| There is no escaping the fact that the way we live | | | | exacerbates allergies. |
| our lives is having a big impact on the environment. | | | | 3. Avoid Plastics and UPVC |
| We are the main contributors to climate change | | | | The damage from plastics and UPVC to the |
| which is predicted to have huge consequences on us | | | | environment occur throughout their lifespan. The |
| all in the near future. | | | | plastic manufacturing process causes an enormous |
| We can all do our bit to mitigate the worst of it by | | | | amount of lasting damage, through the use of fossil |
| adopting simple green principles in our every day lives. | | | | fuels and materials. Whereas the manufacture of |
| Here are a few ideas to help you when taking your | | | | UPVC is alleged to produce 9 of the top 15 worst |
| first steps towards saving the environment. | | | | chemicals known to man. |
| 1. Make Environmentally Friendly Purchases | | | | When these products have outlived their usefulness |
| When making a new purchase think about what you | | | | their disposal is just as harmful. |
| are buying and whether there are environmentally | | | | The solution is to look for products made from |
| friendly alternatives. | | | | natural or biodegradable material and to demand less |
| Some products like energy saving light bulbs may be | | | | packaging. |
| a little bit more expensive initially, but over the life of | | | | 4. Recycle |
| the product they save money on your energy bills. | | | | Ways of recycling are getting more inventive – it |
| Greener purchases choices include: | | | | is not just about recycling plastic, glass and paper. |
| Switching from incandescent light bulbs to energy | | | | Contact your local council to find out about their |
| saving light bulbs. | | | | recycling schemes. |
| Choosing wood over plastic. Checking of course that | | | | Check out free recycling schemes on the Internet. |
| it comes from a renewable source. | | | | There are some great sites out there that allow you |
| Buying products with biodegradable packaging. Or | | | | to advertise items you were considering throwing |
| even better no packaging at all. | | | | away to anyone who might be interested in them. A |
| Organic food and products. | | | | great way of saving you a trip to the tip and |
| 2. Use Environmentally Friendly Paint and Preservers | | | | creating more landfill. |
| There is no longer the excuse not to buy | | | | 5. Generate Your Own Energy |
| environmentally friendly paints and preserves as the | | | | The ultimate way to go green and save money over |
| range available has grown considerably. If you can | | | | the long term is to generate your own energy. Green |
| not find them in your local DIY store check out your | | | | technology is changing rapidly, creating opportunities |
| options online. Many manufacturers will send out | | | | for everyone to generate their own power. Means of |
| samples to help you find your perfect colour. | | | | creating your own energy range from solar water |
| An additional benefit of choosing greener types of | | | | heating, solar and wind powered electricity to air |
| paint is that they not only help save the environment | | | | source heat pumps. |
| but are also better for your health. Some studies | | | | Installing solar power or wind turbines may seem to |
| have shown that the toxins in traditional paint slowly | | | | be a big commitment at first, but it has the potential |
| poisons people in their homes and almost certainly | | | | for far greater financial and environmental rewards. |