Latest news with #eco
Telegraph
2 days ago
- Business
- Telegraph
‘Eco-hypocrite' Miliband refuses to reveal his number of domestic flights
Ed Miliband has been branded an eco 'hypocrite' after refusing to reveal how many domestic flights he has taken. Ministers insisted the Energy Secretary would not disclose any details about his air travel within the UK since he entered office last July. Claire Coutinho, shadow energy secretary, said the refusal represented 'one rule for him and another for everyone else' given that the Left-wing frontbencher has been a vociferous opponent of domestic air travel. Labour has also forced through significant increases to air passenger duty that have added hundreds of pounds to some family holidays. The accusation came after a Conservative MP challenged the Energy Secretary to publish details of the internal UK flights he has taken since the last election. Answering on Mr Miliband's behalf, Michael Shanks, the energy minister, replied: 'Details of internal domestic flights are not published.' Claire Coutinho, the Tory shadow energy secretary, said: 'As Ed Miliband sticks a holiday tax of up to £400 on a family of four, it does seem the height of hypocrisy that he won't reveal his own flights, which are funded by the taxpayer. 'People expect transparency and fairness from their politicians, but when it comes to the most stringent net zero costs, it's one rule for him and another for everyone else.' Mr Miliband's stance is in line with other Whitehall departments, which also do not release details of ministers' domestic flights. The Government said it was 'the practice of successive administrations', including Tory ones, not to 'publish granular information' about their movements. Mr Miliband, who is in charge of net zero policies, has previously said Britons should cut down on such flights 'as much as we possibly can'. But he was embarrassed earlier this year when it emerged his department is spending more on internal flights under his watch than the Tories. Figures released in April revealed it spent £44,000 on domestic flights for ministers and officials between July and December last year. That was more than the £40,000 spent in the first half of 2024 by the Tories, when Ms Coutinho was in charge of the net zero ministry. Mr Miliband has previously suggested that the Government should encourage ordinary voters to take trains and buses rather than flying. Asked when he was shadow business secretary whether domestic flights should be banned, he said: 'Not completely, but as much as we possibly can.' Speaking to the BBC in 2021, he added: 'Fairness and giving people alternatives is an absolutely key part of making this transition happen.' Labour repeatedly criticised the Conservatives for taking flights and pledged before the election to clamp down on ministers' use of jets. But since taking office, Mr Miliband has been heavily criticised for jet-setting, which has seen him spend 10 times more on foreign trips than Ms Coutinho. The Energy Secretary spent £62,712 on overseas travel in his first six months in office, according to Taxpayers' Alliance analysis, In contrast, his Tory predecessor spent just £6,155 during her first half-year in the role.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Simba 3-in-1 Duvet review: one duvet to rule them all?
A 3-in-1 duvet bundles two separate layers you can use on their own or fasten together, giving you three tog options in one — light for warm nights, medium for in-between weather, and a thicker combo when the temperature drops. Smart, space-saving, and in theory, ideal for year-round comfort. 3 Simba 3-in-1 Duvet, from £249 The catch? At £349 for a double, Simba's version sits firmly at the premium end. I put it to the test for this Simba 3-in-1 Duvet review to find out if it's a clever investment or a costly gimmick. As someone who prefers a cooler bedroom, I was curious — should you add more just because you can? There are thoughtful touches here, from easy-to-swap layers to more eco-conscious materials, with the fill made from recycled plastic bottles and a Better Cotton cover. On paper, it's everything you need in one package. The question is whether it feels as good in bed as it looks on the spec sheet. Pros Cons Overall rating: 8/10 Comfort: 10/10 Value: 4/10 Design: 10/10 Sustainability: 8/10 How I tested the Simba 3-in-1 Duvet I'm certainly no stranger when it comes to Simba products. I've had a Simba mattress for the last 10 years, and it transformed my