To fly or not to fly

Small steps... Recognise the true cost of a plane ticket beyond the purely financial.Wherever possible, swap the plane for a train.Protest against any airport expansion until the current infrastructure is carbon-neutral and running at capacity.Encourage businesses to reduce flights and offset.Don't be a frequent flyer but, if you have to go by plane, go economy, … Continue reading To fly or not to fly →

Green electricity – Part 2

Small steps... Wherever possible, REDUCE ENERGY USE.Get your electricity from a supplier offering '100% renewable' power.Better still, distinguish between the truly green suppliers and the 'greenwashed': sign up to one that directly invests in renewable generation. There's green and then there's GREEN.(Photo by Annabelle Tipper) For years, I've cheerfully subscribed to 100% green tariffs on … Continue reading Green electricity – Part 2 →

Protest – from the barricades or from your armchair

Small steps... If stripping off in Parliament or sailing into Oxford Circus seem just a little too overstated, there are plenty more British ways to protest.Make sure politicians know they'll lose your vote and businesses will lose your money unless they act on climate change.Donate in support of those charities protesting on our behalf.Sign up … Continue reading Protest – from the barricades or from your armchair →

Driving electric – Part 2

For those who've asked, a bit more on the numbers: It's been almost three weeks since we picked up our Nissan Leaf, long enough to accumulate some first-hand experience, and also to slightly broaden my understanding of EV use in general. First and foremost, I love it. And my wife loves it. For a couple … Continue reading Driving electric – Part 2 →

Driving electric

Small steps... Wherever possible, walk, cycle or take the bus.Recognise the real cost of just nipping out to the shops - plan your logistics to eliminate unnecessary journeys.If you need a car, go electric - with grants and interest-free loans. My favourite post so far... Transport is the main cause of air pollution in our … Continue reading Driving electric →

Ditch the detergent

Small steps... Stop carting those big bottles back from the store, and get yourself an Ecoegg.It's chemical-free, allergy-friendly, and far, far cheaper.It leaves far less residue on your clothes than everyday detergents.Above all, it does a great job of cleaning. Honestly can't think of a single reason not to get one... (Can't quite believe it's … Continue reading Ditch the detergent →

Whosoever plants a tree…

Small steps... Plant trees! But choose species native to your area.Donate to The Woodland Trust. They not only plant trees and protect existing woodland, but lobby government to strengthen legislation and meet its own commitments.Be a NIMBY! Fight for the life of every tree.Consider the impact of your diet on forests around the world.Volunteer with … Continue reading Whosoever plants a tree… →

Reducing meat consumption

Small steps... If going cold-turkey is too much, start by just reducing your meat intake: make one, two or three days a week meat-free.As much as possible, go for white meat rather than red, and buy local from your butcher rather than from the supermarket. Take a little time to discover and experiment with vegetarian … Continue reading Reducing meat consumption →

Divestment and you

Small steps... Check your own investments - especially your pension - and divest (or ask your pension manager to divest) from fossil fuels.Choose alternative investments that support the transition to a greener future through sustainable, environmentally-friendly practices.Be loud and proud of your decision to join the growing movement! -------------------------------------------- Ah, the beauty (cough) of a … Continue reading Divestment and you →

Green electricity – Part 1

Small steps... Go to uSwitch and sign up to run your home on certified 100% renewable electricity.Spread the word! See if your electricity supplier will send you a certificate to stick on the fridge and get others talking.Speak to friends, family and neighbours, especially those less familiar with online comparison sites, and help them switch … Continue reading Green electricity – Part 1 →