See how you rate in this simple evaluation of how green your lifestyle is.

Thousand of years ago, our ancestors lived without making much of an impact on the natural resources of the planet. That's why there's not much trace of them for archaeologists to find (although they did manage to polish off the big mammals like the mammoth and sabre-toothed tiger).

We, on the other hand, are burning up our natural resources and polluting the planet like there was no tomorrow. Given that our descendants will not think much of us if there is no tomorrow worth living in, what can we do about it?

The secrets are to achieve more with less and to work with the natural processes that have kept the world going for millions of years.

Some of the following suggestions are easier than others; some are ok for country dwellers but impossible for high-rise tenants; and, paradoxically, some are easier for those on low incomes. So here's 25 ideas from which you can pick and mix. Remember, they may apply equally to home, place of education or workplace. And have fun doing them - if it's a chore, you won't keep it up for long! Why not check them and see how many you do already?

ENERGY AND BUILDING

Turn it off!

Don't leave lights and appliances on when unnecessary - including those with LCDs (like video recorders).

Keep it in!

Invest in draughtproofing, insulation, double glazing, a porch, conservatory and other energy-saving measures, like low-energy light bulbs. They really do give you a better rate of return than any bank account! Grants are available. An energy audit may help.

Turn it down!

Heating: make sure your equipment is efficient, and, if it doesn't harm your health, turn it down a couple of notches. Gas is better than coal and electricity, which you should avoid. If installing a new gas central heating boiler, fit a condensing model - much more efficient.

Use environmentally sound building materials.

For building or DIY jobs, always use the most environmentally sound materials - our resource guide on the topic can give you good advice.

Get an Energy Audit

Before buying a house, get an energy audit done - it could save you £1000s.

Consider solar heating

Consider whether a solar water heating system (DIY cost, about £500) will work in your house - it can pay you back well within its lifetime and thereafter start saving you money.

Minimise private transport.

Cut out unnecessary journeys, share cars, use public transport and, if you can, live nearer your work or school, or work from home.

Use your bicycle.

As much as you can!

Avoid going by plane

It is by far the most polluting means of travel.

Boycott goods with unnecessary packaging.

Boycott food and drink from distant countries and support more local produce.

Think of the energy used to transport it here!

Choose the most environmentally friendly products

Especially detergents and bleaches - but be careful about inaccurate claims by manufacturers.

Remember the three Rs - re-use, repair, recycle!

They're more beneficial in that order - it's better to find another use for something or to use it again; if it is broken, repair it; and if you can't do either, take it to be recycled. Anything is better than landfill! (Check out our Recycling Tipsheet & Resource Guide.)

Remember that the more complicated a product, the more energy went into its manufacture

Choose and use wisely, or make old products last longer. This applies to cars too, as long as you ensure it runs efficiently. Buy low energy appliances.

If you have money to invest, choose an ethical scheme.

It will give comparable benefits and a more positive use for your assets.

Find ways of enjoying yourself that involve less travel and buying fewer things, such as sport.

Eat more fresh vegetables and fruit; cut down on processed food; avoid meat if you can.

Get your protein from cereal and milk, grains, beans, dairy produce.

Reduce your water use.

If you can, compost your kitchen refuse.

If you can't use it yourself, give it to someone with a garden or allotment. Some councils run composting schemes.

Find out about a local food co-op that buys food cheaply from an organic source - and join it

You won't regret it!

Consider collecting urine for use as a fertiliser and installing a composting toilet, or reusing your greywater (from the bathroom and washing machine).

Take care of yourself!

With a good diet and plenty of exercise.