Eco Hip’s Tips to an Energy Efficient Home

Committed to running an energy efficient home?  Don’t want to spend hundreds of pounds on new windows, doors and solar panels?  Here at Eco Hip, we are committed to offering consumers chemical-free, organic and natural products to promote a healthy lifestyle and today, here’s our tips on how to run an energy efficient home.

Challenge Conventional Thinking and Choose Natural Products for Your Home…

There is a common misconception when it comes to updating your home.  There is no need to spend over the odds on expensive products, instead, choose Eco Hip and get your eco friendly, natural products, reduce your energy bills and your carbon footprint.

A few simple steps will send you on your way to an environmentally friendly home.  Why not replace the five most used light bulbs in your home with energy efficient bulbs.  According to studies, up to £50 a year can be saved.  We stock Daylight Simulation light bulbs for just £3.32 which produce low light and dramatically reduce your home’s electricity usage.

For the modern homeowner, the Plumen 001 offers a unique and innovative design.  Not only does it look good but it produces 80% less energy than the traditional light bulb in order to keep bills down and cut carbon footprint.

It may come as a surprise but using cleaning products in the home can damage the environment as well your health.  Eco friendly products like the revolutionary E-Cloth makes the home safe from toxic chemicals.  It is described as having exceptional cleaning power and uses just water to remove thick grease, bacteria and dirt in every room of the home.  Click here to find out more about E-Cloth.

Contact your local government and find out about the recycling programme in your area.  The Environmental Protection Agency claims that recycling and disposing of household items in the correct way is one of the best ways that homeowners can help the environment.

Choose an eco friendly home with natural products and help reduce your carbon footprint today.
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How Does the Bobble Bottle Work?

The revolutionary Bobble bottle is the latest on pure, filtered water.  A reusable bottle, the Bobble not only looks to reduce carbon footprint but also make filtered water easily accessible to the people for a low cost but how does it work?

The Bobble Filters Chlorine and Organic Contaminants from Potable Water…

The Bobble filter uses activated carbon to remove chemicals from water.  Carbon is proven to be a powerful chemical absorbent which draws out contaminants and ensures water is clean and safe to drink.

The bottle itself is made from recycled PET that is free from BPA, Phthalates and PVC.  What’s more, it is 100% recyclable so that every consumer that buys a Bobble bottle is making their contribution towards a greener planet.

Bobble filters are removable and replaceable.  Each filter equates to 150 litres of water or 300 plastic bottles.  Using the Bobble is simple, simply fill it with water and as you drink the water will be filtered.

The Bobble bottle is readily available at EcoHip.co.uk in an eclectic range of colours.  The chic design makes the Bobble an attractive alternative to the not so eco-friendly bottled water and it is available for just £10.99.  Buying bottled water will become a thing of the past as water is cleaned through the replaceable Bobble filter.

Find out more about the Bobble bottle by clicking here.
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The Dangers of BPA in Every Day Products and How to Stay Safe with Eco Products

BPA, also known as Bisphenol A, is an industrial chemical which can be found in a number of consumer products and food containers.  From 2008, its safety has been questioned and it has become a controversial chemical as concerns were raised about its presence in consumer goods.  Today, here at Eco Hip we advise you on the dangers of BPA and the solutions to staying healthy with eco products from EcoHip.co.uk.

Research Continues to Pinpoint Dangers of BPA…

BPA is often found in plastics and epoxy resins and is used to make containers that store food and drinks.  Water bottles, baby bottles and cans are amongst the receptacles where Bisphenol A is often found.  It is often used to cost the inside of containers however, some research has shown that BPA can become soluble and lead to negative health effects.

The National Toxicology Program at the Department of Health and Human Services has commented on its use saying that there is some cause for concern.  The possible health risks which accompany BPA are a worry.

Bisphenol A has been linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes and liver enzyme abnormalities in humans.  Many companies now produce a bisphenol free product to help limit exposure to the chemical however there is much you can do to avoid exposure yourself.

Plastic bottles and containers marked with the number 7 should be avoided.  Microwaving foods in plastic containers can also increase exposure.  The National Toxivology Program advises against microwaving plastics which can break over time and seep BPA into foods.  The same must be said for washing plastics in dishwashers with harsh chemicals.

