Such is the ongoing interest in recycling across the UK that the fourth Carpet Recycling Conference will open on 11 July in Birmingham. It seems as though each and every area of our everyday life is now being drawn into the recycling industry with a number of US companies set to attend the conference to discuss developments across the Atlantic. Those there will also discuss the design of carpets, materials used and exactly which elements and which types of carpet can be recycled successfully.

The UK carpet recycling network continues to expand and a number of initiatives are likely to be announced at this year’s conference. It will be interesting to see any new ideas for the future because as we all know the vast majority of us will change our carpets on a regular basis. Quite how we can recycle them to the best of our abilities remains to be seen but any efficient recycling service needs to be considered by all of us. There will come a time in the future when the UK government looks to penalise those who do not recycle their waste, whatever type of waste this may be, and it is better to be forearmed and forewarned.

We will be looking to cover a number of the recycling conferences now prominent around the world and report on their findings and their major discussion points. This is an area of everyday life which many of us seem to ignore although more and more of us are becoming aware of our obligations to the environment. There are many different ways to recycle your carpets and there are many different ways to recycle general waste. Having the time, ability and know how to make the most of this is not always easy but with the help of the recycling industry in the UK this should become much simpler in the future.

The SnapALoop is the latest must have gadget from the world of mobile phone gadgets offering users a very unique way to insure that you never drop your mobile phone again. It is a very simple loop which fits onto the back of your phone allowing it to be held securely with just one finger. It can rotate 360 degrees for ease of us.

When you take into account the number of times you have dropped your mobile phone and hoped and prayed that you have not smashed the screen, just a few pound you can now protect your phone. This simple device is so easy to use that it is surprising that nobody has thought of it before. The vast majority of us have our mobile phones with us every single minute of every single day and they contain numerous personal information and contacts.

It will be interesting to see how SnapALoop sells over the coming weeks and months because quite simply it is too obvious to be true. You could literally save yourself hundreds of pounds a year in damaged and broken mobile phones for just a few pounds.

While there is no doubt that the demand for recycled products and recycling services continues to grow why should we recycle and how exactly will it help?

There are many areas of the recycling industry which will make a massive difference to the economy, environment and our everyday lives. The ability to recycle goods and products not only cuts down on the amount of energy used, and the amount of emissions released into the atmosphere, but also in many situations cuts the cost of recycled goods and services.

Benefits to the environment

There is no doubt that there are many different benefits to the environment with regards to recycling materials and products. By recycling as much as possible we are reducing the ever-growing need to use the Earth’s natural resources and are also reducing landfill requirements. For those who have covered the landfill problem this is an issue which will literally last hundreds if not thousands of years with many materials unlikely to degrade without our assistance.

Cost of recycled goods

Despite the fact that recycling has been around for many years now, and indeed many governments have invested millions upon millions of pounds, it is still relatively infant and there is much to do. The cost of recycled goods can only fall in the future and with various governments looking to implement tax breaks for those with viable recycling policies there is also scope for further price reductions here.

Avoiding tax charges

Despite the fact that the public are very much against recycling taxes and other penalties which councils are set to bring in there is much scope to reduce the potential to be fined in this way by simply recycling everyday goods and materials. For example, waste food can be used in many ways one of which is to release nutrients into your garden and into the soil. Many plastic goods can also be reused with more and more innovative uses for boxes, shopping trolleys, old furniture and other items.

Conclusion

While we will go into more detail with regards to recycling ideas and the fact we need to recycle, these are just a few of the ideas and the reasons for looking towards recycling in the future. Whether we like it or not, and many of the public have expressed their disdain, governments and councils are set to bring in potentially enormous penalties for those who do not recycle. Quite what we will then receive for our council tax and general government tax remains to be seen but this is another area and another argument for another day.

Straw logs are a fairly new type of green fuel which is certainly beginning to catch on especially amongst those who have wood-burning and multifuel stoves. In simple terms these are logs which are made from straw which is often left in fields to decompose. This is yet another exciting and environmentally friendly way of effectively “recycling” left over elements of various farm crops.

Aside from the fact that straw logs are extremely environmentally friendly they also have the shortest plantation to fuel route which can be anywhere up to one year. When you compare this very quick procedure against up to 150 years for wood and coal (and the Co2 emissions associated with this extended growth period) it is not difficult to see why more and more people are now looking towards straw logs. It is also interesting to learn that the CO2 emissions released into the atmosphere from straw which is left to decompose in the field is exactly the same as that from straw which is used to create straw logs and burnt on stoves and fires across the UK.

When you also take into account the fact that straw logs can be used in conjunction with any other type of fuel, they are relatively cheap, highly sustainable and environmentally friendly it is no surprise to learn that interest continues to grow. The ability to effectively create a new type of fuel from a by-product associated with wheat, oil seed rape and peas grown for food cannot be underestimated. This is a new era of eco-friendly fuel and the very fact that the same level of CO2 emissions are released into the atmosphere whether the product is burnt or left to decompose in the field is worth noting.

