Alternatives to the plastic bag

There have been quite a few media discussions recently about stores discouraging plastic bag use - a great step forward for the environmental lobby! The BBC recently asked people what alternatives they use to cart a week's groceries home. Infusion walkers probably use rucksacks!

Plastic bag revolution

Government figures reveal that shoppers are rejecting plastic bags - the national use of plastic bags has halved to 450m since 2007. This has been heralded as a "small green revolution".

Reusable bags for Leics residents

Thanks to Helen for drawing our attention to Leicestershire County Council offering free reusable bags to residents of the county. The conditions are: limited of one bag per household; subject to availability; and offer available to Leicestershire residents only (excluding Leicester City residents).

For more posts on resusing bags, see: Wrapsacks ; A new way to bins the bags ; and Alternatives to the plastic bag.

Tea-related gadgets

Wondering what to get your tea-loving friends and family for Christmas? If you don't go down the alternative gifts route, you could consider these tea-related gadgets:

• Tea Tool: Designed by a doctor who couldn’t bear the drips created when transferring a soggy tea bag from mug to bin, Tea Tool is a simple solution. Pop a tea bag in the cage, place it in your cup and pour the hot water in; give it a stir and press the plunger to squeeze the bag, releasing all the flavour and excess water. Then, pull the plunger to drop the bag in the bin. No drips on worktops, no burnt fingers, and no mess!
• Teabag Bin: The Teabag Bin is as simple as its name suggests: a bin for used tea bags! This stylish little container made from high grade steel or plastic sits happily next to the kettle and swallows up used teabags keeping your kitchen mess free.

Or you could just buy them a new mug and a box of their favourite tea!