Eco Hip offers eco products which can act as alternatives to bottled waters.  The revolutionary Bobble bottle is not only healthier for you but also for the environment.  It is said that for every Bobble bought, 300 bottles of water will be saved from being discarded.  The Bobble filters tap water as you drink for clean, serviceable water you can drink on the go.  Available for as little as £10.99, visit the site for more information on the Bobble bottle.

Keep up-to-date with all the latest eco friendly advice from Eco Hip via our blog, Facebook and Twitter accounts. 

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Exercise and Hydrate in Style in Run Up to Summer

With summer fast approaching, thoughts are quickly turning to sun, sea and sand.  Snow may have fallen on to many parts of the country today but we are promised warmer days and here at Eco Hip, we are offering you advice on how to stay safe and hydrated with the help of the revolutionary Bobble bottle.

Bobble Hydrates, Filters and Reduces Carbon Footprint…

Today’s snow may have come as a bit of a shock to many of us but with summer just around the corner, many of us will be putting an exercise regime in place in an attempt to achieve a beach body.  Whether you are walking, running or playing sports in the sun, take care when temperatures rise.

Exercising in hot weather puts extra stress on your body.  You core body temperature is increased, not only due to exercise but due to exercise as well.  To avoid heat cramps and exhaustion, we recommend the Bobble bottle.  Not only will it keep you hydrated but it will also work to filter your water as you drink.

The revolutionary Bobble is a reusable, portable water bottle which filters tap water as you drink.  The eye-catching design makes for easy drinking and filters need only be changed every two months.

Every Bobble bought saves 300 bottles from being discarded.  In the UK alone, the bottled water market exceeds £1 billion.  Made from recycled plastic, the Bobble is the future in water bottles.

At just £10.99, keep yourself hydrated this month and help save the planet.  Click here to browse the full range!

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Save Money and Grow Your Own Green Products

British Summertime has begun and with it, the sun has appeared from behind the clouds.  Now is the perfect time for all organic loving homeowners to channel their inner gardener and grow their own green products in the form of fruit and vegetables in an attempt to save money and become healthier.

Ditch the Chemicals and Embrace an Edible Garden…

The sun has finally arrived so what better excuse to get out in the garden.  Gardening can be embraced as a great family activity, it provides the opportunity to do exercise and save money at the same time as eating healthy, green products and food that you have grown yourself!

Green, grassy lawns may look inviting but the average lawn is treated with a plethora of toxic weed killers.  Why not ditch the chemicals and instead opt for an edible garden?  Visit our online store for a wide range of seeds and recipe cards which not only make great gifts but also make the perfect accompaniment to your favourite meals.  Basil, Parsley and Dill are amongst the herbs available.  Simply plant your plantable cards and wait for them to grow.  Click here to check out the full range.

If you are looking to grow vegetables or fruit, pop down to your local garden centre.  Unlike many big retailers, local garden centres offer a more personal service and can advise you on the best options for your organic garden.

Getting started can be tricky.  Some may assume that chemicals are required to kill living grass.  Here at Eco Hip we promote healthy, eco friendly living and thus offer the following alternative.  Smother a small patch of grass with an old blanket or piece of cardboard.  It can take several months to complete the process so consider starting now for your summer garden.  Add organic compost and you are ready to go!

Planting marigolds can be beneficial to those of you looking to deter pests.  They are known as ‘companion plants’ and attract beneficial insects like lacewigs and ladybirds.  What’s more, garlic, hot pepper and soap can deter pests and netting can prevent birds from nibbling on your new organic groceries.

If you are thinking of creating your own organic garden and growing green products in the form of fruit and veg, keep these tips in mind but remember, stay away from the chemicals and eat healthier this summer. MMMM.

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Want to Save Energy at Home? Choose Eco Products and Cut your Energy Bills

At the start of the year, we are sure you made some new year’s resolutions.  Economise, tick.  Eat less chocolate, tick.  Reduce carbon footprint, tick.  If you want to really start taking charge of your savings then listen up because we have some great tips which will make your home a more energy efficient, economical place to live. 

Offering you the opportunity to cut your energy bills and save the planet, we will give you advice on what you can do right now to make changes in your home thanks to inexpensive eco products available on the market.

Homeowners Spend More than £1,200 on Energy Bills a Year…

Many companies offer opportunities to save money and energy through various home improvements.  It is often the case, however, that these methods are expensive, especially at a time when the economic downturn shows no signs of slowing down.  Here at Eco Hip, we offer a cheaper alternative through organic and eco friendly products which look to keep energy bills down.

