by Isobel Allen

Created on: June 05, 2008   Last Updated: June 11, 2008

Green lifestyles are taking over. We all know the arguments for living more sustainably by now, but what are the key ingredients to living a greener lifestyle? How can can you live your life as an example to other people who want to live green, too? And can you actually encourage others to take environmental issues seriously through your own personal actions, without everyone labelling you a massive green bore?

Well, you can. And here's how.

1. Greening Your Home

Recycling is just the tip of the ice berg with what you can achieve at home. Heating and lighting our homes uses huge amounts of energy, washing and entertainment uses it too. Saving electricity, gas and/or oil is not only good for the environment - it's good for your bank balance.

So get smart. - Buy energy-saving light bulbs, and when you're not in a room, turn off the lights. - Turn down that thermostat - you can save 300kg of CO2 each year, and 10% on your energy bill. - Turn appliances off. - Look for grants for things like loft and cavity wall insulation, and solar or wind energy generators.

Having an environmentally-friendly house adds to its selling price, and increases its popularity with other green-minded buyers. And when others see what you've achieved, they'll realise they can do it too.

2. Changing Your Shopping Habits

It's estimated we throw away up to 33% of the food we buy. Better planning at mealtimes and when shopping could save massive amounts of waste. And we can reduce the waste from packaging by buying sensibly packaged items, and asking our supermarkets to stop selling over-packaged products. Take shopping bags with you, and don't ignore that slightly bruised apple - the supermarket will only throw it away.

3. Travelling Green

Get on your bike! If you can walk somewhere, walk. If not, cycle or use public transport. If your public transport network is useless, start a group to persuade your local council to improve it - you might be surprised at what you can change. Take less flights. And why not set up or join a scheme giving access to a car for shared use? This reduces the need for second cars - many of which are used infrequently - and saves you money on insurance and other expenses. If you regularly do the same journey, like the school run, find others who do it too, and share a lift - and the costs.

4. Talking the Walk

Finally, to encourage others to follow your lead, make sure you talk the walk! Tell people about the choices you're making, how simple they are, and how much money you're saving. You don't need to lecture people, just point out the benefits. You could even share your greening experience with your local newspaper - they can print updates on your progress. Who knows how many people you might encourage? Good luck.

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