— Sydney Smith

I live and work in London with my partner in an ordinary terrace house in an ordinary street.  I recycle my rubbish, and take my own bags to the shops.   On the whole I feel pretty virtuous; but is it enough?    Some people have told me that as an individual I can have little impact on the amount of carbon that is being released into the atmosphere, that it’s down to big business and governments to make the changes.  Well yes, they are right I suppose, but it doesn’t sit well with me. I have a belief that if enough people made just one small change, then added together it  could add up to a big impact.  But can I do it. I admit that the things I do, are either easy for me to do, or I’m nudged into doing by the powers that be, whether that’s the shops not giving me a bag, or the council not collecting my bins. What is it really like to do more than that?  Can I really give up meat for ever, or is cutting down the only realistic option for me.   And if I make changes and live in a more eco conscious way, will life become too miserable, or will I find new and unexpected new joys.    

This is my chronicle of the attempts I make, and what its like. I welcome suggestions for things to try.  I also want to ask questions. I am not an expert, and I see and read conflicting information.   What is the truth, about my individual actions and their impact on the planet? 

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