We have decided to take the plunge and stock more e-bikes and here we answer the question, why e-bikes? We don’t take this decision lightly but we are very happy with the new direction as we think they are eco-friendly, convenient and help you get fitter. First things first, a human powered bicycle is one […]
Plastic bag charge to go up to 10p and apply to all retailers
Defra has announced plans to double 5p plastic bag charge and extend levy to all retailers from April 2021. The plan aims to curb plastic pollution ending up in landfill or the oceans. The “hugely successful” 5p charge has prevented billions of plastic bags being sold and ending up in the ocean and environment since […]
One simple action to cut energy usage from kettles
Some home appliances may seem to use a lot of energy such as electric ovens, dishwashers or washing machines but it’s the humble kettle that uses the most. On average the kettle uses about 6% of all the electricity supplied to British homes. While an electric oven doesn’t always get used every day, a kettle […]
Where does our plastic recycling go – UK’s dirty secrets?
Recycling is not new. In times when resources were precious and pre-industrial revolution, people often recycled, reused and repaired much more than now. The Japanese were recycling paper in the 11th century; medieval blacksmiths made armour from scrap metal. During the second world war, scrap metal was made into tanks and women’s nylons into parachutes. […]
Artificial or real Christmas trees – which is better for the environment?
If you’re dreaming of a green Christmas then your choice of Christmas tree is a major decision. Artificial trees are increasingly popular as they look ever more life-like and convenient. Real trees are a bit more work in putting them up securely, keeping the needles on and then disposing of them after Christmas. There are, […]
Plastic – the good, the bad and the ugly
Plastic is the new bête-noire of today’s environmental movement. We have seen heart-breaking scenes of pollution and real damage caused by single use plastic in the environment in David Attenborough’s Blue Planet 2 programme and excellent campaigning work by others. BBC’s Blue Planet 2 showed us the incredible beauty and diversity of life in our […]
EU approves ban on single use plastics
The EU parliament has voted overwhelmingly in favour of banning single-use plastics to tackle plastic pollution on land, waterways and seas. There will be a new directive – Single use plastic proposal – banning items such as plastic straws, cotton swabs, disposable plastic plates and cutlery by 2021, and 90% of plastic bottle recycled by […]
Tips on cutting your plastic usage to reduce plastic pollution
The images are heart-breaking: dead marine animals entangled in plastic, formerly beautiful beaches covered in plastic waste and the mounting evidence of micro-plastics pervading our eco-systems. Plastic isn’t all bad. Used properly, it helps keep food fresh and protects products from damage. Its durability means that it is also a useful material in manufacturing and […]
Tea bags and the hidden plastic pollution
It may come as surprise to some but tea bags contain a proportion of plastic. The plastic (polypropylene to be exact) is added to heat seal them during manufacture so they don’t come apart in the box, or in your cup. It also means that tea bags aren’t completely biodegradable. We’ve noticed this ourselves in […]
What is an eco-friendly product?
We think about what constitutes an eco-friendly product continuously. We’re always looking for new products and assessing them for whether they would be suitable to sell on ECO Arcade. You’ll be relieved to hear that we don’t automatically believe every claim and make up our own mind based on a widely accepted 4 R’s of […]