Consume less

Anything you spend money on, no matter how recycled the materials and how shipped-by-vegetable-powered-canal-boat it is, it will still have some environmental impact. Which is why the first and greenest question you should ask of any purchase is: 'Can I do without it?'

Consuming less is one of the most effective ways of combating climate change, even if it's not the message many firms promoting 'green initiatives' want you to hear.

How far you take the mantra is your own personal choice – many of us would be unwilling to walk around in clothes that are falling to bits, eat only home-grown food and drink nothing but tap water. But remember, every little thing you don't buy is a zero-carbon choice.

Less is more

To start consuming less as a way of life, take a look around you at the things you have already got. Before you buy a new book, for example, consider whether there is one already on your shelf that you haven't read yet (or use your local library). Rather than throwing out a shirt you don't wear anymore, why not cut it up and use it to make something else, such as a cushion cover. Wrapping paper can be reused and so can envelopes - many charities, such as Friends of the Earth, sell blank address labels which you stick over the old name and address, saving resources and promoting the cause of the charity at the same time.

Water, water everywhere…

You can even aim to consume less of your domestic utilities. A lack of water, for example, is causing huge environmental problems globally, with some countries such as Spain already being forced to ship it in from abroad [source: Guardian, May 2008). The sheer fact of transporting water and cleaning it is an energy intensive process.

Using less water in our daily lives requires little effort. Put a plastic bottle filled with sand into the toilet cistern to reduce your flush. If you already have a dual-flush loo, however, there is no need to do this. (Be careful not to reduce the flush so much that you have to flush twice each time, or you'll end up using more water not less).

Showers generally use less water than baths, although if you stand there for twenty minutes under a power shower this may not be the case. You can also save water by turning off the tap while you are brushing your teeth – there is no excuse not to do that one!

Protecting our forests

The furniture you buy can also have an impact on the environment. Firstly, ask yourself, do you really need that new sofa or kitchen table? If it's retail therapy you are after, buy something smaller and less energy-intensive to produce. If you really are lacking furniture, consider buying something secondhand. Not only is this more eco-aware, but you may end up with a better quality product for less outlay.

If you do buy new furniture, try to make sure it is made from natural products. Many synthetic materials give off toxic chemicals over their lifespan, and are energy intensive to produce.

Wood is a good, carbon neutral material, but you need to make sure it comes from sustainable forests. Illegally-logged timber is a huge environmental concern not only because of its contribution to climate change, but because it destroys animal habitats, often those of endangered species, and can cause problems for local people in some parts of the world. Look for wooden furniture certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

Freecycle groups

If you are getting rid of old furniture, try to recycle it. If you can't sell it on the Internet or in the local newspaper, offer it to your local Freecycle group. If someone wants it, they will come and collect it from you, solving the problem of how to dispose of it.

Our economy may depend upon us spending until we drop, but it is putting an immense strain on the environment. Of course, you will always need to buy things, but try to cut out any unnecessary spending before it is the planet and not us that drops.

Related information:
Carbon offset calculator – calculate your carbon footprint from your home, car or air travel.
Home insulation – keep your home warmer and your energy bills smaller.
Basic house care – tips on looking after your guttering, roof, paintwork and external walls.