The Book of Rubbish Ideas

Nigel and Nigel from Nigel's Eco Store

On a completely unrelated side note, for those of you too young to remember, the above was a fantastic song by XTC.

Back to business: Today I’m talking ’shopping’.  Eek, shopping?  Yes, well, I’m not a complete non-consumer you know, but I am very selective. 

Nigel’s Eco Store is an award winning online retailer of environmentally friendly products I know you’ll love. Inspired by stylish, innovative and functional eco design, Nigel has handpicked a variety of products and gifts that’ll help you to save money, reduce your carbon footprint and live a more planet-friendly life.

There’s something for everyone including home furnishings, kitchenware, gadgets, office products, kids toys and energy saving devices. All products are environmentally sound, made of organic, recycled and energy efficient materials that will not only look great in your home, but will help to reduce your contribution to global warming.

In a rare and exclusive interview, the Nigel Berman told me,

I set up the store in 2005 because I wanted to do something positive, and make a difference. There are a few more of us involved with it now but the main thing is that we all continue to be inspired by eco friendly products and ideas that solve environmental challenges and yet are still fun, functional and desirable.

In our searches for new eco products to add to the range, we love things that use less energy, re-use materials, don’t pollute, or that are natural and organic and compared to non-eco alternatives, do the same job and look and feel just as great or better!

When you choose something eco friendly you get a double benefit; you love it (we hope) and you’re moving towards sustainability, which means it’s better for everyone and the planet.

We’re constantly looking for new and innovative, environmentally friendly, natural and organic and feel-good products and make them easier for you to have and own so we can all make this move towards environmental sustainability.

There’s no doubt about it everyone is feeling the pinch.  I asked him if he felt there was a growing trend of new and informed consumers, who are happier to spend a little more money for green goods that have longevity and sustainability built in?

We’ve definitely noticed an increase in people looking for energy saving products and gadgets, that also save money, like standby savers, insulation products, heating efficiency etc. There is also a growing trend of people who want to buy green goods because they’re looking for products that don’t damage the planet, in line with their own values and concerns. The prices of green and eco goods are coming down as well as the demand increases; there’s a lot of good value out there.

We have some great resident designers in this country.  Have you noticed a rise in homegrown and manufactured eco-goods and do you think we’re doing enough to celebrate them?

In the last year or so, we’ve definitely seen a massive increase in UK designed eco products and home grown eco designers, but most production of any scale is done in China; the cost makes it prohibitive to manufacture here. I’m still amazed though how many new products don’t have any eco-ness built in. Small designers and makers have great ideas and great products but often lack the resources to market them, so they get a bit lost. There are organisations like [re]design that support, celebrate and showcase green designers and the Eco-Design Fair that promote smaller makers. Do we do enough to celebrate them? Probably not.

Your Eco Store is wedged with some of my favourite things! Name 3 great green products that would help my readers reduce their rubbish.

Why thank you – these are 3 of my favourites:

Ceramic Kitchen Composter – keeps kitchen scraps where they won’t leak or create a mess. Contains an activated carbon filter that allows air to circulate and prevents rotting while absorbing any bad smells – so your nose won’t know it’s there.

Jar Tops – a set of 5 stylish screw on plastic tops that can transform glass jars turning them into containers, jugs, shakers and more

I’m Not a Paper Cup – a ceramic thermal mug that aims to reduce your need for throw-away paper coffee cups

And finally, I just had to use the dreaded ‘C’ word and yes, I do realise its only November.  I wanted to know Nigel’s green predictions for this year’s top eco-Crimble present?

Here’s my top 3!

Organic Santa Pants – £9.99
These organic Santa Pants are made from 97% organic and Fairtrade cotton and 3% lycra; they come in red with a white waistband, a small wings print on the bum and are gorgeously soft and comfortable.
For her
For him

Penguin Torch – £4.99
This magical source of light doesn’t need any batteries. Just give it a friendly squeeze and it’s ready to light your way into the night. Truly illuminating!

Sun Jar – £19.99
The Sun Jar is an ingenious portable solar powered light. It looks like a storage jar but it has a solar cell, batteries and LED light under the lid. It stores sunlight in the daytime and when it gets dark the Sun Jar automatically turns itself on and glows with the day’s sunshine.

We’re adding great new products all the time.  For Christmas, check out our solar powered fairy lights, eco Christmas decorations, grow your own trees and organic wine cases. And don’t forget to sign up to our newsletter for regular offers!

Thank you very much Nigel. 

There, that should be enough plans for all of my readers.

Rubbishly yours,

TSx