Solar Technology is a specialist in solar power and is one of the largest producers of solar panels in the UK; the company has launched two new solar powered products designed to provide eco-friendly lighting in mains free environments.

Each Solar Mate lighting kit from Solar Technology is quick and easy to install, requiring no special tools and is ideal for UK weather conditions, featuring high power solar panels designed to absorb sun light even on dull, cloudy days.

When installing the new Solar Mate lighting kits there is no need to comply with Part P of the new building regulations introduced in the UK in 2005, whereby, a qualified electrician must complete all outdoor electrical work.

The Solar Mate Point 5 in our picture, is an efficient and easy way to provide lighting where mains power is not available and ideal for garden lights, or in buildings such as; summer houses, sheds and stables, or even for camping/festival trips. RRP £19.99.

The Solar Mate Point 5 features a Solar Panel using thin film solar cell technology, which powers three internal rechargeable batteries during the day, to provide power for 10 super bright LEDs, powerful enough to illuminate up to 9 Sq Metres for 3 hours.

Solar Technology has also designed a movement-activated security light, The Solar Mate Secure I features an integrated PIR movement sensor, which can be easily adjusted both for sensitivity and time.. RRP £24.99.

Web: http://www.solartechnology.co.uk.

Tel: (01684) 774000

The combination of Verner Panton’s design and Menu’s award winning thermo cups is eternally modern and an immediate classic.

Verner Panton was always on the cutting edge – willing to test new designs, new styles and new technologies; his colourful design radiates curiosity, optimism and joy.

The pattern on Menu’s thermo cups is called Geometry 1 and is from 1960; it represents Verner’s first and most famous textile design, for which he received The International Design Award in the United States in 1963.

Menu’s thermo cup is also an award winning design, created by Pernille Vea; the cups are constructed in two layers of porcelain with a hollow isolating centre, ensuring that you never burn your fingers and maintain the cold or heat of the contents equally well.

In 2003, the thermo cups were awarded the FORM 2003 prize and the DesignPlus prize in 2004.

The cups are made of porcelain of the highest quality, fired at 1320 degrees Celsius, ensuring strength, durability and an easy to clean surface; the glazing is acid-free, and therefore does not change colour and doesn’t contain lead or cadmium.

The new cups come in attractive boxes bearing designed by Verner Panton, containing four coloured cups or four cups with black decoration. Retail price £29.95 available in the shops from May.

Web: http://www.menu.as

For the ‘pooch’ with everything, this trendy Magis dog house designed by Michael Young, is a must have accessory for your faithful friend.

Made from moulded polyethylene, it has stainless steel legs and a brass plate with the inscription Amicus Fidelis Protectio Fortis (faithful friend, strong protector); the brass plate can be personalised with your dog’s name.

Measuring W104cms X D150cms X H83cms, the Magis dog house is available in orange or white and retails at £274.

Web: http://www.espacio.co.uk

Tel: (020) 7376 5088 or (020) 7637 1932

BBC Worldwide, has launched BBCGreen.com, a consumer lifestyle website for people interested in how they can change their impact on the environment.

BBC Worldwide is using its considerable expertise in these areas to create a new, thematic outlet for a clearly defined target audience.

The new site gives simple and practical advice on living a greener life that will make a difference to both the environment and your wallet.

As well as offering regular editorial features such as ‘Where does your recycling really go’ and ‘Do food miles really matter’, BBCGreen.com also gives users access to its unique Green Action Plan.

The Action Plan enables you to see how different actions compare and discover what really does make a difference.

The advice on BBCGreen.com is based on facts and expert opinion and covers areas such as food, travel, home and finance, which are central to living a green lifestyle.

Will Watt, Publisher, BBCGreen.com, said: “A large proportion of the UK population want to be Green, but are confused and not sure where to begin.
Our aim is to give them the best possible start with day-to-day advice that makes a greener lifestyle manageable, practical and affordable.”
“We don’t campaign on green issues, we simply want to help and inspire people who are looking for easy-to-follow advice.”

Join BBC Green today and you could win a luxury trip to Paris for two.

Web: http://www.bbcgreen.com/content/home

Following the phenomenal success of their NewWave Caffe collection, Villeroy & Boch has launched the NewWave Acapulco tableware for 2008.

The Acapulco pattern inspired by colourful South American prints, originates from one of Villeroy & Boch’s most successful collections of 1977 and has been re-introduced onto NewWave; combining the appeal of a retro pattern with a modern shape.

This ethnic-style collection has been inspired by travel and exotic destinations and translated into contemporary designs for today’s discerning consumers. The graphic range features bold prints of flowers and birds in vivid contrasting colours.

The striking Acapulco new line includes:

NewWave espresso cups, cappuccino cups, coffee cups and mugs featuring the signature sweeping handles.

Matching party plate saucers, large enough to serve biscuits on and for resting coffee spoons are also offered, making the Acapulco collection ideal for serving after dinner coffees.

Web: http://www.villeroy-boch.com

Tel: (020) 8875 6060

Royal Copenhagen is launching its first new complete service of the 21st century.

Elements consists of 15 items, which come in 15 colours and plain white, and is the work of Louise Campbell, the front runner in a new generation of Danish designers.

It is the first time this century that Royal Copenhagen has launched a complete service, with all the items being developed right from scratch.