sleep from being an insomniac to achieving a sleep score over 80 every single night. My Simba APEX Mattress is probably one of my most prized possessions. That means I came into this Simba 3-in-1 Duvet review with high expectations. Simba Hybrid 3-in-1 Duvet review: Quickfire Q&A How much is the Simba Hybrid 3-in-1 Duvet? Brace yourself — prices start at £249 for a single and rise to £449 for a superking. Simba does run regular sales, however, so you should be able to pick it up for less during sales events. Which way up does the Simba Duvet go? Either side works—choose the layer you need, pop them together if required, and keep the cover's closure at the foot. Can you wash it? Yep, it's machine washable, but good luck fitting it into your home washing machine. Who's it best for? Individuals who struggle to regulate their body temperature and sleep patterns throughout the year. With the UK's weather as unpredictable as it is, it's nice to be able to whip off a layer and still sleep peacefully. What we loved: I loved the softness and quality feel of the duvet. It's warm but still feels lightweight and non-restrictive. What we didn't: The price. And if we're nit-picking, the buttons can be a little fiddly, but it's not a deal-breaker. Simba 3-in-1 duvet review: The Nitty Gritty Sizes available: Single, Double, King, Super-King Material: Cotton and recycled plastic Togs: 3.5, 7, 10.5 3 Simba 3-in-1 Duvet, from £249 First impressions Luckily, the delivery process from Simba is very straightforward. At the time of writing, Simba uses DPD Local for its non-mattress products. Unpacking the boxes is easy, and getting the duvets ready to go is a piece of cake. The duvet comes with a storage case, which I used to store the half of the duvet that I wasn't sleeping with. However, I found it wasn't much of a space saver, as it took up the same amount of space under my ottoman bed as any other duvet would. As I had hoped, though, Simba's 3-in-1 duvet felt premium right away. It's got a soft cotton cover, which still feels quality beneath a bedsheet, and the 'renew clusters' in the filling, which are made from recycled plastic, are evenly distributed and divided into pockets so they can't form clumps. Simba 3-in-1 Duvet, from £249 Does it deliver? I tested this duvet in the summer and mostly used it with its lightest 3.5 tog (blue binding), which I didn't find unbearable, even in the middle of a heatwave. That could be down to the duvet's moisture-wicking properties, which help it draw sweat away as you sleep. Simba has always been great at incorporating cooling tech into its products, and the duvet seems to be no exception. The spring/autumn duvet (grey binding) is a 7-tog covering, and I'd back up Simba's claim that it's suitable for the majority of the year. This is the one that I gravitated towards the most. Similar to the light summer duvet, the 7 tog feels luxurious and is incredibly soft. Combine the two duvets and (you maths whizzes guessed it), you get a 10.5 tog duvet designed for cold winter nights. Given the premium design and the options available, I'm surprised to find someone who wouldn't like at least one of the options year-round. How much does the Simba 3-in-1 Duvet cost? The price is the biggest hurdle for the Simba 3-in-1 duvet. At the time of writing, its RRP on the Simba website for a single is £249. That's just too much, in my opinion. A quick search of the web reveals that you can find something similar for well under £50 elsewhere. However, Simba often has discounts, so if you can nab one during a sale, it's more than worth it — we've seen it go as low as £186.75 during sale periods. Simba distinguishes itself from rival brands with its premium quality, eco credentials and carbon-neutral delivery, but even with these positives, I felt that £449 (RRP) is a steep price for a Super King duvet. In my experience, internet mattress brands are notorious for having killer sales during peak periods, so you should be able to find this 3-in-1 duvet at a discount in the near future. We'll update this page with offers on this duvet when we spot them. Can you wash a Simba 3-in-1 Duvet? Yes, the Simba 3-in-1 duvet is machine washable, and I'm reassured by Simba's claim that the duvet will retain its softness and shape even after repeated washes. I can tell from the off that it isn't going to fit in a standard drum, so it'll require a trip to the local laundrette.. Of course, I'll let you know when the time comes for a laundry cycle. Where to buy