A
Greener
Fairer
World
How can we get there?
Many of us feel that we would like to do something towards creating a greener world. In this leaflet are some ideas of how we can do this.
Modifying the way we live can change our impact on the environment. Reducing our use of fossil fuels such as oil, coal and gas is important. These fuels generate greenhouse gases which cause global warming.
The Alliance for Green Socialism advocates green socialist policies - we believe that social justice and sustainability are inseparable. Exxon's greed for profit and Exxon's destruction of our environment are one and the same.
The AGS brings together people with social and environmental concerns for discussion of green and socialist issues, and for action to address them. Unlike some political groups, the policies of the Alliance for Green Soclalism are made by all our members.
The challenge for us all is to balance the needs of people and planet to create the conditions for a fair and sustainable world.
This leaflet starts at the personal, local level.
A Practical Guide to Green Living in Leeds
1 Help stop global warming - buy green electricity
Buy your electricity from a supplier who provides green energy - energy from wind power, hydropower, landfill gas and the sun. Green energy need not cost more than the ordinary (fossil fuel) electricity from your local electricity supplier.
Most suppliers now offer it. Check the Friends of Earth website for an independent league table of the different energy suppliers: http://www.foe.co.uk/campaigns/climate/
Suppliers of green electricity to this area of Leeds include:
To change to green electricity contact your chosen supplier. Switching over is free.
2 Help stop global warming - use less electricity
To save electricity:
- use low energy light bulbs
- only boil as much water as you need
- turn off lights
- don't leave electrical appliances (TVs, PCs etc) on standby
- when replacing electrical goods buy those that are energy efficient
- set your central heating a couple of degrees lower
- make sure that your home is well insulated and ventilated
Free advice on insulation and a DIY Home Energy Check are available from the local Energy Efficiency Advisor: 0800 512 012.
Cut your electricity bills as well as helping the planet.
3 Save trees, cut paper use - stop unwanted junk mail
You can do this by registering with the Mailing Preference Service. It's free! To register call 0845 7034599 or write to Mailing Preference Service, Freepost 22, London W 1 E 7EZ (no stamp required) or visit http://www.mpsonline.org.uk/
Registering removes your name from up to 95% of Direct Mail Lists for 5 years.
Save yourself lime and aggravation!
4 Reduce the need for landfill - compost kitchen leftovers
 Over 25% of the contents of our dustbins can be composted, including vegetable peelings, teabags and eggshells. Surprisingly, paper and cardboard can also be composted.
Compost bins, from just £12, are delivered free when ordered from Straight Recycling Systems, Freepost NEA 2439, Leeds LS2 3YY or Tel 0845 130 60 90 http://www.getcomposting.com/leeds/
Get your own supply of free compost.
5 Reduce pesticide use - eat organic food
Food grown without using pesticides has less risk of poisoning you, poisoning wildlife and polluting the countryside.
Beanstalk Organix deliver fresh organic produce, groceries, personal care products and nappies each week to this area of Leeds. Free delivery of produce selected by you (not a traditional box scheme). Minimum order £10. Tel 01943 831103 for a catalogue http://www.beanstalkorganix.co.uk/
The new Love Organic shop on Regent St in Chapel Allerton has a wide range of organic produce. Tel. 2663030.
Meanwood Valley Urban Farm has the EpiCentre farm with rare breed animals, and shop with barn eggs and organic produce.
Organic food is healthier and tastier too.
6 Save energy and fuel - transport with care
Walk more, cycle, use public transport, take the bus. Cut down on the number of airplane journeys you make.
The UK summer "Walk to School" week is 24-28 May 2004 and in the autumn the International "Walk to School" week is 4-8 October 2004. Use the car less. One in four car journeys is for less than two miles. Join Chapel Allerton's car sharing scheme, Co-Drive. For details telephone Ilan Sherman at Carplus on 0113 234 9299
You may well need to use a car for some journeys. Think about using the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) for breakdown cover and roadside assistance. They give the same services as AA or RAC, but also advise on all forms of transport. Plus they campaign to counter the road lobby. Tel 0800 212 810 or ETA, 68 High Street, Weybridge, KT13 8RS http://www.eta.co.uk/
Be fitter and live longer.
7 Reduce your toxic output - use eco-friendly cleaners
These can be bought from the Beehive Shop 67 Potternewton Lane (near Shoulder of Mutton pub) Tel 262 2975. Open Tues- Fri 10 30 am - 4.30 pm, Sat 10 am - 5 p.m. The Beehive also sells fair-traded food, crafts, gifts and recycled paper.
Join in practical action for our local environment
If you're the kind of person who likes to get out and do something, the two groups below take a "hands-on" approach to local environmental issues.
Friends of Gledhow Valley Woods
 | Regular action mornings are from 9.45 am to 12 midday. All welcome. No experience necessary. Contact Martin Calvert, Chair, 293 8466 http://www.fgvw.co.uk/
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Chapel Allerton Churchyard Project
 | Established in 1999 with a plan to care for and restore Chapel Allerton Churchyard as an amenity for all. Help welcomed and assistance provided for locating family graves. Contact Robin 262 2203
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This leaflet is an updated version of an original by Lorna Arblaster. The AGS thanks Lorna for permission to re-cycle it. The AGS will try to keep it up to date and extend it. Please pass comments, suggestions and updates to Garth Frankland on 293 9288
email mailto:frankland@britishlibrary.net
For information on the
Alliance for Green Socialism
http://www.leftalliance.og.uk/
http://www.greensocialist.org.uk
mailto:info@greensocialist.org.uk
AGS, FREEPOST 5794
Leeds LS7 3YY
07811 384888
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