Make a difference

You may have read some of these tips a thousand times. For some of you it may be the first time.

But whatever the time, this is not going to be like any other time....

The difference now is that it's time to take a few extra steps.

Not big ones. Small steps. Small commitments. But ones that will be counted.

You don't need to start wearing thick knitted woolen jumpers, or stop washing your hair, or live a radically altered and less pleasurable life?

That's not what life's about.

Hell. We, you, this is all about celebrating life.

Its majesty. Its glory. Its diversity.

And whether you are at home, out shopping or even in the garden - you really can make a difference.

So here's what you can do:

1. Recycle your paper

2. Buy Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood products - look for the symbol of the tree with the tick on it. [What's FSC?]

3. Look for the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified mark when buying fish. [What's MSC?]

4. Use recycled paper.

5. Use rechargeable batteries.

6. Travel less by car and plane and more by foot, bicycle and public transport.

7. Use organic compost and mulch to improve soil health and reduce the need for pesticides and fertilizers.

8. Use energy-efficient household appliances you can afford and turn off appliances and light when you are not using them.

9. Switch to energy efficient light bulbs. They save electricity and money!

10. Look for products that have less packaging.

11. Save water by turning off the tap when brushing your teeth.

12. Switch to non-polluting green electricity from your electricity company. If they don't sell it, can you change power companies to one that does? Get your school, company or community to buy renewable energy, too.

13. Say "No" to bad souvenirs. Think twice before you buy any products made from any endangered species, including animal hides and body parts, tortoise-shell, ivory, or coral - they could be illegal.

14. Take your own bags to the shops to carry home your groceries and shopping.

15. Use the washing machine or dish washer only when you have a full load. Use washing powder suitable for low temperature washes and use economy programmes.

...and start changing the world