Homeowners spend more than £1,200 a year on energy bills and more than half of the energy used in the home is through heating and cooling the home.  With a few simple steps, you can reduce your energy bill.  Move your furniture away from radiators and open curtains on sunny days to see a difference in savings.

Here at Eco Hip, we recommend the revolutionary Aquaball.  Considering hot water used for baths, washing clothes and dishes amongst other things can make up around 18% of energy in your home, the Aquaball offers a greener way to use a washing machine.

As well as carrying some pretty scary chemicals, washing powders and detergents are an expensive commodity.  Lasting up to 120 washes, the reusable Aquaball is less than a quarter of the price of its chemical alternatives which washes clothes naturally with its own natural softener.  Homeowners who have purchased the Aquaball in the past have boasted reduced energy bills.  The revolutionary product requires a shorter rinse thus cutting down on water and electricity and saving you money!

We are sure many of you in the past have been told off for leaving the light on and rightly so!  Lighting can take up around 12% of your electricity bills in the home and there are plenty of ways of saving.  Number one: turn lights off when they are not needed.  When they are, choose daylight saving light bulbs like the Plumen which is designed to save homeowners money by dramatically reducing electricity usage.

If you are looking for more energy efficient ways to save money, keep your eye out for more tips and advice coming your way very soon.
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Hair Colour – Mixing Master Class

tints of nature ecohip.co.uk hair colouringFollowing on from our last article about the safety of hair colouring we had several questions raised about mixing colours to get an exact shade for you. This is not an exact science but it isn’t nearly as difficult as it might at first appear. Mixing Tints of Nature products to get your exact colour is actually quite easy.

Why mix colours?
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Frequently Asked Questions -Tints of Nature

Frequently Asked Questions

Q] Will Tints of Nature cover grey hair?

A] The natural shades 1N – 8N in the Tints of Nature range will cover 100% grey hair. If you wish to use one of the fashion shades, then you simply need to mix this with the corresponding natural shade in equal amounts, e.g. 25ml 7D + 25ml 7N + 50ml Colourfix. Please note, 10N is not guaranteed to cover grey hair.

Q] Can I use Tints of Nature over another hair colourant?

A] Tints of Nature can be used over other hair colours, except metallic based products. If you have used a hair colour which contains a metal such as lead acetate, zinc, iron or copper, please wait at least one month before using Tints of Nature and shampoo your hair thoroughly during this time. This advice also applies to using Tints of Nature over a henna colour, which can leave a waxy residue on the hair and make colouring difficult.

Q] I have used hair colour for years without any problems. Why do I need to carry out a sensitivity test before using Tints of Nature?

A] It is possible to become sensitive to ingredients used in hair colour over time. Also some medication may have an affect, as well as permanent make-up or tattoos. If your scalp is irritated or damaged, this might also cause a potential reaction. We always recommend that a sensitivity test is carried out at least 48 hours before use, every time you use Tints of Nature. Full details are included in the instruction leaflet in each box.

Q] Why should I carry out a strand test, when the colour result is shown on the box?

A] The colour result shown on the box is an indication only of the actual result you will get with your Tints of Nature colour. There are mainly variables which can affect the final result; for example, condition of the hair, percentage of grey in the hair, previous colourant on the hair, medication, etc. We advise that a strand test is carried out at the same time as the sensitivity test, to make sure that you are happy with the colour. Full details are included in the instruction leaflet in each box.

Q] Are Tints of Nature products suitable for vegans and vegetarians?

A] All the colours are suitable for use by vegans and vegetarians, along with Tints of Nature Shampoo, Conditioner, Reconstructing Treatment and Seal & Shine. Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Scalp Treatment both contain a milk derivative, which may be something that vegans choose not to use.

Q] Can any unused colour be saved and used for another application?

A] Any unused colour which has been mixed with the Colourfix should be disposed of. However, any unmixed colour can be saved in the bottle and should last several months, so can be used for another application. Please make sure that the bottle is sealed properly and is stored in a cool place out of direct sunlight.

Q] I am pregnant. Can I colour my hair?

A] We do not recommend that Tints of Nature is used during pregnancy or whilst breastfeeding. Please consult your doctor, if you do decide to colour your hair during this time and make sure you carry out a sensitivity test.

