Avoid anything battery operated (or use rechargables or solar rechargables if batteries are unavoidable).

Save energy and save on bills by swapping your ordinary light bulbs for energy saving ones. Some use a quarter of the energy and can last up to 12 times longer.

Avoid the use of polyvinyl chloride (also known as PVC or vinyl) in your home. The entire life cycle of products made from PVC pollutes the environment and your home. PVC items include shower curtains, flooring, even some children's toys.

Avoid the use of aerosols.

Take your own bags to the grocery store. If you take plastic bags, use them until they are worn out.

Support local farmers and cut down on food miles, by getting a vegetable box delivered to your home or buying produce at your local famers' market. You will receive locally sourced, fresh seasonal produce.

Share the school run with other parents or walk or cycle your children to school, which will help to reduce congestion and save energy.

Install loft insulation - you can cut up to 20 per cent off your energy bills.

Make sure appliances such as TVs and computer monitors aren't left on standby. The electricity wasted through this in the UK is equivalent to the output of one nuclear power station.

Recycle your aluminium cans. Recycling aluminium requires only 5% of the energy compared to making it from raw materials. With the energy saved, you can power a TV for 3 hours.

Make your own compost. A heap in your back garden is absolutely free.

Calculate your carbon footprint and offset what you cant reduce.