Green Thing Blog

Kristianstad, a town in Sweden with a population of around 80,000, tends to be known for its production of Absolut Vodka. But, this just in - it's now known for something else - something in addition to vodka that keeps you warm in the winter.

Kristianstad has been using waste products to produce the heating for the town and surrounding area. The area is a region that serves as a hub for farming and food processing, and thus has a wide variety of waste scraps to choose from - not limited to potato peels, old cookies, animal intestines and more.

The process involves converting the waste into biogas, and then burning the gas to produce heat and electricity, or refining it, for fuel for cars.

While biofuel is becoming more and more common, Kristianstad is such an impressive example because virtually all of the energy in the area comes from waste, rather than oil or natural gas. Plus, being in Sweden and all, it's quite cold in the winter. The municipality reckons it saves $3.8 million a year in heating costs. That's huge!

(Spotted in the New York Times)

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(Image: nest)

Never thought you'd find your thermostat exciting? Well, it is time to think again.

The man behind some of apples greatest devices has turned his creativity to something a little more environmentally conscious. He has come up with what is quite possibly the best thermostat ever! Nest Learning Thermostat is an easy and automatic way to control the temperature. This pretty nifty gadget, which has been dubbed the iPod of thermostats, is also extremely practical. The little fellow is so clever that he uses artificial intelligence to control the temperature, by figuring out what you want based on your history and will adjust based on the time of day and whether people are around or not. It can also be controlled via web access. It even lights up when you approach it which is pretty cute and endearing, lets you know how long it'll take to achieve your desired temperature, and has a leaf that comes up on the display to let you know when you're saving energy.

This is a simple and effective way to reduce the machine heat! To keep warm this winter without turning up the dial, look up the rules of spooning, have a cuddle and get some human heat in your life!

(Spotted on Wired)

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When the weather is cold, rainy and generally dreary, it can be hard to crawl out of bed let alone hop on to the saddle. It’s only natural to wish that teleportation was an option as a method of transport. Until it is one, here are 7 things to keep you motivated and keep your head up and legs pedalling this winter.

1. Doesn't matter what time of year it it, your body will thank you for the exercise and the endorphins.

2. It takes approximately 2 minutes and 17 seconds to get warm once you've started pedaling. That's nearly no time at all to be warm and toasty and enjoying your cycle.

3. Fresh air in your lungs will lessen your chances of getting ill.

4. In foul weather, cars tend to get stuck in traffic. This is the perfect opportunity for you and your wheels to whizz through those vehicles moving slowly or stuck at a stand still. Remember 2 wheels = instant freedom.

5. We've got the perfect thing to keep your fingers warm.: Glove Love. Perfect for your commute.

6. Take advantage of the winter weather to pimp out your bike and make it delightful for both you and your fellow two-wheeled commuters. We particularly like this homemade unicorn bike mod and this snowflake spoke setup.

7. To quote our friends at the London Bike Kitchen, "Winter Riding is Badass". We agree.

So if you’re game, hop on your wheels and share your top tips to stay motivated with us. And if you’re ultra keen, sign up to B-Icicle, a wintering cycling challenge.

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(Image: Paul Howard)

The clocks have changed, the leaves are turning and the temperature has well and truly dropped. That means one thing.

It's jumper time.

Big ones, woolly ones, holey ones, old ones, fleecy ones and comedy Christmas ones. The humble jumper comes in many forms. But which jumper is for you?

The Return Jumper
First up. Last year's jumper. It's still there, under the bed and waiting to keep you cosy. The jumper is timeless so you can Stick With What You Got, stay warm and look cool.

The Mend And Make Do Jumper
Last year's jumper a bit worse for wear? Then Fix What You Got and use Woolfiller to get rid of any holes (or add a splash of colour) or try these clothes plasters for any spills, stains, rips or moth holes. Good as new.

The Swapped Jumper
Forget heading to the shops for a warming woolly. Have a swish with your mates and Swap What You Got instead. Clothes for free and a chance to clear out your wardrobe too. I got this amazing pheasant jumper last year from our swish at Do the Green Thing.

The New-To-You Jumper
Not doing so well on the old friend front? Nevermind, have a look on Ebay and ASOS Marketplace for some second hand knits. Don't forget to check out our shop while you're there. And don't forget the charity shops. They are packed with lovely jumpers at this time of year. Remember to take back any unwanted clothes in return though.

(Image: inloughborough)

The 'I Made It Myself' Jumper
If you're a dab hand with knitting needles then why not try knitting your own. You're guaranteed to be the only one wearing that jumper on the bus.

The Twice As Nice Jumper
Jumpers and cuddling are the two best ways to stay warm. Combine the two with our double sweater. Find out how to make one here.

The Ethical Jumper
And if you really can't bear to Buy Nothing and just have to buy something new from a shop then we suggest the wonderful people over at Monkstone Knitwear. Stunning jumpers made in the most sustainable, ethical and natural way.

That's seven ways to stay warm and cosy this winter with no need to crank up the heating. So grab a book and snuggle up, things are about to get cosy.

P.S. Still a bit chilly? You need some Glove Love.

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(Image: istockphoto)

We put it off as long as possible but I'm afraid we have to finally let you know.

It is now officially cold.

But before you reach for the central heating, we have 10 simple ways for you to keep warm without your thermostat, carbon count or energy bill rising.

1. Human heat is the best kind of heat. So have a cuddle.

2. Vests are cool. We promise. So wear one and make sure you tuck it in.

3. Layer up with jumpers. These are our favourites.

4. Keep your extremities warm with thick socks and Glove Love. It makes a huge difference.

5. Tell your draughts to get stuffed.

6. Have a little dance and get your blood pumping

7. Wear a hat. Any of these will do.

8. Snuggle up with a hot water bottle and a cup of cocoa.

9. Do as the Scots do and swig a bit of whisky. You'll be warm (and dancing a ceilidh) in no time.

10. Grow a beard and forgo leg shaving.

That's ten easy peasy things you can do right now to warm up. And once you're feeling toasty, why not look into insulating your house from top to bottom for the most energy efficient way to keep it warm.

You might even be able to get it for free.

Stay warm this winter. Love from Do the Green Thing *hugs*

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