Individuals, businesses and governments need to act quickly...

According to the Millennium assessment carried out by the United Nations, some 60 per cent of the planet's ecosystem services are currently being degraded by human activities, a very sobering concept.  But the assessment also found that we still have enough natural capital left to give humanity a bright future.  If we want a rich and diverse environment for present and future generations, we must all act now. 

Whether we can act quickly enough is questionable, but all we can do is try.  As futile as it sometimes feels, individuals CAN make a difference.  Simple changes made in a single household have a direct impact upon the world around us, whether that be through recycling, the use of energy, conservation of water supplies or the cars we drive.

It is a sad indictment of the UK, that politicians were pleased with reaching a target of recycling just 14.5% of waste in the year 2004, still one of the worst records in Europe. In 2005, the figure was 18%, yet countries such as the Netherlands are recycling around 65%. 

Part of this drive for change must include pressuring governments and corporations, and supporting the groups that can keep key issues at the forefront of everyone's minds.

Please explore the different sections of this part of the directory to find environmentally friendly suppliers and useful information.

Useful Links    

http://www.foe.co.uk  Friends of the Earth

http://www.greenpeace.org.uk  Greenpeace

http://www.newconsumer.org New Consumer Magazine

http://www.ecozine.co.uk EcoZine promotes greater awareness of the natural environment

http://www.freeradicalmedia.com  Ezine dedicated towards provoking positive change by be enlightening an expanding audience and through changing attitudes

http://www.defra.gov.uk  Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk  The Environment Agency

http://www.unep.org  United Nations Environment Programme

http://www.wed2005.org  United Nations World Environment Day Site

http://www.indymedia.org.uk  Network of individuals and independant media activists and organisations, offering grassroots, non-corporate, coverage of important social and political issues.

http://www.treesforlife.org.uk  A registered charity who offset the effects of energy use, travel and transport by planting trees to absorb the CO2 produced, using calculations provided by DEFRA.

http://www.bristol-city.gov.uk/create   Home to over 20 voluntary organisations, small businesses and charities working in different areas of sustainable development

http://www.downshiftingweek.com/  National Downshifting Week has been designed to encourage you to 'dip your toes' into a lifestyle with a slower pace, but downshifting is nothing new. 

http://www.resurgence.org/ Resurgence Magazine publishes articles on the cutting edge of current thinking, promoting creativity, ecology, spirituality and frugality

http://www.ecologicalhosting.com/ Environmentally friendly Internet hosting powered by renewable energy