tend to be from machines with higher load capacities which can work out cheaper per kg of washing, but if you have one of these it’s likely you need it because you have more people in your household and therefore more to wash!
• Using these costs, cutting out one cycle per week would save between £7.85 and £16.65 a year. The most expensive (per cycle) of the listed machines has an energy efficiency rating of A – bear in mind older or less efficient machines are likely to cost more.
• If you add a tumble dryer cycle to that, which for cotton cycles cost between 17.79 p and 85.67 p per cycle for currently available models [5], missing one a week would save another £9.25 to £44.55 each year. Cutting out a 60^oC wash and a tumble dryer cycle each week could save at least 62-183 kg of CO₂ per year based on electricity usage [3].
• Using figures for the average electricity used per cycle for machines rated A-F at average load capacity [2], even if you’re already washing at a more environmentally friendly 40^oC (they didn’t give values for washes at 30^oC) and drying your washing naturally, you could still potentially save a further £3-7 and 15-25 kg of CO₂ [3] a year on electricity alone, which all helps!
• Add in the cost of washing detergents (and water depending on where you live and how you are billed), less efficient older machines, and rising energy bills, and savings start to add up. Plus it saves you time and effort and is good for the environment…

But everyone needs to wash their clothes, so other than follow tips such as washing at lower temperatures, using energy efficient cycles and always filling the machine, which many people may already do, how else can washing loads be reduced? One way could be to minimise how often you need to wash your towels.

Damp towels need to be washed regularly, so the only way to limit how often they need washing is to stop them getting so wet. The Bodyflik, a “hand-held squeegee that is used to sweep the water from your body before you use a towel” made in the UK from recyclable plastics [1], makes this possible. Despite the fact that its inventor Wendy Brodie, who now runs a small company whilst working as a special needs teacher, has never actively advertised her products, they have been sold on every continent including Antarctica. Her concern for the environment prompted her to invent the Bodyflik to try and reduce the number of towels she had to wash for her family, and they were first sold in 2005. You do still need a towel, as the Bodyflik removes about 75% of the water from your body, but getting rid of such a large proportion of the water means that instead of the towel ending up as a nice warm breeding ground for bacteria that needs drying out and probably washing too, most of the water that would have gone onto it goes back down the drain instead.

The Bodyflik website lists other advantages, such as cutting down on condensation and mould caused by wet towels hanging in bathrooms, especially if you have limited drying space. It also points out that reducing towel usage is very useful whilst travelling, when you might only have one towel and limited access to a washing machine and drying facilities. Getting wet towels home after going to the swimming pool can be messy and awkward, and even on holiday when a hotel supplies beach towels, if you only get one a day you don’t really want it getting soaked after the first time you get out of the pool or sea. Making them last longer also reduces the number of towels that hotels need to wash. All of these are good points, and your towels really do end up less wet if you use the Bodyflik first!

There are two types of Bodyflik, one that is 25 cm long and 8 cm wide, and a smaller sports version that is 15 cm long and 7 cm wide, and both come in a range of colours. They’re priced at £5.95 and £4.95 respectively, plus a small postage and packaging fee which stays the same no matter how many you buy. The main part of the Bodyflik is solid (and very durable) while the curved gel blades that are used to move the water are flexible and gentle on the skin. You can hang them up and they dry very quickly. You can also use it on your hair, which if you have long hair makes a big difference – you end up with a slightly damp towel instead of a soaking wet one! You can even use it on smooth-haired dogs. It only takes a few seconds to use and over time could make a big difference to the amount of water, electricity and time you spend on washing towels.

[1] Bodyflik, 2007a. http://www.bodyflick.co.uk/thebodyflik.htm

[2] Defra, 2008. http://efficient-products.defra.gov.uk/spm/download/document/id/569

[3] National Energy Foundation, 2011. http://www.nef.org.uk/greencompany/co2calculator.htm

[4] Southern Water. http://www.southernwater.co.uk/homeAndLeisure/waterEfficiency/atHome/default.asp

[5] Sust-it.net, 2006-2011. http://www.sust-it.net/energy_saving.php?id=1

[6] Waterwise, 2011. http://www.waterwise.org.uk/reducing_water_wastage_in_the_uk/house_and_garden/washing_clothes.html

[7] Wikipedia, 2011. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Union_energy_label#Washing_machines.2C_tumble_dryers_and_combined_appliances

Energy-saving apps

There are four basic types of apps available in various app stores, which offer energy saving solutions.

