I have been hearing about this amazing eco fridge  that was invented by a 21 year old student in a potting shed, on the radio all day, so I decided to have a look around on the web and find out if what I was hearing was actually true.

As it turns out, what I had been hearing wasn’t strictly true. I think www.treehugger.com summarises it best:

“Congratulations to Emily Cummins for building a portable evaporator fridge out of household parts in her grandpa’s potting shed. The Daily Mail claims that she has “invented an Amazing Solar Powered Fridge,” which would be a terrific thing if it was a) solar powered and b) she invented it.”

To read the rest of their article click here.

The important thing here, as far as I’m concerned, is not who invented it first.

To me, the main exitement , the real ‘news’ is that someone who is obviously young and talented is interested in solving human problems in an eco-friendly fashion rather than chasing cash.

“I do want to use my skills to make a difference. I’m not interested in making a bigger TV or greater sound system. I want to create change for the better.”

[Reported by The Telegraph]

According to what I have read and heard, it seems safe to say that basically Emily has improved upon an existing design, she plans to further improve upon it and make sure that people who wouldn’t ordinarily have access to an actual fridge, can benefit from it.

If you’re really interested, why not hear it straight from the horses mouth?

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Magnoball

I wanted one because, living in a hard water area, as we do, we have suffered, or I should say that our washing machine suffered, from a build up of limescale that led to washing tablets not dissolving properly in it (because they werenâ??t wetted properly), which led to not only a lack of clean clothes but a terrible smell. As this is the exact opposite of what is supposed to be the end result of using oneâ??s washing machine, I don’t want to have to fork out for a new washing machine in the near future, and as I don’t fancy adding yet more chemicals to my wash, (in the form of anti limescale tablets,) the Magnoball sounded like the answer.

Magnoballs

So what do they do? I went to the site on the box to find out…

• Not only is the Magnoball® powerful against preventing limescale build-up in your washing machine and dishwasher it will fight to remove the existing build up.
  
• Using only the very best quality of magnets available, Magnoball® is the leading product in the fight against limescale.
  
• Magnoball’s® magnetic power crystalises lime scale particles, these transformed particles are unable to settle in your clothes or on the heating elements of machines and pipes.
• Economical and environmentally safe, once you start using the Magnoball you may no longer require anti-lime scale tablets to soften your water as the Magnoball will do this by up to 70%.
  
• You can even lower the washing temperature and still find that the clothes are clean.
  
• Can be used with the Ecoballs® or if you choose to use detergent you can use 70% less.
  
• Suitable for all washing machines and dishwashers. Lasts up to 10 years and the magnets are guaranteed for 5 years. [Ecozone]

Ecoballs

I thought while I was at it I would follow Claireâ??s example and buy some Ecoballs to put in at the same time.

Iâ??ll let you know how it all turned out once the washing is dry. If this Magnoball works out I’ll pop one in the dishwasher too…

Would you like to try Ecoballs or a Magnoball for free? Get in touch to find out how! Email me now - ali@minkbaby.co.uk

Related Reviews, Articles & Videos

Limescale in Washing Machines

“This page covers the effects of hard water and limescale in washing machines and plumbing.

There is a lot of information on the Internet about how to deal with hard water and limescale problems. Much of this information is riddled with technical terms and phrases which can be hard work to follow. Many limescale removing products are just dealing with symptoms and not causes. After research, I’m writing about limescale and hard water, in a non technical way and looking into water softener products…”

Removing limescale from taps with white vinegar

Limescale and Suicide

Eco balls are Grrrrrrreat!

Eco balls starter pack

I’ve been using eco balls for around 6 months now and although you do miss that “manufactured smell of lavender” my clothes are clean and i’m not spending £5 on washing up tabs every 2 months which is a saving of… hang on £30 a year, which i can spend else where.

The cheapest i could find, which is what i paid for them in Brighton are from:

Lakeland Plastics at £13.73 inc P&P

Heres what they say:

this starter pack gives up to 150 washes â?? thatâ??s less than 7p per wash

the scientific formula reaches deep into textile fibres, lifting away dirt without fading colours or damaging delicates, and leaving no residue

Ecoballs soften clothes even in hard water, so no conditioner is necessary and you can skip the rinse cycle, saving money and water

ideal for sensitive skin and baby clothes, they are biodegradable, hypoallergenic and free from toxic chemicals.

You can also buy Eco balls that are good for 1000 washes from nigels eco store for £33.93 in P&P

Happy cleaning, i’m off to make a nice cup of hot soya chocolate and listen to my ipod in bed

Nite..

Looking for a cheap water timer is tough

I spend too long in the shower, i know i do… i’m half asleep .. blahh blahh i know it’s wrong and i dont want to spend over £10.00 on saving money.

Eco Camel offer a basic timer (like an egg timer) for £5.24 inc del

Cheap neat water timers

Big green smile offer the same timer for £5.50 inc del

Or you can buy one shaped like a frog from Amazon for £6.48 in delivery

or .. if you have already bought a shower timer why not play the ‘ariel water saving game, its addictive’

Eco friendly lighting that does’nt cost the earth

Changing to ‘all eco friendly’ light bulbs can be an expensive matter when you dont shop around. Some bulbs can cost between £17.00 to £14.00 for 2x.

Eco friendly bulbs 8 for under £15.00

I found a deal that the independent are running for Memolux bulbs:

They are guaranteed for 10,000 hours and come in two versions. They are also offering â?? buy four, get four FREE for a total cost inc delivery of £14.76.

I thought this was pretty good, but i’m still keeping my eye out for more bargins for you all.

Eco friendly light bulbs 8 for £14.76

Have fun x