Q] Can Tints of Nature be used by people undergoing chemotherapy?

A] Due to the nature of the treatment for cancer, we do not recommend that Tints of Nature is used during chemotherapy, radiotherapy or other forms of treatment. Please consult your doctor if you do decide to colour your hair during this time and make sure you carry out a sensitivity test. After treatment has been completed, it may be possible to colour the hair once there is about an inch of growth, although if the scalp is damaged, excessively dry or irritated, or the hair is brittle, then colouring should not take place. We recommend that semi-permanent hair colour is used for the first few months, until hair becomes stronger. We always recommend that both a sensitivity and strand test are carried out.

Q] My hair needs colouring, but it is dry so I do not want to risk damaging it further. Can I use Tints of Nature?

A] Tints of Nature will not damage your hair so you are fine to colour it. Tints of Nature shampoos and conditioners will help to repair the damage and restore the natural protein and moisture balance of the hair.

Q] My hair is dull and feels damaged?

A] Use the Tints of Nature shampoo and conditioner range, which is designed to work with coloured hair to maintain a natural balance of protein and moisture.

Q] How can I darken the ends of my hair without having all my hair coloured?

A] Choose the same colour as before, mix 25mls colour with 25mls Colourfix in a clean plastic bowl, add a small amount of Tints of Nature shampoo and mix thoroughly. This can be applied to the faded ends with a sponge. Check colour after 15 minutes – this should be enough time, add water and work up to a lather. Rinse off then condition using Tints of Nature conditioner.

Q] Is there a way of removing permanent hair colour if I am not happy with the result?

A] Yes, but it has to done at a hair salon, as they have the correct products to do this. This is the reason why we recommend that a strand test is done before full application.

Q] The colour result is too dark. What can I do?

A] We always recommend a strand test before the hair is coloured, which will indicate the actual colour result on your hair. If the hair is too dark after colouring, you can use a saline solution, which will fade the colour over the course of a couple of weeks.

Saline solution instructions: Shampoo hair and rinse. Mix 1L of warm water with 2 tablespoons of salt to make the saline solution. Dip a sponge in the solution and run through the hair. Repeat until all the solution has been used – leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse, shampoo, rinse and then condition the hair. Rinse. These simple steps should release the pigment, but fading may not appear immediately. It can take a few days for the process to become evident. This process can be repeated once a week for three weeks.

Q] What can I do about the brassy yellow tones in my grey hair?

A] Ash colours are perfect for this problem. You can use 6C or 10C.

Q] What is double processed hair?

A] Hair that has two or three chemical processes on it, and Bleach and Hilift colours using high volumes of peroxide.

Q] Can Tints of Nature be used for lightening hair?

A] Tints of Nature will lift hair by approximately one shade, e.g. if you are a natural base 5, then it will lift your hair to around a base 6. For a greater lift, we offer a lightening kit, which is suitable for medium brown to blonde hair.

Q] I want to highlight my hair. How do I do this?

A] We offer a highlighting kit, which is suitable for dark brown to blonde hair.

Q] How often should I colour my hair?

A] If you are covering regrowth, we recommend that you colour your hair when there is 1 – 1½ inches of regrowth. This is usually about every four to six weeks, but the time is dependent on how quickly your hair grows.

Q] The colour did not work on my grey hair. What can I do?

A] Grey hair that is resistant to colour will need to be shampooed first. Shampoo, towel dry well and apply the colour to damp hair. You can extend the development time up to fifty minutes. Medication can also be a problem; HRT and Thyroxin can block colour. You could also apply very low heat with a hairdryer for the first ten minutes of the development time.

Q] Do any of your colours contain henna?

A] Although we use the term henna in the name of some colours, this is just to indicate the shade. We do not use any henna in the products.

Q] I have recently permed my hair. Can I use your colours?

A] We recommend that you wait one week after having your hair permed with an ammonia-based perm. If you have had your hair permed with Organic Curl Systems ammonia-free perm, then you can colour your hair straightaway.

Q] Can I use the highlighting kit with the colour or someone else’s colour?

A] The highlighting kit is compatible with the Tints of Nature permanent hair colours, but may not be compatible with other brands of colour.

Q] When can I apply the highlighting kit if I have just coloured my hair?

