Tag: green

Bio-Bean’s Coffee Logs

We tried and tested Bio-Bean’s Recycled Coffee Logs!

The lovely folks over at Bio-Bean sent us some of their Premium Eco Coffee Logs to test in our log-burner. Paired with a Firemizer and Firebuilder, these little recycled pocket-rockets worked an absolute treat for our eyes and our stove!

We started with the Firemizer on the base of the stove and a Firebuilder burning on top. Made of used coffee-grounds collected from shops across the country, they reduce unnecessary greenhouse gases and need for landfill sites, getting that extra mile out of your Americano. The logs themselves still give off that lovely coffee aroma whilst in the packet, so handling and inspecting was joy.

The Review

We then threw the first coffee log on top of our Firebuilder, and within moments the log was burning nicely. As the logs are old coffee grounds, they retain about 20% more energy than wood, meaning they burn much faster. This was immediately noticeable – within minutes we had a fire going. The coffee logs do have a tendency to crumble and break apart, so be extra careful we stoking the fire. When we noticed the fire simmering down after a little while, we placed a couple more logs in to bring it back up and, sure enough, the fire was roaring again within minutes.

The coffee logs are an excellent way of getting a fire started quickly, or building it back up when dwindling. They take to the flame immediately and require little intervention – perhaps occasional rearrangement when the logs crumble into smaller fragments. Truly, the only slight shortcoming of the coffee logs is the amount of smoke and ash they produce. Thankfully, with Firemizer, no clumps were left and we were able to brush off the collected ash into the pan. Unfortunately we couldn’t do anything about the amount of smoke each log produced when burning, but with the stove doors closed and the flue wide-open, it didn’t linger around the house.

Bio-Bean’s Coffee Logs are a revolutionary concept and make excellent use of waste that would typically be considered useless. Instead, they have managed to create a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels that packs the speed and strength of caffeine. The logs provide an excellent way to start or resurrect fires quickly and efficiently (especially when paired with a Firebuilder.) Try them for yourself by visiting http://www.bio-bean.com/coffee-logs/ now!

Earth Hour

Earth Hour

Following on from last week’s commemorative International Day of Forests, this week we celebrate Earth Hour! Hosted by the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF), the event encourages everyone to show his or her commitment to the planet. It has not fixed date other than it takes place at the end of March – this year it’s March 24th. Between the hours of 8:30 – 9:30pm, from individuals to communities to business, everyone is encouraged to turn off non-essential lights. This is to display a unified message of solidarity, a symbol of commitment in protecting preserving our beautiful planet. It is not an exercise is reducing energy however, but rather a simply gesture that highlights the fight against pollution.

Earth Hour’s History:

The event originated in 2007 when Sydney turned off all the lights of their major landmarks. The following year saw 35 countries join in, and larger companies like Google shut down their websites. Over the succeeding ten years, various TV and Radio stations have joined the cause in going ‘dark’ for the hour. Last year, 187 countries and territories took part, from New York to New Zealand; over 3,100 landmarks turned their lights off, nearly 16,000 Facebook pages donated their feed, and #EarthHour trended in 30 countries.

Do Your Part:

Doing your part is as effortless as turning off lights at home, or as involved as hosting a candlelit dinner! Get your workplace involved and go ‘dark’ for the hour, or turn off your phone, grab a bunch of friends and go enjoy a walk in the park – it’s that easy to take part and spread awareness of the cause.

It is all in the name of showing solidarity and support for the protection of our planet. Firemizer and Firebuilder are both emission-reducing, recyclable products – Firemizer helps reduce your solid fuel consumption and amount of particulates produced by your fire, and Firebuilder is completely kerosene and chemical-free, meaning your fires stay clean and green.

Keep updated over at the Earth Hour blog and post your contributions using the hashtags #EarthHour and #togetherpossible.

International Day of Forests 2018

International Day of Forests 2018

The United Nations proclaim that the International Day of Forests will take place on 21st of March 2018. The purpose of this day is to highlight all the wonderful things that trees and forests provide for our planet, and raise awareness of what we can do to help protect and preserve them. Whether it’s on a local, national or international level, the aim is to participate in projects benefitting our fantastic greenery. This could be a small photo competition, art exhibition showcasing natural imagery, or mass tree-planting across communities; everything helps.

Each year, the Collaborative Partnership on Forests designates a particular theme or area to focus on with regards to sustainability. This year, the theme is Sustainable Cities, placing emphasis on the unprecedented urbanisation of the 21st century and subsequent pollution. With the implementation of inner-city parks and forests, we can reduce the vast levels of carbon emissions and pollution for the some 6 billion people living there.

 

The key messages for the International Day of Forests are simple. They are:

  • Trees store carbon, which helps with the reduction of climate change (particularly in areas of high-pollution like cities).
  • Trees and forests improve the local climate, reducing energy needed for heating by between 20%-50%.
  • The placement of trees within cities reduces air temperature by up to 8°C, further reducing energy used on air-conditioning. Trees also act as air filters, removing harmful particulates and pollutants.
  • They produce fruits, nuts, leaves and insects which are used in food and medicines, providing a source of income. Trees and forests also make for perfect animal habitats, keeping the ecosystem stable and helping to maintain biodiversity.
  • Wood from these urban landscapes can be later purposed as fuel, providing a source of renewable energy. This is important as it takes reliance off the burning and consumption of harmful fossil fuels.
  • Also, forests help to filter and regulate water systems and, by storing water in branches and soil, can prevent flooding.
  • The planting and maintaining of forests generates jobs and tourism within green economies, and encourages active and healthy lifestyles that results in better mental health, more sociability and stronger immunity to disease.

