04 Dec 2009 09:12:11

Climate change 'starts at home'

Consumers are being asked to question their green credentials.

According to New Scientist reporter Dave S Reay, with less than week until world leaders meet in Copenhagen for the climate change summit, many people may be turning their attention to politicians and forgetting their own impact on the planet.

In an article for the magazine, Mr Reay argued that climate change begins at home and told readers to consider think about how they can help tackle the global issue.

He said: "Ask yourself this: how green am I really? You might think you are doing your bit for the environment, but even if you shun bottled water, buy local produce and reuse your plastic bags, chances are that you have some habits that are far more environmentally damaging than you realise.

"What's more, if everyone else is doing these things too, their detrimental effects really add up."

The journalist explained that seemingly innocent activities such as drinking coffee, washing clothes and wasting food can be harmful to the environment.

Mr Reay concluded by encouraging readers to use this knowledge to make better choices tomorrow.

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