the Simba 3-in-1 Duvet You can buy Simba products from several retailers as well as the official website. I've listed some of the options we've seen below. What's the difference between the Simba 3-in-1 Duvet and the Simba Hybrid Duvet? The two duvets Simba offers at the time of writing are similar in quality. They're both made from a mixture of Better Cotton and recycled plastic, they both feel luxurious, and they're both temperature-regulating. But the standard Hybrid Duvet is a 10.5 tog cover, whereas you get three options with the 3-in-1: 3.5 tog, 7 tog and 10.5 tog. Simba 3-in-1 Duvet alternatives Not sold on the price? There are plenty of Simba 3-in-1 Duvet alternatives worth a look. For a similar mix-and-match setup, consider standard all-seasons sets (a 4.5 tog and a 9 tog that can be buttoned together) from Silentnight, Dunelm, or Dusk, which offer year-round flexibility for less. Hot sleeper? Panda's bamboo Cloud Duvet is breathable, hypoallergenic and feels light and floaty. If your temperature swings through the night, Woolroom's British wool duvets naturally regulate heat and moisture, keeping things comfy in every season. Prefer that plush down feel without feathers? Soak & Sleep's Soft As Down microfibre range offers impressive loft with an all-seasons bundle. Still like Simba tech but want simpler? The Simba Hybrid Duvet is a single-layer option with cooling tech and easy care. Premium seekers can step up to Hungarian goose down all-seasons sets at retailers like John Lewis—luxurious, warm and long-lasting if properly cared for. The Verdict: is a Simba 3-in-1 Duvet worth the money? If you're willing to spend the money on a Simba 3-in-1 Duvet, I don't think you would be disappointed It does everything you'd hope it would and feels luxurious doing so. It's also incredibly practical and should last a long time. I also appreciate Simba's commitment to environmentally friendly manufacturing and delivery. But would I spend my own money on this duvet? Short answer, no — but when it's on sale, I could be swayed. I'd say to keep your eyes peeled for deals on this duvet around Black Friday and Christmas if you feel like treating yourself.
The Sun
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
This Morning's Josie Gibson lands new ITV show – and fans will get to see inside her new house
JOSIE Gibson has landed a massive new TV series – where she will open her home for a new documentary. The This Morning favourite is set to renovate her new West Country home into a sustainable and environmentally friendly oasis. 4 4 And cameras will be on hand to catch all the ups and downs of the overhaul for a new ITV1 primetime series. She aims to give the Somerset property a 21st century makeover with the help of her handyman family members – including scrap metal trader brothers Josh and Charlie, and her cousin Tom, who's a builder. Speaking about the project, Josie said: 'My dream is to build a house as eco and luxurious as possible where you are immersed in the sanctuary of nature. 'I want to use the acres of land to try and do my best to have a little small holding. I want bees, birds, badgers, to all live in harmony. 'Though, I'm becoming increasingly concerned that my harmonious dream is slowly turning into a construction nightmare.. I can't wait to bring the audience along on this journey with me!' Josie's main mission on the project is building elements into the home that will help the environment and sustainable living: including growing her own food and even having her own bees on the property. Throughout the course of the show, she will also be recruiting her new neighbours and friendly locals, who can use their expertise to bring her dream project to life. She is hoping to maintain the four-acre property's beauty and keep it eco-friendly. But that doesn't mean she won't want some mod-cons as well, with Josie's home also getting an at-home gym and walk-in wardrobe. The series, titled Josie Gibson's Big Country Build, will run for seven episodes and will air in 2026. Inside This Morning's Josie Gibson's stunning Irish getaway with idyllic horseback ride & beach trip amid surprise surgery Dom Bird, Senior Vice President of MGM Unscripted said: 'Josie's energy is infectious and her enthusiasm unstoppable. Her renovation experience, however, is less apparent. 'They'll be chaos, charm, and more than a few bumps in the road as Josie and her band of builders attempt to turn her newly acquired wreck into the dream home she's always wanted'.
