Minimal

So, it’s been almost 2 months since I saw Al Gore’s documentary and what have I done to make the planet a better place? Answer: not a lot. In fact, pretty much everything’s concentrated on reducing my petrol consumption. I now:

• walk into town instead of driving
• keep the revs down when driving i.e. drive normally ;)
• use the local Co-op instead of the Tesco 4 miles away
• lift-share on the way to work
• go to The Gate to watch films instead of Boldon

I even took the train to visit friends in York once. Beyond that, I’ve asked my landlord about switching to a green electricity supplier, but we’ve yet to make the change (my fault, not his). Oh, and I’ve holidayed in the UK rather than going abroad, but that was planned anyway.

On the bad side, I’ve yet to switch the Mini for something more fuel-efficient. Worse than that, though, I’ve booked myself on another trackday. Cue approx £150 of fuel being burnt in one go. I bet that easily cancels out every other saving I’ve made.

On the home front, I’ve not done anything to change to more energy-efficient appliances, but that’s really my landlord’s call. Given that I’m now planning to get a place of my own (that must be another environmental no-no), it would seem a bit much to ask him to get new gear only for me to leave.

In summary, then, I have done things that will help, but I reckon my overall footprint must still be as big as ever. In the coming year, I’ll try to stay away from flights abroad and I really must get rid of the Mini. Keep me honest, people.