Green Man becomes a CRAGger

But another way is to get involved in campaigns and voluntary groups to help or persuade others to reduce their impact. There are countless organisations which aim to contribute to sustainability, some practical, some political, some connected to nature conservation, food, transport, energy, human rights, waste, fair-trade, health, conflict, and more. I am active in a range of groups and over the coming weeks and months will tell you about some of them.

The latest organisation I have become a member of is York CRAG. We have only had three meetings so far and have spent too much of the time debating whether we are a Carbon Rationing Action Group or a Carbon Reduction Action Group, but the general aim is the same. We will help CRAG members measure their carbon emissions and provide information and encouragement to reduce them. Many commentators predict that in the not-so-distant future, as 'peak-oil' approaches, there will be some form of rationing and carbon trading introduced for individuals, organisations and countries. York CRAG aims to start this process locally, and is one of a network of similar CRAGs nationwide (Worldwide?) I will let blog readers know about the launch of York CRAG when it happens- when we have decided our aims and objectives and our organisational structure.

My 'green tip of the week' is to get involved with a voluntary group if you are not already. It could be Greenpeace or FoE, or Amnesty International, or a smaller, more local organisation or charity. This will help the bigger 'green' movement, gives a feeling of satisfaction and participation, and hopefully social benefits and friendships. If you are active in something interesting and progressive, why not write to me and tell me about it?