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Heat pumps do bring down energy costs

Researchers at the Energy House 2.0 research facility at the University of Salford, working with housebuilders Bellway and Barratt Redrow and construction solutions manufacturer Saint-Gobain UK & Ireland, have spent the past year testing 14 different heating systems to see which ones will heat homes the best at the lowest cost.
 

Cruelty free Eris silk

Affordable luxuries: eco-friendly candles and diffusers

scented candles are big business. Choose candles that contain no paraffin wax and if they have palm wax choose brands that guarantee sustainable palm

Heat pump maker Aira launches new Power range for homes

The company says it's completed the fully integrated Aira Home Energy System, designed to massively cut energy bills, decarbonise homes and accelerate Europe’s transition to affordable, secure and clean energy.

Building on the success of its heat pump, Swedish clean energy tech company Aira is launching two new products – the Aira Power Hub (inverter) and Aira Power Store (battery). Connected in one system, the products work seamlessly together with solar panels and the Aira Heat Pump to give monthly energy bill savings of around 90 per cent.

Pet Lamp Project - turning plastic bottles into lighting

eco friendly PET Lamps are made by artisan communities in Chile and Colombia using waste PET plastic bottles. The lamps also use sustainable fibres such as wool, rattan and wicker. The project was started in Spain by Pet Lamp Project.

Closca collapsible cycle helmets

It's a small design studio that won Spain's National Design Prize for its Fuga foldable cycle helmet. Closca founder and designer Carlos Ferrando says his motivation in designing the product was to 'make the urban cyclist more beautiful' and no doubt many of us can drink to that...

Benefits of hiring an expert to design your home

Hire an interior designer to help you get the most of your home. And they'll ensure you make eco friendly, sustainable decisions too - for example choosing sustainable renewable materials, recycled materials and the most energy efficient appliances. 

Focus on: Duette heat conserving blinds

Duette energy saving blinds can help reduce energy bills. they can be an eco friendly option for window coverings

Deco's A to Z of natural fibres

ALPACA. It's wool taken from the South American llama-like alpaca. It is soft and warm, naturally water-repellent and fire-resistant and has no lanolin, making it suitable for those with allergies to sheep’s wool. There are two breeds, Suri and Huacaya which have slightly different wool. 

Dress up your home with orchids

Orchids are endlessly fascinating with their complex sculptural blooms and variegated colour. They're exquisite exotic works of art, yet they have a minimalism about them - which explains why so many contemporary interior designers love them. They have great presence yet they're not overpowering. (And yes, ok, they may not always prove the easiest plant to keep in fine fettle, but more on that later.)

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