With global gas prices on the up everyone wants to cut their fuel bill.  Potential money savings, along with the fear of global warming means that many people welcome the idea of using solar energy to heat their homes and provide their hot water. 

But be cautious, just like double glazing fever decades ago, companies are springing up to jump on the alternative energy bandwagon and some pushy solar energy salesmen are giving renewable energy a bad name.  Misleading claims about energy savings, promises of big savings if you sign your installation contract on the spot, and other pressure sales techniques have resulted in hundreds of complaints from unhappy customers of certain solar water heating systems installation companies.

Trading Standards advises people to be very careful before agreeing a contract with any company making claims of huge savings.  If you think that the energy saving claims are too good to be true, you can get impartial advice on the realistic savings from your region?s Energy Efficiency Advice Centre or the Energy Efficiency Trust.  Also, make sure that you shop around to get the best value for money.  There is a list of accredited UK installers on the Low Carbon Buildings website - along with details about any grants that might be available to you.  Also worth checking our is the Solar Trade Association website, www.greenenergy.org.uk, to find other retailers near you.

Solar water heating systems can provide a significant percentage of your hot water during the summer months and make a moderate contribution the year round so really can reduce impact on the environment.  Money savings are also possible, but it can take many years before you see payback.  So, just like any high-cost purchase; get all the facts and double check the facts before you sign on the dotted line??............

Increasingly, people are becoming concerned that conventional paints can cause health problems and harm the environment.

EarthBorn is a range of natural paints, varnishes and flooring products designed to provide a healthier and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional paints and varnishes. Whether you are looking for VOC free paint, organic paint and varnish, water based paint, water based varnish or high performance paints and varnishes then earthBorn Paints has a product in its portfolio of natural and eco friendly paints and varnishes.

All of their paints are manufactured in accordance with strict ecological principles.  EarthBorn?s range of paints, varnishes and woodwork products? exceptional eco credentials has lead to them recently been awarded the Ecolabel Flower symbol. This accreditation is awarded to paints that meet the strict environmental and performance criteria of the European Union ecolabelling scheme. With earthBorn, you do not have to sacrifice quality for health or the environment; all products offer outstanding performance.

Paints include Claypaint, Emulsion paint, Gloss and Eggshell, pigments, flooring wax and oil, proAqua Varnish and proAqua Eggshell, casein paint and wallglaze.