The Bristol Pound

I have lived in Bristol for almost 6 years now and I love it. It has a really strong independent vibe which I think separates it from other similar sized cities in the UK.
It didn't surprise me then, when I heard that Bristol was getting its own currency, the Bristol Pound. Following in the footsteps of transition town Totnes in Devon, Bristol is adopting it's own currency to encourage money to stay in the city and support independent traders.
My personal views on the Bristol Pound are slightly mixed. I think that anything that encourages people to spend their money in independent, local businesses is positive but I think that on the whole, the people of Bristol are already doing this, on quite a large scale. Do we really need a separate currency in order to continue to do so?
I do like the incentive on an extra 5% on all cash deposits in sterling however this is hampered somewhat by the 3% conversion fee if you want to change your Bristol Pounds back. Also if you receive payments via their innovative SMS method, you will have to pay a 2% fee and 1% on all on-line transactions.
With this in mind, I worry that the Bristol Pound end up being a slightly more expensive and slightly less convenient way of doing business.
I can see that as something fun, for maybe the kids to get involved with, this could work really well but for everyday businesses I'm not so sure. Watch this space!

Pet Hair Problems?

cuba gallery

Pet hair can be a real nightmare to get rid of. I personally have 2 cuddly balls of fur who are, as it is summer shedding all over the place. My sofas are a slight embarrassment and if i wear black i can't leave the house without a lint roller! One thing which makes a massive difference is using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, which is also great for those with allergies. Hoover as often as you can focusing on soft furnishings as well as floors. Also brushing your pets when they are moulting will help with the amount of hair they deposit elsewhere!

Ecover Competition

Ecover UK currently have a competition to win tickets to Latitude Festival going on on their Twitter page! All you have to do is follow them and tweet at them with your favourite feel good festival essential. I normally go to Glastonbury every year and am having serious festy withdraw symptoms so fingers crossed I'll nab it! Good luck!

Click here to go to Ecover's Twitter page

Summer Clear Out

HowardLake

With the sun in the sky why not throw open your windows and throw out your unused stuff! Nothing feels better then a big clear out. I personally believe that a tidy house equals a tidy mind so try to shift anything i haven't used in a few months. Take whatever can still be used to your local charity shop and recycle things that no longer work or are broken. Any old t-shirts that can't go to the charity shop can be cut up into rags for cleaning around your home.

Green Cleaning in Schools.

After doing a bit of research I have found out that since 2005 it has been mandatory for schools in New York State to use green cleaners! This is a fantastic idea, research has shown that poor indoor air quality directly correlates with student and teacher sickness levels with asthma being particularly effected. Children are sensitive and do we really want them to be in contact with the harsh chemicals that are used in a lot of standard cleaning products. 

Eco-Schools is a programme that is currently trying to get all schools in England to switch to using green cleaners check out there website http://www.keepbritaintidy.org/ecoschools/. 

  

Ants?

Baker_1000

Summer is here and what does summer bring? Ants! We have a bit of an ant city being built in our garden at the moment but i am too lazy and too kind to do anything to get rid of the blighters! If you have an ant problem in your home, a great natural way to deter them is to leave a mixture of either red chilli powder, peppermint or borax around their way into your house and they will avoid crossing it. Just make sure you wash your mitts after using the chilli powder!

A My Green Cleaner Hoover Review!

itspaulkelly

I have been meaning to do this post for some time. I have been a cleaner for 3 years now and have been able to trial almost every hoover on the market. So here are my shocking and controversial findings!

Firstly, apologies but i HATE Dyson vacuum cleaners. I have had to wrestle with most models of this so called 'people friendly' machine. I have never found a more awkward, heavy and unsatisfactory way to clean a carpet. I realise this may be an unpopular opinion but I'm telling you, they suck... Or should i say don't suck... I'm confusing myself.

My old friend Henry is my second favourite hoover. You can pick them up for around £100 and they are just awesome. They do not discriminate about what they suck up, if it's on the floor it will go. They are easy to maneuver and have a good long cable that is easy to wind. Henry, i salute you!

