Doing it sustainably

Living sustainably

Advises on ways of working towards a sustainable lifestyle.
Links to several ecological/carbon footprint calculators.

How can you develop more sustainably?

• By boosting the local environment, such as recycling
• By boosting the local community, such as helping local people
• By boosting the local economy, such as buying local goods
• And, best of all, by boosting all three things together

We can choose to live more sustainably in many ways. Each way has its place and will make a difference.

Building in Sustainability aims to advance the understanding of sustainable development and encourage developments which safeguard the environment. BIS provides practical advice, presented in a usable and stimulating way, to encourage, educate and inspire the reader to apply sustainable development thinking to each situation and locality.

Car Plus works as a national charity promoting responsible car use. CP provides information on vehicle choice, alternative fuel technology, minimising car use, car clubs, car-sharing, improved driving behaviour, promoting journey planning, responsible disposal of cars, and all aspects of how we perceive and use the car.

Lets Recycle is a source of information on recycling legislation, materials, products and jobs. LR is updated daily and provides a weekly newsletter as well as details for a variety of businesses across the UK involved in recycling.

The Institute of Science in Society works for social responsibility and sustainable approaches in science. ISIS aims to promote responsible science to civil society and the public good, independent of commercial and other special interests, or of government control.

Journey to Forever is run by a small, mobile NGO (non-government organisation) involved in environment and rural development work across the world. JTF provides useful instruction and interesting information about projects that can help you live a sustainable lifestyle.

The Slow Food movement aims to defend and support artisan food production; small-scale agriculture and sustainable approaches to fishing and farming; encouraging chefs to use local foods and conserving biodiversity by protecting animal breeds, plant varieties and outstanding food products. TSFM provides information on Slow Food events, training, food and drink.

The Rough Guide to a Better World is a guide describing how the world can be a better place for everyone. TRGBW is free and shows how you can make ethical choices to help alleviate poverty and negative effects on the environment.

UNEP - Sustainable Consumption Programme promotes sustainable consumption and production patterns to contribute to human development through the market. UNEP provides information focused on understanding the forces that drive consumption patterns around the world and how to translate those findings into tangible activities for business (including the advertising industry) and other stakeholders.

Buying

Ecover was established in 1979 and was the first to market ecological cleaning products on a large scale. Ecover produces and distributes washing-up liquids, cleaning products and other detergents in ways which have as little impact as possible on the environment

Ethical Consumer is the online version of Ethical Consumer magazine, the UK's leading alternative consumer magazine. EC contains practical guides to the social and environmental impacts of a range of products, from banks and building societies to yoghurt. The magazine also contains features such as Corporate Watch, a regular in-depth look at a specific company, up-to-date news and boycotts news.

Friends of the Earth is an environmental campaign group which wants a world where protection of the environment and meeting everyone's needs go hand-in-hand. FoE holds a collection of links to sites providing advice and resources for green consumerism.

Fairtrade Foundation aims to alleviate poverty in the “Third World” by encouraging industry and consumers to support fairer trade. FF gives consumers the opportunity to buy products which were bought on the basis of a fair trade

Green Consumer Guide is run by Greenmedia Publishing Ltd. an independent media company based in the North-East of England. GCG provides details of ethical products and suppliers as well as the latest environmental news.

Green Guide is a sustainable consumerism directory that includes organisations offering environmental, ethical and fair trade products. GG also links users to the latest eco-news.

GreenChoices encourages everyone in Britain to make ecologically sound decisions in living their everyday lives. GCs is an independent website providing information, links and support to those wishing to live greener.

Tescopoly explains how the practices of large supermarket chains is partly based on trading practices that are having serious consequences for suppliers, farmers, overseas workers, local shops and the environment. Tescopoly explains how you can take action to support local appropriate-scale consumerism.

Sustain is an alliance for better food and farming and was launched following a merger of The National Food Alliance and the Sustainable Agriculture Food and Environment (SAFE) Alliance. Sustain advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.

The Ethical Company Organisation aims to establish an overall benchmark standard for 21st century Corporate Social Responsibility - regarding human rights, animal welfare and the environment. TECO provides The Good Shopping Guide – a reference book of clear ethical purchase guidance and information for ethical consumers and NGO's worldwide.

Building

National Green Specification is an independent organisation partnered with the Building Research Establishment (BRE). NGS has produced an Internet-based resource for all building designers, constructors and manufacturers involved with ‘Sustainable Construction’.

Sustainable Buildings design and supply homes and buildings that are made using timber. SB provides sustainable design and materials for homes in the UK.

Sustainable Homes encourages awareness of sustainable development and encourages housing associations and landlords to adopt environmentally friendly policies and practices. SH provides an EcoDatabase containing over 150 ecological and environment friendly residential projects from across the UK and some from the continent.

Ecological Footprint

BP is one of the largest global energy companies. BP provides a Carbon Footprint Calculator allowing individuals to gauge their carbon consumption against national averages.

EcologyFund raises funds for critical habitat and wilderness preservation using the power of the internet. EF provides access to an ecological footprint calculator which allows you to estimate your footprint, based on your lifestyle.

Earth Day Network promotes environmental citizenship and year round progressive action worldwide serving as a driving force steering environmental awareness. EDN provides a simple, fun way to calculate your ecological footprint and tips for how to take action.

Resurgence Magazine is the leading international forum for ecological and spiritual thinking. RM provides a calculator designed to make it easy to work out your personal annual carbon-dioxide emissions using a comprehensive analysis of energy usage.