Buy Now/More Info : Bowland Stoves

Choosing a wood burning stove is fairly straightforward if you are able to split the various decisions and preferences into individual sections. There are many things to consider when looking to buy a wood burning stove - you need to be fully aware of what you are after, your budget and the standard of the stove you are looking to buy. So what should you consider when choosing a wood-burning stove?

Budget

The cost of a wood-burning stove can vary widely between different brands, different heat outputs and different styles. You need to ascertain an early stage what your maximum budget is and also remember to include the cost of installation which can in some cases be as much or more than the cost of the stove itself. Here at Bowland Stoves we would rather make you fully aware of the overall cost of buying and fitting a woodburning stove as early as possible so that you are fully aware of the picture a very early stage.

Style

Whether you are looking for a contemporary wood burning stove or a traditional wood burning stove the choice on the market today is absolutely enormous. There are short stoves, long stoves, wide stoves, thin stoves and every other type of stove you can think of. We have even seen the introduction of bizarre stove colours such as purple which have caught the eye of some people. If you are unsure as to whether you should choose a wood-burning stove in traditional or contemporary styles then we suggest that you look at the various options available and see what catches your eye.

Heat output

Many people fall into the trap of automatically assuming relatively low or relatively high heat output requirements for their specific rooms. The truth is that each room is very different and while the dimensions of the room will offer a basis on which to base your requirements you will also need to take into account the number of windows, position of the stove, whether the room is open plan and the number of doors. These are fairly simple calculations and we can offer you guidance for your particular situation to ensure you get the right stove heat output for your room.

Size of stove

Many people are surprised by the very compact nature of woodburning stoves when they actually see them in showrooms and in homes up and down the country. However, over the last few years we have seen the introduction of not only fairly compact stoves but also fairly large stoves which are designed to make a statement in any room. It is also vital that you do not fall into the trap of assuming a larger stove will offer a larger heat output because this is not always the case.

Cost of running a stove

The cost of running a wood-burning stove will depend upon your requirements, size of the stove and how often it is used. While any woodburning stove which is active 24/7 will obviously use a fair amount of wood the truth is that for the period required by the vast majority of people in UK there is scope for actual cost savings against the cost of traditional heating systems. As we all know, the cost of gas and electric has increased dramatically over the last few years which is one of the reasons why more and more people are now looking towards installing either woodburning stoves or multifuel stoves.

Stove brands

As the UK stove market continues to grow we have seen a number of new entrants to the market offering more and more competition and better and better prices for consumers. With such brand names as Arada stoves, Broseley stoves, Bosca Stoves, Dovre Stoves, Hamlet Stoves, Harmony Stoves, Huntingdon Stoves, Jotul Stoves, Morso Stoves, Nestor Martin Stoves, Riva Stoves, Stanford Stoves, Stockton Stoves, Termatech Stoves and Yeoman Stoves to name but a few it is not difficult to see an increase in choice.

Before you buy your wood burning stove we strongly recommend taking advice from professionals such as ourselves because various stove companies will target a specific market and specialise in specific effects. So whether you are looking for something traditional, contemporary, colourful or a standard cast black stove there is something out there for you.

Maintenance

Like any piece of machinery we strongly recommend regular servicing of your wood burning stove or multifuel stove to ensure that you are able to get the best out of your machine the vast majority of the time. It is easy to assume that traditional and contemporary stoves of today do not require regular maintenance when in reality they are very highly tuned and highly efficient machines and their performance can be impacted by a buildup of ash and dust. For just a few pounds a year you will be able to have your stove fully serviced and it is highly likely that you will feel the benefits immediately.

Flues and accessories

The process of installing a wood-burning stove is fairly simple and straightforward assuming that the correct measurements and calculations are available. However, incorrect figures can lead to the purchase of incorrect elements of flue and accessories which can increase the price of the overall installation. Again, it is vital that you speak to the experts with regards to flues and accessories because we can give you the best prices and ensure what you receive what you need, nothing more and nothing less.

Replacing your wood burning stove

The UK wood burning stove market has increased dramatically over the last 10 or 20 years and more and more people are now looking to replace their woodburning stoves for something more modern and more efficient. A number of stove retailers around the UK will offer some form of collection service for your older woodburning stove and ensure it is disposed of in the correct manner. In some situations you may well be able to negotiate a discount on the purchase of a new woodburning stove by including your old stove in the deal.

Government grants

The UK government has been introducing a number of grants in relation to wood-burning and multifuel stoves whether this is a direct reduction in price, some form of grant or a reduction in VAT. As a consequence, if you are looking to buy a wood-burning stove we strongly recommend speaking to your retailer and asking them for information regarding government grants and assistance with regards to the purchase of a wood-burning stove. You will be surprised how much a 15% reduction in VAT will take off your bottom line, money which automatically falls into your back pocket!

Conclusion

Over the last few years we have seen massive interest in wood burning stoves and multifuel stoves in the UK. However, while many people are now looking into the possible purchase of a stove it is vital that they are aware of what you are buying, the options available and the overall cost. We are very keen to ascertain our customer’s requirements at a very early stage and give them a cost price for the project, whether this is an individual stove or stove and installation, which we will stick by. There is no point buying a stove only to find out you are unable to afford the installation fee - therefore we are very active in putting together packages which include a significant discount for the customer.

