eco-living

i went to a great seminar at greenbelt by a guy called leo hickman. he is basically a totally ordinary guy (who happens to write for the guardian) who decided to try and be more ecologically friendly for a year. it started with two "ecological auditors" arriving at his house and assessing his lifestyle (sounds terrifying). they then advised him on his first gentle steps towards a more greener life. the main two things they recommended were a) to look at where he buys his food and b) to try and cut his rubbish. food is probably what we spend most of our disposable income on - and much of it is imported from abroad. food imported from abroad causes much more pollution (aircraft fumes, refridgerated lorries) and uses much more packaging than locally sourced food. he began to shop (where possible) at farmers' markets - buying seasonal products, etc. it was a really good seminar because leo was so down to earth. he did not make unrealistic expectations of himself, and said at the end of the seminar that it is about trying each day to make small changes to your lifestyle. bravo!