Recent Comments

1. Shop Small (Buy local, Switch from the Supermarket) - 24 Aug 2005

   I think it was me who initiated this one, originally. It came from my discovery that my local radical bookshop News From Nowhere had started up an online ordering service, for any book in print. A book addict I was really pleased to transfer my online buying habits to NfN, especially when I discovered that one of their purchasing options is ‘Pay on Collection from the Shop’. So not only am I supporting their business, I’m getting to know the staff now too. Which is nice.

   The NfN site is hosted by The Book Partnership who offer all sorts of useful online services to independent booksellers; so if you are one, or know one, you might like to see what they can do to support the small shopkeeper.

2. Buy Presents That Make A Difference - 24 Aug 2005

   I did the theatre ticket thing last year. People I gave them to appreciated them. But what do I do this year? Same again seems a bit dull …

3. Slow Down, Calm Down (Stick to the speed limit) - 24 Aug 2005

   I do try to control myself but it’s all wide dual carriageways round here and so easy to slip up a gear.

4. Switch To Good (Green Or Socially Resonsible) Energy - 24 Aug 2005

   I went with Equipower last year because of YOLG. It’s a good thing.

5. Go Ethical With Some of your Savings - 24 Aug 2005

   I’ve invested (very modestly) with Triodos for a little while now; now I’m anxious to know what will happen to me if I let them know I’m a Greenbelt person….

6. Stop Taking Plastic Bags From Shops - 24 Aug 2005

   Finding this very difficult; they move so fast, those shop assistants.

7. Give A Gift That Keeps On Giving - 24 Aug 2005

   I struggle with GIVING this, except to people who’ve particularly asked for it. I asked for it last year and got a goat off my sister. Very nice.

   I like the Woodland Trust idea though, jc, I could do that this year. Though that makes me wonder – why would I think people might feel ok about saving a tree but less ok about feeding someone in poverty….....?

8. Post Your Packaging Back - 24 Aug 2005

   I admit, this was my idea, well, I got it from howies. It’s good and has a bit of political edge, which I feel a lot of our YOLG actions lack, but it’s hard keeping it up. Good one-off thing to do perhaps. Though if you live nearby a big corporation you could post yer own.

9. Get Rid of Your Car - OK, ambitious, but... - 24 Aug 2005

   Impossible task. All in one go. But MORE possible is cutting back on car journeys. For the next few months I’ll deliberately try to use alternative transport on at least one occasion a week where I’d normally drive, see how that goes.

10. Turn Off The Tap When Brushing Your Teeth - 26 Mar 2006

    I’ve been doing this most days since someone suggested putting the plug in the sink while you brush your teeth to see how much water you use. But I don’t find it that easy: it’s not just laziness, there’s a psychology to teeth-brushing which seems to be tied in with the reassurance of running water, drowning out the sound of the brush on your molars, etc…

11. Slap a Ticket on an Urban 4x4 - 26 Mar 2006

    Why is a van not a practical alternative, twitchy 4×4 owner? What would you have used a decade ago?

    That aside beside, I don’t see why 4×4 owners should be singled out for being environmental destroyers – ALL car owners are. Me included. I hope being GENEROUS isn’t degenerating into meaning SCAPEGOATING OTHER PEOPLE when we’re as bad ourselves.

    Roll on the end of the oil age – it will happen within a generation or two.

12. Get Rid Of Some Of Your Books - 14 Jun 2006

    I never thought I could, but I’ve found I can … reduce the amount of books on my sagging shelves. I put just one onto GreenMetropolis.com a month ago – sold it today; and now am negotiating other sales…