Furthermore, the benefits of increased greenery are continuous, and there are lots of parts we can play in the protection of our trees and forests. Do you bit for the planet – plant a tree in your garden, donate to your local park, or perhaps use sustainable, locally-sourced wood as your main heat source, helping it last up to 38% longer (and reducing harmful particulates by 72%) by purchasing a Firemizer today.

Follow the latest news and information over at the International Day of Forests 2018.

2017 as one of the hottest years on record

According to a new climate change report from the United Nations, UK Met Office and NASA, 2017 was the second hottest year on record – even without the added influence of El Niño.

What is El Niño?

The past three years have been dubbed the ‘hottest on record’ since first recorded in the 19th century. However unlike 2015 and 2016, last year was the only to not feature natural warming phenomenon El Niño. El Niño is caused by the cycle of warm and cold temperatures in the Pacific Ocean and raises the global surface temperature. 2016 still remains the hottest by 0.1°C, but 2015 clocks in just shy of 2017’s global average surface temperature. Comparatively, 2017’s global surface temperature was 0.5°C higher than 1998 and is overall 1°C hotter than the pre-industrial era (1850-1900).

2017 saw more frequent natural disasters, particularly in America, with two category 4 hurricanes and forest fires raging across California. Floods hit Asia, earthquakes devastated the Middle East and the effects of Hurricane Maria are still affecting Puerto Rico.

What about CO2 and air quality?

WMO secretary-general Petteri Taalas explained that “seventeen of the 18 warmest years on record have all been during this century, and the degree of warming during the past three years has been exceptional.”

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, carbon dioxide levels currently rest at 405 points to a million.

This proves that human-produced carbon emissions are now outpacing the biggest naturally occurring contributor to the planet’s climate. With large areas of poor air quality, it is more important than ever to ensure the fire you’re burning is as clean as possible. Firemizer reduces air particulates by 72% and helps solid fuel to last up to 38% longer, meaning you can do your bit to reduce emissions and help preserve everyone’s home.

Sources:

How-to use Firemizer & Firebuilder

Instructions for how to use Firemizer & Firebuilder together:

Unsure of how to get the most out of your Firemizer and Firebuilder? Follow these easy steps:

  • Firstly, place your Firemizer on the base or grate of your domestic stove or fireplace.
  • Secondly, place one Firebuilder flat on the grate (tip: one grid easily snaps into two for smaller grates or stoves, meaning a box of 5 can potentially start you 10 fires).
  • Light under the edge of the Firebuilder, or if you’ve snapped it in two, at one of middle two corners.
  • Allow the Firebuilder to ignite through its unique draught technology and wait for the flames to become established.
  • Add fuel, sit back, and enjoy a beautiful fire that lasts even longer. Firebuilder doubles as kindling, so there’s no need to disturb it once it’s roaring.

Alternatively you can watch the video below to achieve a better understanding!

America Recycles Day

America Recycles Day:

On Wednesday, the Environmental Protection Agency recognized the nation’s advancement towards creating a cleaner, brighter and more sustainable future with regards to recycling. EPA emphasized the positive impact that this attitude has had towards employment, the economy and most importantly, the environment. Instead of generating a collective groan like a recycled joke would receive, recycling waste products actually reduces the space needed in landfills and amounts of harmful gases created by incinerators. This leaves the country’s landscape unharmed whilst also aiding the economy through the creation of jobs within the recycling industry.

Firemizer fits as comfortably into this celebration as comfortably as it fits beneath any solid fuel fire or stove. With cardboard packaging and zero product waste left behind, it is the perfect companion product to this holiday. By slowing the airflow and allowing the fire to conduct more evenly, Firemizer increases the lifespan of the fire by over a third whilst reducing excess creosote tars by 57% and air particulates by 72%.

 

Firebuilder is a kerosene-free, 100% recycled-cardboard fire-starter that doubles as kindling. When used with sister-product Firemizer, getting the most out of your fire or stove has never been easier. This means a warm evening by the fire is made even warmer with the knowledge that you’re saving the planet (as well as money).

There are plenty of other ways to help out the environment and reduce your carbon footprint.

For example;

  • Using energy-efficient light bulbs is another bright idea to save money on energy bills
  • Double-sided printing can cut down on paper consumption
  • Using leftover coffee grounds (or the excess stove ash) as compost can help if your garden needs a boost.

Celebrate America Recycles Day by doing your part in keeping the planet clean and green!

Eco Fluffy Mama Reviews Firemizer!

Firemizer welcomes another reviewer to it’s ranks,

ECO Fluffy Mama gives her opinion on Firemizer!

ECO Fluffy Mama is British Blogger that has been nominated for and won multiple awards. If you couldn’t tell by the name, Tamsins (ECO Fluffy Mama) Blogs focus on her green lifestyle and environmentally friendly products!

Tamsin (ECO Fluffy Mama) lives in the country side and uses her open fire as her main source of heating. In our eyes this was the perfect match!

“Like with anyone, I am always looking for ways to save money. But making savings for heating is pretty difficult since there are no switching providers like you do with gas.It also gets really cold here in the winter, meaning we get through firewood pretty quick.

So when Firemizer got in touch and asked if I wanted to try out their product, of course, I bit their hand off!”

Check out the ECO Fluffy Mama website and read her full written Firemizer review

Or if you prefer you can watch her video review below!

A big thank you to Tamsin (ECO Fluffy Mama) for producing a great review
and giving her honest opinion

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