• Some give daily advice and information for users on how to consume less electricity, gas or water, and some even include consumption data of various home appliances, like Kill-O-Watts [1], Green Outlet [2], Watts Plus [3] or TV Energy Labels, which specifically lists the consumption data of various TV brands [4]. Shopgreen [5] logs the carbon-dioxide savings with an integrated EcoBank providing rewards for users, while MyEnergyTips [6] offers customised advice, and the This is Green app [7] lists a wide array of useful information.
• Numerous apps offer direct connection to home electronic systems and networks, acting as a ’remote control’ for managing devices. These can be useful, for example, when the user forgot to switch off the lights before leaving the house, but can easily do so with the help of these state-of-the-art apps. Some examples include the ecobee Smart Thermostat [8] working via a WiFi network, Control4 My Home [9], or the Schlage LINK [10], which even enables the remote monitoring of doors.
• A third type of app allows users to track their consumption, either that of gas, electricity or water in their homes, or the fuel used when driving.

Household consumption can be traced with the official British Gas App [11], through which also meter readings can be submitted; as well as with Meter Readings [12], MeterRead [13], or the My Water Diary [14] app.

Fuel consumption tracking is offered, amongst others, by the Carbon Footprint [15] or the GreenMeter [16] applications.

• There are also a number of apps available for various types of smartphones, enabling interesting solutions and methods for saving energy.

The AlertMe Energy Map [17] shows the average total energy, electricity and gas consumption per household per year in a certain neighbourhood in the UK. Users thus can even compare their local data with other British boroughs.

The Sun Tracker app [18] gives information for users specifically to their location about the hours of direct sunlight for calculating solar energy for installations, while the SunPower Monitoring app [19] helps in monitoring the energy level generated by an already installed home solar system. Another interesting app is the The Create Green Energy [20], a guide on how to build cheap solar panels or wind turbines at home.

Overall, there are more and more apps available for the growing number of smartphones based on Apple’s, Blackberry’s or the Android operating system, which can help everyday people not only in saving energy but also at saving money.

[1] http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/kill-o-watts/id330311949?mt=8

[2] http://itunes.apple.com/app/green-outlet/id329692231?mt=8#

[3] http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/watts-plus/id305683166?mt=8#

[4] http://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/tv-energy-labels/id405310644?mt=8#

[5] http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/shopgreen/id303014966?mt=8

[6] http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/myenergytips/id427176407?mt=8#

[7] http://www.eco20-20.com/this-is-green-iphone-app.html

[8] http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ecobee-smart-thermostat/id339159185?mt=8

[9] http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/control4-my-home-for-ipad/id364304056?mt=8

[10] http://www.appstorehq.com/schlagelink-iphone-28868/app

[11] http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/british-gas/id340473961?mt=8#

[12] http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/meter-readings/id320551309?mt=8#

[13] http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id294158423?mt=8#

[14] http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/my-water-diary/id333197878?mt=8#

[15] http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/carbon-footprint/id295456471?mt=8#

[16] http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/greenmeter/id289973918?mt=8

[17] http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/alertme-energy-map/id366796625?mt=8#

[18] http://www.appstorehq.com/suntracker-iphone-63879/app

[19] http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sunpower-monitoring-solar/id310746853?mt=8

[20] http://m.androidzoom.com/android_applications/productivity/create-green-energy_sygg.html

Sources:

• 10 Amazing Energy Saving Apps, 30 August, 2010, by Catalyst Commercial Services Ltd, http://www.catalyst-commercial.co.uk/blog/latest-news/10-amazing-energy-apps/
• Top 5 Energy Efficiency Smartphone Apps, 18 May 2011, http://www.catalyst-commercial.co.uk/blog/latest-news/top-5-energy-smartphone-apps/
• 7 iPhone Apps to Manage Energy Consumption, 4 August, 2009, by Katie Fehrenbacher, http://gigaom.com/cleantech/7-iphone-apps-to-manage-energy-consumption/
• 10 Money-Saving, Energy-Saving Apps for your Home, 8 November, 2010, by Kathryn Vercillo, http://blog.dialaphone.co.uk/2010/11/08/10-money-saving-energy-saving-apps-for-your-home/
• 5 Energy Saving Smartphone Apps, 26 April, 2010, http://www.greenwala.com/channels/green-technology/blog/6230-5-Energy-Saving-Smartphone-Apps

]]> https://www.energysavingwarehouse.co.uk/learning-portal/save-energy-with-your-smartphone/feed/ 0 https://www.energysavingwarehouse.co.uk/learning-portal/energy-saving-tumble-dryers/ https://www.energysavingwarehouse.co.uk/learning-portal/energy-saving-tumble-dryers/#comments Fri, 22 Jul 2011 20:21:53 +0000 http://www.energysavingwarehouse.co.uk/learning-portal/?p=290 Continue reading →]]> Using a washing line is the most efficient way of drying your clothes, however in the Winter, this is not always a viable option. The majority of tumble dryers in the UK have a C-class energy rating, which can cost up to £95 a year in energy costs, but the energy they use can vary by around a third [1]. There are a million tumble dryers sold in the UK every year, so if everyone bought the most efficient one, there would be enough energy saved to power hundreds of households for a year each time a load was put on.