Why not drop us an e-mail or give us a call and we can discuss your stove requirements in more detail.

Website :- www.bowlandstoves.co.uk

The British Retail Consortium has today confirmed plans regarding its supermarket recycling scheme which will see the plastic used for bread bags, cereal liners and to connect cans in the multipacks collected by all supermarkets across the UK. When you consider that this particular supply of plastic equates to around 645,000 tonnes a year, or 43% of all plastic household waste in the UK, there is massive scope for a reduction in UK plastic landfill figures.

This scheme has been on the backburner for some time now as many of the UK supermarkets were unwilling to commit due to potential cost issues. However, an agreement has now been reached with regards to a new scheme named the On Pack Recycling Label which will be introduced to supermarkets in the UK in the short to medium term. There is no doubt that when you bear in mind the figures in question this will have a major impact upon the UK government’s recycling statistics and recycling rates.

For many years now there has been a bone of contention between consumers, the government and the supermarkets in the UK over who should foot the bill for recycling costs. It seems that supermarkets are now more willing than ever to take their fair share of the “blame” with regards to the UK landfill issue and recycling rates. It will be interesting to see how successful this particular scheme will be!

The UK government is very keen on recycling rates in the UK and under pressure from the European Union to improve rates it seems likely that local authorities around the UK will tighten regulations and reintroduce fines. This is despite the fact that the UK government recently indicated that recycling fines would be “a thing of the past” and also promised to do its utmost to reintroduce weekly bin collections. So what can we expect in the UK with regards to recycling rates and recycling fines?

There is no doubt there is a need to improve recycling rates across the UK and indeed a recent survey confirmed that the Isle of Wight has the lowest recycling rates in the UK. Around only one third of waste is recycled on the Isle of Wight and the local authorities have introduced a consultation period to try and improve this dire statistic. Over the next few years the government, local authorities and the UK population will need to come together to improve UK recycling rates but there will likely be a massive backlash from the public if further fines are introduced.

In many ways it seems that the UK government is at loggerheads with local councils who have seen their budgets cut, their costs increase and need to increase their income in the medium to longer term. Who will win this battle of the heavyweights remains to be seen but the UK population would appear to have enough of being spoonfed recycling propaganda and being hit with ever increasing local council costs as well as recycling fines.

There are now many ways to recycle food scraps with a number of food recycling programs offering the opportunity to make the most from food scrap waste. Recycling food waste is something which we should all be looking at as food scraps landfill sites become ever more cluttered and the recent announcement of various fines for overuse of landfill sites has hit the UK government, and other European governments, very hard.

Food scraps make a perfect compost for your garden, as the various nutrients and vitamins will in many cases assist the growth of your flowers and vegetables. When you consider the millions upon millions of tonnes of food waste which are disposed off each and every year there is not only the potential for enormous savings in cost but also the potential for enormous savings at various landfill sites across the UK. The idea of a food waste bin in your kitchen may not sound too hygienic and to healthy but the truth is that food waste bins today are fully enclosed thereby ensuring that no odours and none of the waste escape into your general atmosphere.

Recycling food waste is one of many ways in which we can assist the environment and also assist ourselves and the local authorities in bringing down the cost of refuse collection. In theory this is a win win situation for all involved and is something which should be considered by every household in the UK.

The popularity of wood burning stoves is perfectly reflected in the ever-growing number of Huntingdon wood burning stoves now for sale and being snapped up by many people around the UK. These are very elegant stoves which begin with the Huntingdon 25 stove, moving through to the Huntingdon 28 stove, the Huntingdon 30 stove, the Huntingdon 35 stove and finally the Huntingdon 40 stove - with more Huntingdon Stoves to follow no doubt!

Not only have there been great improvements in the look and feel of these particular stoves but there had been massive improvements in efficiency and control of both the flame and heat which is radiated by these very stylish items. The Huntingdon wood burning stove range is one of a number of very popular ranges available online and off-line and proving very popular amongst people moving into new homes, new builds or perhaps looking to renovate an older house.

The wood burning stoves of yesteryear look nothing like the wood burning stoves of today and we strongly recommend checking out this very efficient method of heating your home.

The Aga Fusion Pellet Stove offers a stylish and very energy efficient means of heating your home using clean burning renewable pellets. There are a number of different fuels which can be used with the Aga Fusion Pellet Stove allowing you to recycle goods such as waste wood or short rotation coppice wood.

As well as offering the chance to reuse effective waste there is no doubt that Aga Fusion Pellet Stove are more popular today than they ever have been. The Aga Fusion Pellet Stove is just one of a massive range of different brand names available at very affordable prises. So whether you have a budget of just a few hundred pounds or thousands of pounds, there will be something for you.

Features include :-

Automatic start up cycle
Modulating heat output capacity from 4.1kW - 13kW
Built in room thermostat
Average fuel consumption per hour 1kg
Optional remote thermostat