Frank & Honest

• Life »
• The Environment:

Top tips for being green...

Opinions differ about what we should do about climate change, global warming and environmental damage. But nearly all agree that we all have a part to play in treating this world with more respect and living our lives in a more energy efficient and less polluting way. You’ll find lots of tips here on how you can make small every day changes to been a little or a lot more green. When lots of individuals make small changes, big changes happen. There’s loads of links too if you’d like to read more.

• If you’re thinking of getting a car. Think again! Do you really need one? Could public transport, a bike or walking offer a realistic (as well as cheaper and greener) alternative? If you must have a car, look for a smaller, more fuel-efficient, less polluting car.
• If you have a car, whether it’s fuel efficient or not, there’s stuff you can do to reduce it’s impact on the environment. For example don’t use it unless you really have to – don’t use it for short journeys you could walk or cycle; carpool with mates; keep your car in good order – even keeping your tyres at the right pressure can save fuel; drive efficiently – speed up and slow down gradually; don’t drive faster than you need to – it’s a lot more economical to drive at 55mph than 70mph on motorways even though it’ll take slightly longer to get somewhere.
• There loads of little things you can do to your home. Use energy efficient products – check energy rating when buying new stuff and use low energy bulbs; turn things off when not in use and don’t leave things on stand-by; keep your heating at a reasonable level – you don’t need it warm enough to walk around in a t-shirt in winter! Make sure you have insulation in your home; check your windows and doors are sealed. Draughts = waste! If you can afford it, consider having double glazing installed.
• Recycle! Councils are so much better than they use to be in helping you recycle your home’s waste. If you don’t know what scheme is in place where you live, phone your local council and ask for their recycled waste or refuse team.
• Use less package and baggage – avoid products that have excess packaging and reuse bags.
• Be green at work. If your company or organisation doesn’t have a recycle scheme, ask bosses about whether it would be possible.
• Conserve water – turn taps off when you don’t absolutely need them on!
• Buy local food whenever you can. Some foods are sent right the way around the world to your local supermarket when similar products are produced just down the road – that’s such a waste of energy!
• Don’t leave litter – take it home. Looking after the environment has to start with looking after what’s around us. A dirty environment is not a nice one!
• Be an ethical shopper – think about what you’re buying before you buy it.

• Be active – there’s loads of environment groups that campaign for changes. Get involved!

Links and contact details

Name: CSV Cymru
Web: www.csv.org.uk/Wales/
Email: csvcymru@csv.org.uk
Tel: 029 2041 5717
Info: Whatever your situation, CSV can offer you an opportunity to volunteer that will help you gain new practical skills, meet new people and help support your community by giving your time and energy.

Name: National Trust
Web: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/volunteering
Email: volunteers@nationaltrust.org.uk
Tel:
Info: The National Trust works to preserve and protect the coastline, countryside and buildings of England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Name: Wildlife Trusts
Web: www.wildlifetrusts.org
Email: volunteer@wildlife-trusts.cix.co.uk
Tel: 0870 036 7711
Info: The Wildlife Trusts’ partnership is the largest voluntary organisation working in the UK on all aspects of nature conservation.

Name: Greenpeace
Web: www.greenpeace.org.uk
Email: info@uk.greenpeace.org
Tel:
Info: Greenpeace campaign on environmental issues using non-violent direct action.

Name: Royal Society of the Protection of Birds (RSPB)
Web: www.rspb.org.uk
Email: volunteers@rspb.org.uk
Tel:
Info: RSPB volunteers are involved in managing nature reserves, administration, research and leading community-based projects.

Name: Sustrans
Web: www.sustrans.org.uk
Email: info@sustrans.org.uk
Tel: 0845 113 0065
Info: Sustrans coordinated the development of the National Cycle Network – volunteers help maintain the Network.

Name: Friends of the Earth Cymru
Web: www.foe.co.uk
Email:
Tel:
Info:

Name: Encams (Formerly The Tidy Britain Group)
Web: www.encams.org
Email: tidy.britain@virgin.net
Tel: 01942 612639
Info: Encams (Formerly The Tidy Britain Group) works to improve local environments.

Name: BTCV
Web: www.btcv.org
Email: information@btcv.org.uk
Tel: 01302 388883
Info: BTCV is the UK’s largest practical conservation charity. Their volunteers work on projects aimed at protecting and enhancing the environment.

Frankandhonest.com is brought to you by ASK Education & Training Ltd. We provide training for young people and organisations working with young people. This site was created in response to countless requests from young people for a place to get answers.