Types of Tumble Dryer

Electric Condenser

Electric condenser tumble dryers remove moist warm air from the drum, which is then cooled inside the machine and the resulting water is collected in a removable reservoir. As the reservoir is emptied regularly, these tumble dryers can be installed anywhere as steam isn’t an issue, therefore they can be placed near windows or walls. Make sure you choose a good model though, or you may have to cope with damp air and the possibility of mildew [2].

Prices: About £150 will get you an entry-level condenser tumble dryer, whereas about £800 will get you a top-of-the-range model.

Electric Vented

Electric vented tumble dryers take warm, damp air from the drum and vent it out through a hose. These models are generally cheaper and use less energy than a condenser model, however they need to be positioned near a window or door to vent the hot air away [2].

Prices: You can buy an entry-level vented tumble dryer for about £100, whereas a top-of-the-range model will be about £700.

Gas Vented

Gas vented tumble dryers use gas as their heat source, yet work in the same way as electric vented dryers with damp air being vented away through a hose. These models have cheaper running costs than electric vented tumble dryers and have good drying performances, however they do need to be professionally installed by a Gas Safe engineer. They also need to be positioned near a door or window to vent the air away, like electric vented models [2].

Prices: Gas vented models cost around £300.

Heat Pumps

These models are condenser dryers that use heat pumps to reheat warm air and conserve heat. This design feature is estimated to provide energy savings of up to 50% when compared with some machines on the market. The two main manufacturers, Bosch and Miele claim that the technology works like a “fridge in reverse” [3].

Prices: Models start at around £300 and top-of-the-range models can reach over £1000.

Choosing an Energy Efficient Tumble Dryer

When looking for an energy efficient tumble dryer, the best option is to check the energy labelling. There is often a huge difference in energy running costs between ratings, so it’s worth investing in an A rated appliance if you can afford to. An example of the savings are shown below:

Energy Saving Tips

It’s not only important to have an energy efficient tumble dryer in the first place, but using it efficiently will also save you money. Here are some tips to reduce your energy bill:

• Clean the lint filter before every load – a blocked filter prevents the hot air from circulating freely, meaning your clothes take longer to dry.
• Try to fill your tumble dryer to the maximum every load.
• Using the spin function on your washing machine will mean your clothes need less time in the tumble dryer.
• Keep your tumble dryer in a well ventilated room – this will stop it from over heating.
• If your tumble dryer has a sensor, dry your clothes for ironing with other clothes. Start by using the iron-dry setting, remove the clothes for ironing, and then put the rest on a cupboard-dry program [1].

[1] http://www.which.co.uk/environment-and-saving-energy/environment-and-greener-living/guides/energy-saving-tumble-drying-tips/energy-efficient-tumble-dryers/

[2] http://www.which.co.uk/home-and-garden/laundry-and-cleaning/guides/how-to-buy-the-best-tumble-dryer/tumble-dryer-types/

[3] http://www.which.co.uk/news/2011/07/which-verdict-on-energy-saving-tumble-dryers-258217/

[4] http://www.which.co.uk/home-and-garden/laundry-and-cleaning/guides/how-to-buy-the-best-tumble-dryer/energy-efficiency/

Why is it important to use biodegradable plastics?

It is estimated that in the UK alone, we use over 4 million tonnes of plastic a year and around 35% of that is used in packaging [2]. The length of time that it takes for plastics to break down is dependent upon what type of plastic it is, but to give an idea, the everyday plastic bag can take over 1000 years [2]. This is only an estimate, as we have not been around long enough to put an exact figure on it [2] but the fact that they don’t break down in a lifetime is enough to cause concern and harm to the environment.

How is Baco BioWrap different?

The difference between Baco BioWrap and normal Clingfilm is that Baco BioWrap is made from a controlled-life, oxo-biodegradable polyethylene and a natural prodegradant is added to the product which means that micro-organisms can consume the low molecular mass products as a food source [1]. This is what makes it biodegradable in the presence of heat, light and oxygen.

Baco BioWrap can be used in the same way as conventional Clingfilm, i.e. in the fridge, freezer and microwave ovens to protect and cover food [1]. Once opened, the product should be used within 12 months . For more information visit Baco’s website at [1].

Explore our full range of eco friendly products, including kitchen products, here at Energy Saving Warehouse.

References

[1] http://www.baco.co.uk/products/biowrap.shtml

[2] http://www.greenlaunches.com/recycle/the-problems-of-plastic-recycling.php