Features
 They are largely decorative but bio-ethanol is a renewable fuel and contrary to public perception, these fires do provide some heat. And in these cold months, a bit of extra heat isn't to be sniffed at, particularly as wood-burning stoves are now being flagged as a cause of dangerous particulate emissions |
 We associate low to no energy bills with new-build houses that feature all the latest eco tech. But Ecospheric shows that Victorian houses can be made ultra low energy dwellings too |
 Artist Dee McLean has made a series of paintings over the past two years that chronicles the resurgence of the plants and flowers in the ponds area of Hampstead Heath |
 The Institute of Chemical Engineers' advice to its members is to be conscious about using the minimum of a substance. And we layfolk could do more for the environment by embracing minimalism |
 Sphere8 offers perfectly smooth and seamless resin floors with a difference - their product is plant rather than petrochemical-based. |
 It's a fantastic eco story, a made in Britain story, a 'how have I lived without one?' story. Let's hear it for Hug Rug! |
 There's no need to sacrifice good looks and wonderful colour options when choosing environmentally-friendly worktops |
 Design is important with kitchenware, but you can have products that are eco-friendly and ethically produced, as well as lovely to look at and a joy to use. |
 Designer maker mover shaker..it's over 40 years since John Makepeace OBE founded Parnham College in Dorset - the design school that produced some of the best names in furniture today. And the cabinetmaker behind the exquisite and often extraordinary furniture that is much coveted by collectors around the world is himself still hard at work. |
 Should you have a garden that's big enough, it makes sense to put in a garden room if you need a home office, somewhere to put growing kids, sprightly grandparents or overnight guests, or you need a place to escape to. Sheds ain't what they used to be you know |
 You've got weddings or civil partnerships coming up. The happy couples have eschewed a list at a department store, saying airily that 'anything recyclable, bio-degradable or generally CO2-lite will be simply divine!' Rejoice, there's much that fits the bill |
 Succulents were the height of bohemian chic in the '70s and they're enjoying a resurgence thanks to a focus on easy-care plants and the need to do something about our indoor air quality. Grower Fiona Weymss of Kent-based Blueleaf Plants gives us the lowdown on these adorable little creatures |
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