Month: June 2021

How to Help The Environment in 5 Simple Steps

29th June 2021 No Comments Blog

It is important that we all know how to help the environment. Just a few simple changes to the way we live can have a huge impact, not only the environment but your bank account too! Being mindful of your consumption habits can save you money.

Being environmentally friendly can be a fun challenge for all the family, so get the kids involved too!  Just think how much cleaner the planet would be if everyone adopted even 1 or 2 of the following changes…

1. Leave the car at home

Ditch the car for short journeys in favour of walking or cycling. For your commute to work, could you use public transport or car share?

2. Re-use

Not only will this save you money it will save resources and energy to manufacture new ‘stuff’. When shopping, always use a reusable bag. Plastic bags end up in landfills or other parts of the environment, which can then become harmful to animals. You can also minimise the use of  disposable cups and bottles by always carrying a reusable alternative.

3. Recycle 

Recycling is so simple, always make use of your recycling bins at home and visit your local recycling centre regularly.

4. Shop local

Shopping locally not only supports small businesses but reduces your carbon footprint too! Check out local retailers before you click for that next day shipping. You can visit your local farmers market for fresh, package-free food.

5. Save water

Conserving water at home is easy, simply turning of the tap when brushing your teeth makes a difference. Collecting rainwater to water your plants and only turning on your dishwasher when it’s full are great habits too.

 

Undoubtedly, big changes are needed, but little ones do add up. Knowing how to help the environment by following these simple lifestyle choices can reduce your carbon footprint and make a major impact on the planet.

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Host the perfect garden party!

17th June 2021 No Comments Blog

With Covid restrictions lasting a few more weeks, your original social plans may have had to be cancelled. Why not host the perfect garden party to lift your spirits?

It doesn’t have to be a stressful task, you can easily create a fabulous party for all to enjoy with a few of the following ideas.

Bar Area

There is no denying that outdoor bars look great! They have become increasingly popular over the last couple of years. Best of all you don’t need to spend a lot of money to create your very own tavern. A simple shelf accompanied by a couple of stools looks the part, a potting bench can also easily double up as a stylish bar. Display your favourite beverages along with ice and glasses and hey presto – bar area complete!

Party Games

Undoubtedly getting out the games will entertain guests of all ages. Keep it simple by leaving out classics like Twister, Swing ball and Jumbo Jenga to get your party going. However, you can always make your own games out of things lying around the house. Ring toss and tin can bowling are really simple to create!

Photo Booth

Capture the fun times with a homemade photo booth. Leave out some props in a signed area and let your guests do the rest. Gardens provide the perfect backdrop for fantastic snaps!

Set the scene

Host the perfect garden party with a theme. Whether you’d like bright and colourful, comfy and cosy or sleek and sophisticated, setting the scene will certainly wow your guests. Textiles such as table linen, rugs, blankets and cushions are great way to make your garden inviting. Whether it be with candles or lights, you can’t go wrong with lighting and it makes a huge difference to the ambience.

Buffet or BBQ?

However you decide to feed your guests it’s always a good idea to check for any special dietary requirements of your guests. You don’t want anyone leaving with an empty tummy!

With all this in place who needs to go out-out?! 🙂

 

                                                                                                                                             

wood stove

How to clean your wood burning stove – a useful guide!

8th June 2021 No Comments Blog, Fire Expert

How to clean your wood burning stove, now is as good a time as any with the warmer summer months upon us.

Although wood burning is brilliant for generating heat efficiently, it can become messy if you don’t keep on top of maintaining it. Keeping it clean will also increase the lifetime of your stove.

Here are some tips to get your stove looking and performing it’s best

 

Firstly there are a few things you’ll need to check

  1. Examine the firebrick lining and see if it needs replacing  – the lining will keep the stove from overheating
  2. Make sure the chimney is cleaned. This will prevent chimney fires and help your stove burn more efficiently.
  3. Check the sealed door. You want a tight seal to make sure smoke doesn’t enter your house. The cord that’s around the door may need replacing on occasion.

Before you start make sure your stove has fully cooled.

Equipment you’ll need:

  • gloves
  • newspaper
  • a small ash shovel
  • a small brush
  • a metal ash bucket
  • household glass cleaner
  • cloth

It’s a good idea to wear protective gloves whilst cleaning your stove. Place newspaper on the floor around your stove then use a small shovel to remove all the ash into your metal bucket or container, you can use a hand brush to gently sweep any remaining debris.

You will find that if you have been using Firemizer there will be a significant reduction in the amount of ash produced, therefore making it easier to clean!

When your used Firemizer starts to deteriorate, ensure it is cold before removal. Firemizer can be recycled with your normal household metal waste.

Click here to order your replacement Firemizer.

Take the ash to a safe place outdoors away from any bushes or other materials that might catch fire. Leave for at least 24 hours before you dispose of it.

Apply glass cleaner to the glass and wipe using a cloth until the window is clean. If parts of the window don’t clean straight away, let the solution react for a few minutes before wiping. You can then use a dry cloth and hoover to clean the exterior of your burner.

Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions which came with you stove. The information provided is guidance only, and should be followed only in accordance with the guidelines of the manufacturer.

So now you know how to clean your wood burning stove, there is no excuse not to keep it looking spick and span!

 

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