Everything we do has environmental consequences, but it is possible to reduce our impact, through careful purchasing.

• Buy locally made products for the home – they are often better quality, you will reduce the product miles, (saving on CO2 emissions), and you will be supporting the local economy.

• Buy organic (and if possible locally produced) toiletries, cleaning materials and linen; pesticides and herbicides used in normal products can pose a health risk and cause environmental damage.

• Wood is available from sustainably managed forests. Look for the FSC mark.

• Rechargeable batteries with a solar recharger will extend the life of batteries and save energy.

• Solar torches, radios, wind-up chargers for mobile phones, and many other such products are now available.

• Disposable nappies end up in land-fills, resulting in dangerous emissions, while re-usable nappies, which have improved greatly over the last few years, do not cause so much harm.

• Another way to help the planet is to spend more of your leisure time locally, by walking or cycling, through our beautiful countryside.

• If you’re decorating, using natural paints will reduce significantly the harmful emissions released in the production and use of standard paints.