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Nearly a
quarter of adults in Wales are unsure what they
need to do to lead a greener, more ethical way
of life.
Climate change and other
environmental threats to our well-being need
urgently to be dealt with by international
agreement, government regulation and incentives, and
the actions of large corporations. Scientific
evidence and public pressure are gradually changing
policies and practice, but the voluntary efforts of
individuals taking responsibility for their own
choices can also play a large part in achieving
change. The Energy Saving Trust wants us all to
commit to save 20% of the energy we use every day. We all need to give up some
things, or pay their real price, setting an example
to others. For the sake of our children we must not
be tempted by the excuse that others are not yet
doing so.
Remember that acting to ‘save the
planet’ is not only about making better lifestyle
choices. Campaigning, joining in the work of some of GreenWeb’s
member organisations, persuading employers to be more environmentally
responsible, or just encouraging friends to become
greener, can be very supportive. But beware of
preaching – it’s not always easy to alter our
long-established ways!
If you want to know more about the
threats we face, visit, for example:
www.global-cool.com
www.climatechallenge.gov.uk
www.foe.co.uk
www.greenpeace.org.uk
You can calculate your
'carbon footprint' (the amount of carbon dioxide
that you and your lifestyle create and thereby contribute to climate change) at
www.direct.gov.uk/actonCO2.
You can also get a personalised action plan. In
November 2007 The Observer recommended
www.nef.org.uk/actonCO2/carboncalculator.htm and
www.footprint.wwf.org.uk, both suggesting larger
footprints than the government calculator.
By clicking on the section
headings below you will find some guidance on how to
help the planet, often saving money at the same
time, and a directory of local sources of more
environmentally-friendly goods and services. Neither
the guidance nor the directory claims to be
comprehensive; we hope to add to both from time to
time.
For more consumer guidance go to:
www.direct.gov.uk/greenerliving
www.ethicalconsumer.org or
www.ethiscore.org
www.ethical-company-organisation.org.
www.greenchoices.org
www.greenconsumerguide.com
(with daily news bulletins)
National directories include:
www.ecostreet.com
www.greenandeasy.co.uk
www.localgreenlinks.com
(Herefordshire, Bristol (food), Worcestershire)
www.greenguidedev.co.uk
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