Articles by Jo Foster

Recent housing market trends reveal people are downsizing, with 41% of UK homeowners reducing the number of bedrooms when they move. Data from 2023 suggests more householders are trying to save money, with one of the main factors influencing their decision being the rocketing cost of energy bills in recent years. © Lowphoto / Shutterstock.com This represents a significant increase in ...

Environmental campaigners are hoping 2024 will be the beginning of the end for plastic pollution, as the United Nations pledges to finalise a legally binding plan to save the planet. The UN has set up the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee with the purpose of tackling the damage that waste plastic is causing to our land and ocean. © ERIK Miheyeu/ Shutterstock.com Leaders believe ...

Summer is usually a busy time for retailers, who see a significant increase in seasonal inventory. Being unprepared for the boom can damage your business, so efficient planning and inventory management are vital. Once the school holidays begin and people begin to celebrate summer, retailers need to up their game to ensure they stay ahead of the competition. © Gorodenkoff/ Shutterstock...

Microplastics have found their way to every part of our planet, from the world’s remotest deserts to the Arctic snow. Now, scientific research reveals they’re creating an invisible threat in our food and water too. Made up of minute plastic particles produced by the breakdown of larger plastic items and commercial production, microplastic pollution is becoming a major issue. © SIVStoc...

Shoes have always been a staple of a wardrobe, with people hoarding some crazy collections. Studies show one in eight women in the UK own 100 pairs of footwear, with the average spend on one pair of shoes being £87. For some, shoes become an obsession, with a prime example being the former First Lady of the Philippines, Imelda Marcos, who was the owner of 3,000 pairs of shoes during her term...

We use an estimated 35.8 million plastic bottles in the UK every day, but just 19.8 million of them are recycled. This means, on average, 16 million never make it to recycling facilities. Globally, it’s estimated that people use an incredible 1.3 billion plastic bottles daily. Imagine the environmental disaster that would occur if at least some of them weren’t recycled! © Ian Iankovsk...

Plastics are used in countless applications, ranging from single-use items like packaging and disposable cutlery to long-term products such as furniture, electronics and construction materials. The journey of plastic from its creation to its eventual breakdown is a long one that can continue for hundreds of years, which is why plastic pollution is having a significant impact on the environme...

The hospitality industry is facing its busiest time of year as summer approaches. Hotels, activity venues, holiday parks, restaurants, theme parks and resorts must be prepared for the massive surge in demand for their services as peak season approaches. © hedgehog94 / Shutterstock.com In addition to the normal seasonal boost, local events such as sports tournaments, music festivals an...

To help shape the future of our planet, new materials are being developed as sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics. Plastic is vital in everyday life and is used in many important industries. However, it has become a problem in recent years due to people not disposing of it responsibly. © Bigc Studio / Shutterstock.com The associated pollution is causing serious damage t...

Antiques are relevant to all of us, not only because they evoke nostalgic memories and offer a glimpse into the past, but also because they can be worth a fortune when looked after properly. The importance of storing and preserving antiques and collectables can’t be emphasised enough in our high-tech modern world. © BrAt82 / Shutterstock.com They provide a connection with bygone ti...