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Ever since the warship- baiting radicalism of the 19808, ecology
has been a constant presence on the political agenda. And while Dubya and Tony fudge their way out of providing pivotal backing for documents like the Kyoto Treaty
on climate change, it’s on a domestic level where the real graft is taking place. So here’s The List’s take on being ecologically minded. We’ve attempted to do this with the minimum of guilt tripping and have found some inspirational, innovative characters. As for doing your bit, you might already be better at being eco-friendly than you think you are. Check by taking our quiz to find out just how
green your valley is.
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Do you recycle at home?
A Yes. I sort all my rubbish and make regular trips to the recycling depot.
B I've got enough crap in my house as it is. Everything goes straight into the rubbish.
C l pile up newspapers and bottles until they take over the kitchen. then end up binning them anyway because the recycling facilities are too far away.
Your house is cold, what do you do?
A I put on another Jumper or three.
B I turn all the radiators on to the highest setting and IOunge about in my vest and pants.
C I put more clothes on and turn the heat up a bit.
How do you get to work?
A I cycle or walk.
B I drive. of course. All alone in my big car. C I share a lift or take the bus.
What’s your policy on plastic shopping bags?
A No need. Everything I buy goes straight into my hemp bag.
B I double bag everything. Better safe than sorry. C I sometimes take plastic bags from shops. but I try to reuse them.
You’re planning a trip down to London from Scotland. What transport option do you consider first?
A Train.
B Plane.
C Car.
Do you know roughly where your food comes from?
A Mainly from this country. I always buy seasOnaI. local produce.
B The supermarket.
C l'rn not exactly sure where my food originates. to be honest.
Do you buy organic food?
A Of course. It's worth paying extra for.
B No. It's yet another consumer rip-off instigatet‘l by food companies to get us to pay more for the same products.
C Sometimes. when I can afford it.
Do you compost?
A Yes.
B Oh. come on. Green fingers are one thing. brown is another.
C I would if I had a garden.
Do you have recycling at your place of work?
A Yes. I wouldn't work there otherwise.
B No. I've got enough to do at work besides save the planet.
C No. but I've been accused by my boss of recycling a few old ideas in my time.
Do you use green electricity?
A Yes. Whenever possible.
B There's enough hassle dealing with them to get broadband in without trying to get some my 'leccy from a wind farm. They're dodgy anyway. aren't they?
C No. well I'm not really sure how to get it. How can you tell what colour it is anyway?
How much do you shop, other than for food?
A I don't like spending and tend to buy second- hand goods or things that Will last.
B Retail therapy — it's what Saturdays are for. And late night Thursdays and Sundays . . .
C Have you ever gone into Fopp and not come out with a bag full of five Quid CDs? Everyone's got to shop a little bit.
Are you a member of an environmental pressure group like Greenpeace? A Yes. have been since I was at school.