Hospitality Net
09-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Tuu Eco Stay Awards Announces First Bamboo Verified Hotels: Regent Hong Kong, Pullman Phuket Karon and Zannier Bãi San Hô
Singapore — Three leading hotels in Asia from Accor, IHG and Zannier Hotels have become the first to earn verified recognition from the data-backed Tuu Eco Stay Awards, proving sustainability can strengthen both credibility and competitive edge. Regent Hong Kong, Pullman Phuket Karon Beach Resort (Thailand), and Zannier Bãi San Hô (Vietnam) each submitted at least six consecutive months of operational data for independent review, earning Tuu's Verified Bamboo Badge, a measurable mark of trusted progress that general managers can benchmark, marketers can amplify, and ESG teams can build on. Each hotel took a different path to progress, but all backed it with evidence and operational data across five core metrics — Energy, Water, Food, Waste, and Human Resources — maximising the reporting already compiled for recent EarthCheck Platinum, Green Key, and Green Globe certifications to earn Tuu's Verified Bamboo Badge. We realised many hotels weren't making the most of the marketing opportunity to celebrate their genuine eco achievements, but we also knew credibility had to come first. That's why we take a rigorous, data-backed approach from the start. Terry Blackburn, founder of the Tuu Eco Stay Awards At Regent Hong Kong, that process is helping validate a major achievement: a 23% reduction in electricity use following renovation. Thanks to our owner's commitment to transforming Regent Hong Kong into a sustainable hotel, this renovation was rooted in responsibility. We set and review ESG targets throughout the year, and platforms like the Tuu Eco Stay Awards help bring added clarity and credibility to the progress we're making. Harvey Wong, the property's director of engineering While the first recipients span global and high-profile brands, the Tuu Eco Stay Awards are designed to work for hotels of all sizes. For independent and regional groups, the programme offers a cost-effective, high-trust pathway to compete with and benchmark against global brands on sustainability leadership. Unlike broad certification schemes, the Tuu Eco Stay Awards offer a performance-based, practical alternative, giving hotels a clear framework for tracking monthly progress. Verified Bamboo Badges are valid for 12 months and are stored on a third-party blockchain registry to ensure transparency and traceability. Greenwashing has been too common, even in our industry. What appealed to us about the Tuu Eco Stay Awards was that it's based on facts, not fiction or wishful thinking. It gave us a clear picture of where we stand today, and a strong foundation for what we want to improve next. Alain K. Bachmann, general manager of Zannier Bãi San Hô, which uses solar to supply up to 40% of the resort's energy Tuu issues each verified hotel a public-facing Eco Profile, a digital page that shows its Verified Bamboo Badge, aggregated monthly score, and sustainability highlights to build transparency at a glance. By collecting and verifying data, hotels can turn sustainability ambition into evidence-based action. It's about moving from intention to impact—and that credibility matters to everyone from guests and regulators to investors. Paul Ashburn, Partner at HLB Thailand, the third-party verification partner of the Tuu Eco Stay Awards That credibility also supports hotels like Pullman Phuket Karon in applying their sustainability efforts across departments and guest touchpoints. A data-driven platform like the Tuu Eco Stay Awards helps validate our efforts and benchmark our progress in a meaningful way. We've focused on hands-on initiatives like structured waste reduction and phasing out single-use plastics, and this gives our team and guests confidence that those changes are making a real impact. Christian Carminati, hotel manager of Pullman Phuket Karon Hotels with a Verified Bamboo Badge also earn the right to apply for 30 independently judged Eco Stay Awards across four categories: Environmental Impact, Local Community, Cultural Heritage, and Sustainability Planning. Judging is open year-round and aligned with global ESG benchmarks, helping hotels turn verified sustainability into long-term recognition and marketing value. Earning the Verified Bamboo Badge and entering the full suite of Eco Stay Awards is just the beginning. Tuu supports hotels in turning verified progress and awards into engaging content, from in-room storytelling to investor-ready reports. Each verified hotel receives a tailored storytelling kit to help communicate its impact with guests, owners, and brand platforms. With more than 20 hotels already participating across Asia, the Tuu Eco Stay Awards is gaining traction with boutique independents and global brands alike. And with greenwashing regulations tightening and guest expectations evolving, the timing couldn't be better. Guests want to stay in sustainable hotels, so let's give them a simple way to spot the ones doing it right, and help those hotels share content that's engaging, credible, and backed by real progress , Blackburn adds. No one wants to hear about plastic straws and towel reuse anymore. That should be a given, not the story. The success of the Tuu Eco Stay Awards is supported by industry partners committed to sustainability in hospitality. Official Sponsors include ecoSPIRITS, Lumitics, and Bizsu. Official Partners include the Asia Sustainable Travel, Phuket Hotels Association, C9 Hotelworks, and Delivering Asia. About Tuu Tuu is a sustainability intelligence system helping hotels turn operational impact into data-backed progress and purposeful storytelling. Designed to make ESG performance measurable, comparable, and communicable, Tuu supports hotel teams, brand leaders, and ownership groups to track performance, verify results, and share credible sustainability content across stakeholder touchpoints. Liam Aran Barnes Co-founder | Tuu Tuu