Elements is strongly traditional and unashamedly modern, the contrasts between the heritage of centuries and life in the new millennium become one.

On the one hand the shape of the service contains fragments of the Blue Fluted service of 1775, Flora Danica from 1790 and Half Lace from 1885, while on the other hand, the approach to colour is radically different from the traditional blue and white colour palette of Royal Copenhagen.
 
Elements includes everything from cups and plates in various shapes and sizes, to jugs, rectangular platters, salad bowls and dishes; each item comes in its own colour as well as plain white, with the palette ranging from bright orange to turquoise, cerise and dusky green.

The new pattern is painted by hand using a brand new technique that makes this rich use of colour possible.
 
Elements is flexible enough to accommodate global cuisine, whether the table is set with a salad bowl in turquoise, or sushi served on a rectangular porcelain platter with a grass-green design.
 
Example of price: Small dish/board £20.25 in white and £35.50 painted.
 
Web:  http://www.royalcopenhagen.com

Tel:    (0800) 963 763

It isn’t always easy being green - whether it’s driving 20 metres to grab a pint of milk, because it’s just started raining, or sneaking up the thermostat so you can sleep with the covers off.

So have some fun this spring, by confessing all those eco-sins and lighten your conscience with The Green Confessional; you can bare all to Together.com’s online priest and have the chance to win a fantastic prize:

They are giving away a Brompton bike, cutting edge Voltaic solar backpacks and some sexy Wattson energy monitors.

Here is a selection of perfect ways to atone for your eco sins – just check out the saintly deeds below, now easier than ever to follow through:

Saintly Deeds

1. Switch your bulbs to low-energy ones.
2. Recycle an old mobile phone.
3. Switch to a green energy tariff.
4. Do a home energy audit.
5. Make sure your loft is fully insulated.

Confess here:
Web: http://www.together.com/feature

The smart place to be this April is at the NEC in Birmingham - from 10th to 13th April 2008, where The Smart Home Show, (which is part of The National Homebuilding & Renovating Show), will be bringing together all the latest trends in smart home solutions.

Smart Home technology means controlling the home environment in a way that enhances the way you live; it makes life more enjoyable, more comfortable, easier and more secure.

Whether you are looking for a multi-room entertainment system, integrated lighting to control the mood of every room, state-of-the-art security to protect you and your family, or you just want to chill out watching a favourite movie from the comfort of your bath - The Smart Home Show will help you find the right solution.

There will be major brands to choose from, with leading industry experts on hand to share their knowledge; with practical demonstrations, advice clinics and a daily programme of free specialist seminars.

A visit to the Show could mean a home equipped for the 21st century is within your reach - don’t miss out!

Tickets are £10 in advance or £14 on the door.

For more information and tickets, visit:

Web: http://www.homebuildingshow.co.uk

Tel: (0871) 945 4547

Lalique has introduced Tempting Crystal - a striking new Spring/Summer 2008 collection.

The collection features a mix of crystal masterpieces, including vases, bowls, figurines, lamps and candlesticks, all created in a remarkable combination of clear and black crystal.

Many of the pieces from the collection feature delicate brambles and thorn detail, enticing you to touch with their lengthy branches and sharp edges.

The tiger and panther figurines fit stunningly in the collection with their mysterious poses and black, hand painted enamel detail.

Featured here is the Thistle Vase with black enamel detail - £2,900 (Limited Edition – 999 pieces available).

Other collection examples include:

• Thorns Vase with black enamel detail - £1,455.
  Lizards Vase - £2,450 (Limited Edition – 888 pieces available).
  Brambles Vase - £1,099.
  Brambles Bowl - £750.
  Thorns Bowl - £375.
• Sitting Tiger with black enamel detail - £3,290.
• Large Thorns lamp –£1,545.
  Small Thorns lamp –£1,079.
  Large black thorn candleholder - £990.
  Medium black thorn candleholder - £650.

View the dazzling Lalique collection online:

Web: http://www.lalique.com

Tel: (0207) 245 9090

The 2008 National Homebuilding & Renovating Show at the NEC from 10 to 13 April is even bigger and better this year.

It also embraces The Smart Home Show and The Eco Homes Show; with three shows in one, this will be the hot property event for 2008.

NEW at the Show this year is the ‘Spotlight’ Feature Areas; there will be seven around the Show where you can get advice and information from independent experts on a one-to-one basis; informative handouts and detailed video overviews will be available to take away on specialist subjects.

The seven Spotlight feature areas are Building Systems, External Design, Eco Homes, Smart Homes, Heating and Plumbing, Internal Features, and Kitchens and Bathrooms.

The Eco Homes Show reflects the increasing demand for more information on eco products and services. The show will feature renewable energy, insulation, heating systems, building materials and energy saving products for the home.

The Smart Home Show is the UK’s premier consumer exhibition dedicated to integrated home technology, bringing to life the practical and affordable reality of smart home solutions; through a free, interactive programme of demonstrations, seminars, advice clinics and specialist exhibitors.

The Restoration Pavilion will also be a great source of inspiration on restoring period features or renovating a property.

As well as over 550 specialist exhibitors, the show offers an unparalleled series of free seminars and exhibitor-led master classes every day.

Tickets are £10 in advance or £14 on the door.

For more information and tickets visit:

Web: http://www.homebuildingshow.co.uk

Tel: (0871) 945 4547