Just like me, you might feel that you're not really THAT good at being green, but wouldn't mind doing that little bit better. So even though it's not that easy here in Jersey, I've been making more of an effort recently but have yet to become a fully paid up T-shirt wearing eggshell composter - although given time... Happless Carrier Bag Fiend You might have heard that Senator Ozouf's been over to Ireland recently to look into the 10p tax that their government placed on plastic carrier bags.
 | | The inescapable plastic carrier bag. |
This actually galvanised me into action when I did the weekly shop; the first items over the barcode scanner were some of those 'bags-for-life' which the shop replaces for free when they wear out. Brilliant, I thought - now that steady stream of plastic bags which magically arrive in my home would be at an end as I basked in the warm smugness of producing them at the next checkout I passed through. But no, they managed to remain on the back of the kitchen door all week. So really, in truth I am a hapless carrier bag fiend who'll be trying harder in future! Because Earth's Worth It! A recent conversation with a friend revealed that I'd been missing a trick when it came to the household product aisle. Was I using more environmentally friendly products rather than big name brands? No. So we've switched over, when things have run out to the stuff that claims not to harm the environment, whilst only using sustainable ingredients. So far I've been satisfied with the quality but the price, of course, has been higher.
 | | Hens they way they're supposed to be. |
This is a dilemma that faces anyone wanting to make a more ethical choice, some thing which is illustrated in particular by the egg industry. As a student I bought free-range eggs even if it meant not buying something else. There are some principal you have to stick to, and not supporting people who make money by keeping chickens in batteries is one of them. So I pay for my choice and eventually the price gap has begun to close. Whether it will elsewhere lies in the hands of the consumer as basic economics informs us that demand does bring down prices. Of course not everyone can afford to choose between cost and conscience - as you might have realised if you take a look at the price of a free-range chicken for the Sunday roast! And the rest... So what else do I do? Well like the rest of the island I put my glass out separately, all my old papers go in the recycling banks along with tins and cans and old clothing and fabric.
 | | What have you got in your office? |
I have to say I've never got round to buying those energy efficient light bulbs, I still buy things that have too much packaging and I don't compost. No doubt there are a hundred other areas where I'm going wrong, and that's where you come in... What are your top tips? Basically you're probably doing a far better job at living a green life than me, so why not share your top tips for living an eco-friendly life below? I'm sure we can learn from each other - perhaps you've managed to find a way to dispose of all your foil or to reduce the size of your bin bag even further, so please do spill the beans... | 
