ELECTRIC WEED BURNER
This weed burner is the ideal solution for controlling weeds. It’s an excellent alternative to weed killer and much better for the environment, leaving your garden clear of weeds and remaining safe for children and pets to play in.
It works by transmitting bursts of heat which result in the plant cells dying from root to tip, without the use of dangerous flames. Simply plug in the long 5m power cord into your mains and relax knowing you’re getting the job done safely and economically. There are two temperature settings on the weed burner which work in conjunction with the directive cone to give precise weed control in seconds. It comes with a handy built-in retractable stand that locks into place when in use allowing you to stand the weed burner off the ground when hot and protecting it from getting damaged. The clever compact design also features a removable handle to allow for easy storage whilst not in use. Measures L101 x W8 x D10cm.
G2350 Electric Weed Burner Hang washing outdoors. “Drying indoors releases moisture. If it’s not allowed to escape it will settle, triggering damp and mould,” says Dr Ackerley. No garden? Place your clothes horse in a sunny room and open the window to get air flowing. Out of sight doesn’t mean out of airways. “Each mite produces about 20 droppings a day – that’s 20,000 particles of faeces per cubic foot of air,” says Dr Ackerley.
“Empty vac bags and clean filters and brushes.”
Move furniture when dusting, use a telescopic duster for lights. Dust radiators with a long duster. Try a Flatmate (£9.99, lakeland.co.uk). Avoid harsh cleaning products and steer clear of artificial fragrance, parabens, chlorine, optical brighteners, phthalates, triclosan and SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate), says green guru Janey Lee Grace (imperfectly natural.com).
Opt for organic products or those using plant extracts, aromatherapy oils and food ingredients such as coconut oil and lemon juice.
Try Ecover ZERO which includes laundry detergent and all-purpose cleaner and surface spray. As for personal hygiene, use roll-on or stick deodorants and perfumes. They contain formaldehyde, benzene, VOCs and other irritants, say experts. To make your own, halffill a plant spray with filtered water, add a drop of white vinegar (or vodka) to preserve and a few drops of essential oil, says Janey. Eucalyptus has antibacterial properties; lemon or grapefruit gives a nice fragrance, while lavender, chamomile or rose give a gentle aroma. “Research proves house plants clear air of pollutants, increase oxygen, minimise effects of electro pollution from computers and lift your energy,” says Janey. “A peace lily or spider plant will neutralise pollutants too.” Switch carpets for wooden flooring, says Peter Howarth, Professor of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine from Southampton University. “Carpets harbour dirt, dust mites, pet hair, fungus and potentially harmful particles to aggravate lungs.” Rethink wood burners; scientists say they can emit six times the pollution A US HOMEChem study found that cooking a roast dinner sent kitchen pollution soaring to 13 times those in London. Open windows and use fans to reduce exposure. “Filters can be dismantled and washed in hot, soapy water,” says Dr Ackerley. And choose electric hobs over gas. Toasters release toxic particles the moment they are switched on, Texas scientists found. Toasting two slices of bread produces twice as much pollution as the levels found in cities for up to 20 minutes. Opt for pale toast and empty the crumb tray. Damaged cookware could lead to toxic chemicals released at high temps, warns Dr Ackerley. Choose ceramic, non-stick cookware as it can be heated up to 450C without blistering or releasing toxins. Drivers can be exposed to twice as much air pollution as pedestrians and nine times more than a cyclist – due to interior airborne pollutants. Close windows and recirculate air.
You can check local pollution levels at uk-air.defra.gov.uk.
Carpets can harbour dirt, dust mites, pet hair and potentially harmful particles... so switch to wood floors