This section brings together suggestions for green or ethical living and links to useful other web sites. Nearly a quarter of adults in Wales are unsure what they need to do to lead a greener, more ethical way of life.

Climate change and other environmental threats to our well-being need urgently to be dealt with by international agreement, government regulation and incentives, and the actions of large corporations. Scientific evidence and public pressure are gradually changing policies and practice, but the voluntary efforts of individuals taking responsibility for their own choices can also play a large part in achieving change.

The Energy Saving Trust wants us all to commit to save 20% of the energy we use every day. We all need to give up some things, or pay their real price, setting an example to others. For the sake of our children we must not be tempted by the excuse that others are not yet doing so.

Remember that acting to ‘save the planet’ is not only about making better lifestyle choices. Campaigning, joining in the work of some of GreenWeb’s member organisations, persuading employers to be more environmentally responsible, or just encouraging friends to become greener, can be very supportive. But beware of preaching – it’s not always easy to alter our long-established ways!

If you want to know more about the threats we face, visit, for example:

www.direct.gov.uk/actonCO2 or www.defra.gov.uk/environment/climate/index.htm
www.bbc.co.uk/climate
www.foe.co.uk
www.greenpeace.org.uk
www.sustainwales.com

You can calculate your 'carbon footprint' (the amount of carbon dioxide that you and your lifestyle create and thereby contribute to climate change) at www.direct.gov.uk/actonCO2. You can also get a personalised action plan. In November 2007 The Observer recommended www.footprint.wwf.org.uk, which suggests larger footprints than the government calculator.

By clicking on the section headings below you will find some guidance on how to help the planet, often saving money at the same time, and a directory of local sources of more environmentally-friendly goods and services. Neither the guidance nor the directory claims to be comprehensive or up-to-date; we hope to refresh both from time to time.

Food and Drink

Dealing with Waste

Green Transport

Saving Energy and Water

Building and DIY

Health, Personal and Household Products

Arts, Crafts and Clothing

Green Gardening and the Countryside

Green Tourism

Ethical Finance and the Alternative Economy

For more consumer guidance go to:

www.direct.gov.uk/greenerliving
www.ethicalconsumer.org or www.ethiscore.org
www.ethical-company-organisation.org
www.greenchoices.org
www.greenconsumerguide.com (with daily news bulletins)
www.sustainwales.com
www.startuk.org

There are also numerous publications - look at section 333.72 in your public library.

National directories include:

www.ecostreet.com
www.greenandeasy.co.uk
www.sustainwales.com
www.localgreenlinks.com  (Herefordshire, Bristol (food), and this site)

Whilst every care has been taken in compiling the information in this guide, Monmouthshire GreenWeb or any other person who have been involved in working on this directory, cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage resulting from any errors or omissions, inadvertent or not, that may be found or may occur at some time in the future owing to changes in legislation or for any other reason.

We welcome your feedback - please email us.