A] The highlighting kit can be applied directly after colouring your hair with Tints of Nature.

Q] What’s the difference between the highlighting and lightener kits?

A] The lightener kit is designed for a full head application, to lighten the whole of the head. The highlight kit uses a cap and hook to create highlighted strands throughout the hair.

Q] Can I go back to ammonia-based hair colours after using Tints of Nature?

A] Tints of Nature will not damage your hair, so you should be able to apply another brand of colour over the top. We recommend that you consult the manufacturers of the brand you wish to use, to make sure that it is compatible with Tints of Nature.

Q] I have a stain from the colour on my skin. How do I remove it?

A] Soap and water should remove any staining on the skin.

Q] Is Tints of Nature suitable for afro hair?

A] Due to the nature of the product, Tints of Nature is unlikely to be suitable for afro hair.

Q] Is Tints of Nature hair colour suitable for use on children?

A] Tints of Nature is not for use by anyone under the age of 16.

Q] Do any of your products contain heavy metals?

A] No, none of the Tints of Nature products contain any heavy metals.

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Perfume Free Shampoo

The skin is the largest single organ in the body and when people say that ‘we are what we eat’ they are partly right but in truth we are what we absorb and the sad truth is that we absorb many chemicals through our skin.

Even when we shower we absorb chemicals from the shower water – chlorine and anything else thats in the water. In truth the shower is probably one of the most harmful place in the home. Firstly we breath in the fine aerosol of chemicals created by the shower spray and then the warmth of the water opens up our skin pores to exacerbate the issue.

One scary though for today is that whenever we throw unused pharmaceutical drugs down the toilet (we recommend returning them to the Pharmacy) or just use pharmaceutical drugs they invariably end up in the sewer. Most people have never even thought about the way sewage treatment plants work but the sad truth is that these chemicals simply pass straight through. They then end up accumulating in the river water, sea water and ground water. Guess what we do them – yes you’ve got the picture – we then extract the water and feed it back into our water supplies. The water companies don’t test for chemicals generally or specifically and the reality si that the water we drink and wash in has all sorts of different chemicals in it and they all have the potential to harm.

If you want to read a good book about how to survive on a toxic planet the book by the same name authored by Dr Steve Nugent is a good place to start.

We like to think that we are not adding to the chemical polutants and by using perfume free Shampoo and hair conditioners that have reduced chemical profiles that we are also protecting ourselves when we shower and bathe.

One of the best products out there is made in Denmark.

no perfum shampoo urtekramNo Perfume shampoo Organic 500 ml

No perfume – For all hair types.

Ingrediens: Water, vegetable glycerine*, coconut and corn sugar soap, alcohol*, glyceride of coconut oil, glyceride of sunflower oil, citric acid. Nothing else.

* = Organic

International ingredients (INCI)2010: Aqua, glycerin*, coco-glucoside, cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium coco-sulfate, alcohol*, glyceryl caprylate, glyceryl oleate, sodium cocoyl glutamate, citric acid. Nothing else.

 

* = ingredient from Organic farming.

 

100% of the total of the ingredients are of natural origin. 13% of the total of the ingredients proceed from Organic Agriculture.

 

Natural and Organic Cosmetics.

 

Certified by ECOCERT SAS – BP 47- F-32600 Lisle Jourdain

Asthma-Allergy Association, Denmark

 

The Danish Astma-Allergy Association The Danish Astma-Allergy Association is a highly respected and reputable organization taking care of the interests of people who suffer from allergy. General advice on allergy and declaration of products which can be used by allergic people is part of their work.

 

To declare products in association with the Danish Astma-Allergy Association manufacturers must submit their recipes for control by external and independent specialists on allergy appointed by the Danish Astma-Allergy Association. Besides the total composition of the product the specialists check and approve the individual ingredients and the manufacturer of same, to assure the total product and the individual ingredients are safe for use by allergic people.

 

Products declared in association with the organization are allowed to be labeled with the blue logo of the Danish Astma-Allergy Association.

 

The Danish Astma-Allergy Association has sister organizations in other Scandinavian and continental European countries.

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Soap – carries a health warning!

You might think that Soap, one of the most widely used and recommended things to keep you safe at home, would be safe to use. Sadly due to modern developments in terms of chemicals, the old favourite soap is now worthy of carrying it’s own health warning. So why has it become so much of a threat?

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