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Mike and his family have been taking steps to reduce their environmental impact because they want to lead a green and healthier lifestyle.

He says: "We believe that if everyone does their bit, it will make a huge difference."

"We switched our energy supplier to one that supports solar, wind and tidal power. Our loft is now insulated to cut down on the amount of energy it takes to heat our home, which has also reduced our bills. We all have bicycles and when we go shopping use the bus, train or walk, although we must admit to using the car too much - an area for improvement."

"My wife and I stopped smoking some 15 years ago and as a result feel less tired, more fit and have saved loads of money that we use to spend on cigarettes. We buy lots of fresh fruit and vegetables and try and cook tasty, healthy food at least three or four times a week. Our daughter Natasha now loves cooking and cooks some meals for us. We buy only free-range eggs and barn-reared chickens for our Sunday roast."

"We have switched all our light bulbs to low watt modern ones - which reduces our impact on the environment and again saves us loads of money."

"We avoid buying items with lots of packaging, recycle all our rubbish and get our milk delivered in glass milk bottles which we wash and are then reused by the dairy."

"We recently joined The Wave demonstration in London which campaigned for world leaders to improve and protect the Earth's environment. We had a great day in London."

An update from Mike...

After lots of builders work we have now double glazing (A grade glass) installed.  We hope it will further reduce our carbon foot print and save us money.

As a family we continue to try and reduce the amount of packaging we buy and recycle household waste. Our milk continues to be delivered to us in glass bottles which we wash and return to the dairy. A few days later they are returned to us full of milk...just like magic!

Start from the place where you live, lots of help on

...Then move on and look at the way you travel !

You can help the environment by thinking about what you buy and what you eat...

...And of course there are campaigns to get involved with ...

Mike, Natasha & Helen Photo: Abbie Trayler-Smith

Mike, Natasha & Helen Photo: Abbie Trayler-Smith

Mike, Natasha & Helen Photo: Abbie Trayler-Smith

Mike, Natasha & Helen Photo: Abbie Trayler-Smith

Mike, Natasha & Helen Photo: Abbie Trayler-Smith

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