Most of us are concerned about how the way we live impacts on the environment. We all want to find ways to maintain our current standard of living but be a little bit greener.

By making even small, simple changes to our shopping habits and in our homes, we can all do our little bit to protect the environment. Here are a few practical tips on how you can live a greener lifestyle.

By just changing our eating habits we can have a positive effect on the environment. Buy your food from local suppliers to cut down on food miles and to support your local economy.

Choose local organic food where available, because organic food uses less energy to produce than non-organic alternatives. Adopt a less throw-away attitude to clothes. Clothes are very cheap to buy these days, but often quality can be poor. Try buying fewer, better quality pieces and they will look better and last longer.

Alternatively, you could try vintage or recycled clothing for a unique look. Make use of any outdoor spaces you have available. By drying your washing outside instead of using your tumble dryer you can save energy and money. Use a rain barrel in your garden to collect water for your plants instead of using your hosepipe.

Make an effort to get your home properly insulated, and make sure that unused appliances are turned off when not in use, and don't leave anything on standby. Switching to energy saving light bulbs is also an excellent way to conserve energy around the home.

Reduce your carbon footprint by getting your energy from a company that offers a carbon neutral energy supply. By doing this you will ensure that carbon emissions your gas and electricity supply are balanced against research into renewable energy by your supplier.

British Gas offers a dual fuel, zero carbon package which does just that. These are just some of the ways in which you can lead a greener lifestyle without compromising on your standard of living. Try researching on the internet for further solutions.