Whatever governments do or do not do about global warming, the reality is that the most significant changes in environmental policy are likely to take place at a local community level as individual citizens make changes to the way they live for the good of future generations.

Some key changes are:

1. Recycle. Glass, paper, cardboard, plastic bottles and clothing can all be recycled at local sites. This change will dramatically reduce the amount you throw away into landfill sites each year. Click your local council for the location of sites in your community.

2. Use charity shops. Toys, books, furniture and clothes can all be taken to (and bought from) charity shops, supporting the social economy and reducing waste.

3. Compost your food. Garden cuttings as well as vegetables, bread, rice, pasta and fruit can all be composted in a simple pile at the bottom of your garden. The compost produced can be spread on your soil to improve the quality of your plants and flowers. No meat should be composted in this way, but all plant-based items (including paper and cardboard) can be reused in this way. The tons of food thrown into landfill each year are a major cause of methane, a leading greenhouse gas.

4. Shop locally. By buying as much as you can from local suppliers, you reduce the amount of energy needed to transport goods around the world. This can help reduce carbon emissions and support the local economy. While you're at it, ask your local shopkeepers to use less wrapping and packaging when they provide your goods.

5. Walk and Share. Buses and trains are hugely less polluting per passenger than cars. Walking and cycling locally are other excellent ways of getting around.

6. Recharge. Using rechargeable batteries whenever possible will save you money and reduce the amount of energy wasted and pollution caused by regular batteries.

7. Lighten up. Energy saving light bulbs will reduce your energy bill and use less resources to produce.

8. Look on the sunny side. 2006 will be looked back on as the year that solar power went mainstream. Several major suppliers are now offering solar panels that can supplement your domestic energy supply. These can be supplied and fitted and will pay for themselves after 5 years. Some companies are now offering a similar service for wind turbines on your roof.

9. Switch off. When you leave a room, switch off the lights. When you go to bed, turn appliances off at the wall. It's a small step that will produce results in the medium term.

Some of these actions may seem impractical. Others are very easy. Think about one or two you could implement this week. Your simple choices, combined with those of others, will set in motion a pattern of change that governments will have to respond to.

Learn more about this author, Al Shaw.
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