Are you full of good intentions for living a greener life but just don’t know where to start or what to do? Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) has just published a report that spells it all out for us. These aren’t exactly ground breaking ideas, but they’re a useful reminder of where to start. I’ve summarised the goals for your ease of use.Personal Transport

-Use more efficient vehicles: this means smaller cars, bicycles and public transport options.

-Use car less for short trips: walk or cycle if you don’t have far to go.

-Avoid unnecessary flights (short haul): take the train.

Homes: Waste

-Increase recycling: choose products that are packaged in recyclable materials.

-Waste less (food): plan your meals and make a shopping list to avoid buying too much food, and compost your food waste.

Homes: Energy

-Install insulation: you can get a grant to help you pay for this, for details visit the Energy Saving Trust.

-Better energy management: save energy in the home.

-Install micro-generation: solar panels and wind turbines are the way to go.

Homes: Water

-More responsible water usage: adopt water saving habits.

Eco-products

-Buy energy efficient products: from your washing machine to your television set, look for the energy rating and go for the ‘A’.

-Eat more food that is locally in season: grow your own vegetables or join an organic vegetable box delivery scheme.

-Adopt a lower impact diet: eat less meat and fewer processed foods.

There’s plenty here to get started with, and once you’ve achieved all this, stay tuned to BlogGreen for more suggestions on fine tuning your eco-life.