Finally, my favourite, luxury hoover has to be a Miele. No specific model in mind here but whenever i see the Miele logo on a hoover i breath a sigh of relief. They have a variety of different suction strengths which is really handy if you have a loose rug on the floor that you would rather didn't end up munched by your hoover. They are light and come with great attachments for doing stairs and upholstery.

Shoes Off

Country Door

It seems like a no brainer but having a no shoe policy in your house will dramatically reduce the levels of dirt and bacteria in your home. If you have small children or suffer from allergies, I'd really recommend going shoeless at home. Treat yourself to a lovely pair of slippers!

Sunshine - Nature's Bleach

elliephillips

Summer is only round the corner and as we all know, with a good dose of sunshine, our hair can go a couple of shades lighter. Well did you know the same can be said for your whites? Drying your whites in bright sunshine will keep them white and reduce and small stains.

Tea Tree Tastic

imNatSimple

Tea tree oil is a natural solvent. It has antibacterial qualities and cuts through grease superbly. Dilute with water for a great multipurpose cleaner.

Magical House Plants

You don't have to use an expensive electric filter to clean the air in your home. Houseplants such as Spider Plants, English Ivy and Chrysanthemums are know for their air purifying qualities. Personally having plants around the house also makes me feel better!

Unwanted Blockages?

Kurvz

Keeping sinks clear of blockages can be tricky, especially in the kitchen. If you tend to dispose of your cooking oil down the sink, a good way to prevent blockages is to pour a boiling kettle of water down every week. This will keep on top of build ups without having to resort to nasty chemicals or expensive plumbers!

Oh oh so fabulous video!

If you haven't seen our first foray into movie making, you are missing out!

Ecover - Ocean Waves Toilet Cleaner

I am in love with Ecover Ocean Waves Toilet Cleaner. It is really strong and has an amazing scent that perfumes the whole bathroom. Good work to the Ecover team on this one!

April Showers

desi beee

The weather tells me it is most definitely April. Sun and showers from minute to minute. With a drought heading steadily to the South West, now is a great time to invest in a water butt. Not only are they great for watering your garden but also any house plants you might have. Get ahead of the hose pipe ban!

Lovely Feedback!

We had some great feedback from a recent Spring clean we did...

Thank you very much for doing a brilliant job, I went to the flat today and its all sparkling! I will recommend you to anyone who needs a cleaner.

Clearing out the cobwebs.

OstrichesOnline

With spring in full swing, it's time to get a spring clean done. If you would rather avoid all that hard work, why not let us do it for you. We will bring our own natural kit and transform your home. Visit our website, My Green Cleaner and book in today!

Spring, Glorious Spring!

teaforjoy

There is no escaping it, not that you would want to, spring has sprung! A great and inexpensive way to bring that spring time feeling into your home is with a bunch of daffodils. The lovely sunny yellow is the perfect way to brush out those winter blues.

Energy Efficiency Saves on Two Fronts!

Åsta

There are more ways you can be green then just switching your products. A great way to save money and energy is to turn your washing machine down to 30°c when doing a general load. This can save up to 40% more energy then if you were to wash at 40°c! 

Kids Cleaning Ideas

my poppet

With the weather being less then fabulous, you may spend a fair bit of time at home and as a result, things can get untidy very quickly!

It can be a bit of a challenge getting your kids to clean up after themselves but I have found that if you turn it into a game you can get the job done a lot quicker. Also positive reinforcement goes a long way (in adults and in children!), praising your child for doing a good job will hopefully encourage them to do the same in the future!

The Big Freeze is On!

funkymarcos

Brr! We had thought that we had just about got away with it this winter. With all the bulbs coming up early it definitely felt as if Spring had sprung. But alas, Bristol got a dusting of snow this weekend and we have experienced some very low temperatures indeed. It's the perfect time to snuggle up in front of the fire and count down the days until Spring!

Rediscovering Old Classics

RealisePhotography

Digging out old books can be a great way to bring back memories or simply rediscover old favourites. If your books have been in storage for a while and are smelling a tad musty, simply place them in a bag with some scrunched up newspaper, leave for 24 hours. When you take them out, the newspaper should have absorbed most of the dampness and odour.