Most popular household reviews from the last 30 days
Eco Kettle Review
SmartPlanet judgement: This is the original trailblazer of the eco kettle concept, and still one of the best. A simple button plunges water from the reservoir to a boiling chamber, making it virtually impossible to boil more than you need. Although ugly as sin, the Eco Kettle works well and has one very big trump card over the rival Tefal Quick Cup and Plunger Kettle -- it's half the price.
LG Steam Direct Drive (WM14445FDS) Review
SmartPlanet judgement: So long as you take on board Public Enemy's ever-useful Don't Believe the Hype mantra, there's a lot to like about this washing machine. Its use of steam power is a very cool way of side-stepping ironing duties and -- however counterintuitive it may feel considering steam's involved -- the specs for electricity and water consumption do beat its same-size rivals. Fortunately, it does a fine job of cleaning clothes too, making this one of the few white goods to set our pulses racing.
Herman Miller Leaf Light Review
SmartPlanet judgement: We were sad to see this Star Trek-worthy lamp go back. As well as a great head-turning design statement, it makes for a very practical light that can be adjusted for reading and task work or for surprisingly nice mood lighting, too. Herman Miller's eco creds are well thought-through, as well. The only real disappointment is the lack of detail about the working conditions of the people who manufacture it.
Soapods Review
SmartPlanet judgement: Where has this fantastic, green product been all our life? India and Nepal, it turns out, where they've used these 100 per cent natural, non-polluting and compostable nuts to clean their clothes for centuries. The Soapods don't bleach our whites as many chemical-ridden washing powders do, but they do clean nonetheless.
Tefal Quick Cup Review
SmartPlanet judgement: This is a great eco kettle, and avoids being too heavy -- a charge levelled at its rivals -- by using a simple dispenser tap instead of a traditional pouring spout. Sure, it's around three times the price of a typical kettle, and twice that of the cheapest energy-saving kettle, but you get what you pay for. In this case: a nice design, simplicity and a smaller carbon mug-print.
Patently Obvious Rosemary and Lavender Hand Wash Review
SmartPlanet judgement: Ingredient names such as Tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol made us a little worried about the green credentials of this hand wash. While we wouldn't call it the most natural hand wash ever, we are happy that our ingredients-check showed no harmful stuff and no parabens. We like its performance and we like the design of the recycled bottle and think it's a brilliant way to take Carex users a step closer to being extreme greenies.
Nutshell Super Eco Emulsion Paint Review
SmartPlanet judgement: Impeccable (if somewhat oversold) green credentials, acceptable coverage and a reasonable price make this home-grown paint a contender. It's somewhat fragile for use in everyday areas, however, fading with scrapes and splashes. And it would have been nice to get some more specifics about its green claims out of the company.
Farrow & Ball All White Estate Emulsion Paint Review
SmartPlanet judgement: This lightweight paint doesn't live up to its hefty pricetag. It's water-based but unlike most eco paints, it still contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs). For us, this white paint isn't great value, although the range of classy colours is unbeatable.
