Ten Green Resolutions for 2003

Here are the Green Shop top ten ethical and eco-resolutions for 2003.

1 - SWITCH TO GREEN ELECTRICITY
The two companies we'd recommend are Unit[e] and Ecotricity. They both have good credentials when it comes to their commitment to both present and future environmental policy and top the FOE league of green energy suppliers. Contacts: www.unit-e.co.uk 0845 6011410 or www.ecotricity.co.uk 0800 0326100

2 - SAVE ENERGY
There are many simple steps you can take to save energy at home. How many of us do everything we could? - honestly it's really not that much effort. For inspiration visit Energy Saving Trust at www.saveenergy.co.uk or ring their helpline on 0845 7277200

3 - BANK ETHICALLY
The Co-operative Bank is a UK bank whose products are only available to those in the UK. Great ethical policies combined with good customer service - what more could you ask for? For more information have a look at www.co-operativebank.co.uk 08457 212212, www.smile.co.uk

4 - START COMPOSTING
Put your kitchen and garden waste to good use by making a compost heap or investing in a wormery. If you are short of space the junior wormery may be the solution. At only 17" high it can easily be stored in a small kitchen. Wormeries and information about composting available from The Green Shop.

5 - BUY LOCAL FOOD
Buying local food is good for all concerned. The farmer benefits from better prices and the consumer gets fresher and tastier food. The environment suffers less due to a reduction in food miles and the local economy is strengthened by keeping money in local pockets for as long as possible. Interesting websites:
www.farmersmarkets.net, www.bigbarn.co.uk, www.soilassociation.org.uk, www.foodlinks.info

6 - CYCLE TO WORK
Get in shape, save yourself money and help the environment all at once by cycling to work. Have a look at the Sustrans website at www.sustrans.org.uk or call 0117 990888 for details of cycle routes near you. Keep your ear to the ground for new developments in the electric bike market too.

7 - BANISH JUNK MAIL
Take action on unwanted mail. Contact the Mailing Preference Service through www.getitsorted.org or ring 0870 2416206 for a registration form. Alternatively put junk mail to good use: COMPOST IT - tear and screw up and add to your compost throughout the winter months.

8 - SHOP ETHICALLY
Think about what you buy and where you buy from. Use your consumer clout to support ethical companies and boycott those that are not. Read Ethical Consumer magazine or visit their website at www.ethicalconsumer.org or call 0161 2262929 for up to date information on all things ethical.

9 - CONSERVE WATER
2003 is officially International Year of Freshwater. Some facts:
- We are currently using 54% of all of the worlds accessible freshwater.
- By 2025 this will have jumped to 70% leaving two thirds of the worlds population with severe water shortages.
- 50% of the water we use at home is for uses such as toilet flushing and car washing.
We could save this amount of freshwater by using rainwater instead.
To find out more on reusing the rain that falls on your home visit www.rainharvesting.co.uk or ring 01452 772000

10 - EAT FAIRTRADE CHOCOLATE
As a reward for keeping all these resolutions.

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