While most of us aren’t yet ready to embrace Biofuels, Biomass or Geothermal energy sources in our back yard – and unless you happen to live in a watermill, Hydropower is not really practical – power harnessed from the sun’s rays is eminently achievable. Solar panels, fitted to the roof, are becoming more and more popular - not least because of the financial benefits.  And wind turbines can work just as well for personal or neighbourhood use as they do on the rolling hills of the Pennines or in the middle of the North Sea.

Water; it’s an amazing thing. Our bodies are made up of between 50% and 70% of it; our planet is 75% water - but only about 1% of that is fresh water suitable for drinking. Whereas half the world has known for centuries that it’s a precious resource, here in the UK that fact is something that we are only just beginning to come to terms with. But it only takes a few simple things to start to change the habits of a lifetime.

Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth. Take five minute showers instead of long lazy soaks thereby saving between five and ten gallons of water a day and if you are waiting for the water to warm up, catch it in a bucket to flush the toilet or water house plants.

Only run the washing machine or dishwasher when full and, when the weather is fine, save energy by drying the clothes on a clothes line.

A small leak can waste 20 gallons a day so check faucets and pipes regularly.

Bathroom etiquette can be a sensitive issue but within the family why not repeat this little mantra: ‘If it’s yellow, it's mellow. If it's brown, flush it down.’ It will save between two and six gallons every time you choose not to flush!