How do our actions affect the environment?

	We burn fossil fuels in our cars and to heat our homes, schools and work places.
	We eat food that has been grown with chemicals and has used a lot of energy in processing and packaging.
	We buy food and goods that have been transported from the other side of the world.
	We buy TVs, DVDs, MP3 players, stereos and many other gadgets that use up precious resources, take energy to make and transport and then end up back in the earth as toxic landfill.
	We buy products that are manufactured in sweat shops, where people work in unsafe conditions and are paid very little. Child labour is also common.
	We don't think about the wider implications of what we buy, or understand where our waste products go.

What can you do at home?

	Think before you buy.
	Don’t leave you TV or stereo on standby, and don’t leave your mobile phone charger plugged in when you're not using it – they still consume energy.
	Use energy–efficient bulbs and turn off the lights when you leave the room.
	Insulate your home against heat loss.
	Turn down the heat at night and when you are away from your home, or install a programmable thermostat.
	Look at Wastewatch and energy–saving websites for ideas.
	Switch to Juice – environmentally friendly electricity developed by Greenpeace and np power and generated by the UK’s first offshore wind farm.
	Choose reusable products where you can, such as mugs, lunch containers, batteries, pens, razors etc.

What can you do at work?

	Support the World Land Trust and recycle inkjet cartridges, laser toner cartridges, copier cartridges and fax machine cartridges
	Specify recycled paper.
	If possible, set your printer to doubled–sided printing.
	Reuse paper as scrap paper.
	Recycle printer and toner cartridges through your local Help the Aged.
	Turn off your computer at night.

What can you do at school?

	Find out what happens to the waste from your school kitchen. How much is compostable? Is it made into compost?
	Find out what happens to your school’s paper waste. Is it divided into different types (glossy, plain, newsprint)? Is any of it reused?
	Look at the sorts of things you throw away and brainstorm the things you could make with the rubbish instead.
	Join the Eco-schools programme - an award scheme to involve pupils in sustainable development activities.
	Find out about funding sources for renewable energy in schools and colleges from the DTI.
	Find information on energy education and energy saving – www.create.org.uk
	Wastewatch run Schools Waste Action Clubs and has a list of educational resources and information sheets on waste topics.