Alley? Lifestyle, workplace … etc? Just a few e-zines back, we asked - how green is (new Prime Minister) Brown? (And we are still looking for an answer). But what about looking closer to home?

Impressing neighbours has always been important. That big new car, that flower display, that new conservatory, that reception area – the bragging duels carry on down generations, only the issues and prizes change.

How to impress and stay ahead today? A recent poll suggested that 76 per cent of all dinner party conversation, and chat at the school gates, is on green issues. Demonstrating that you can be more ethical in your life than the ‘Joneses’ is the big new car/holiday/smart child of today!

So, people are into the most environmentally friendly holiday, rather than the most exotic location; carbon emissions rather than capacity, whether car or farm vehicle.

Green is definitely the new colour. The message of recycling, carbon footprints, organic food, less packaging and generally reducing waste is finally getting through. BUT - another recent survey highlighted practical concerns.

Many do not know how to start, many are confused by the information available.

ISPAL is pressing the government to do more to help people live the greener lives they now espouse. More advice is needed. ISPAL also seeks a clear Brown lead, eg by strengthening climate change laws, by introducing measures that make it cheaper and easier for people to cut their emissions.

We have collected an initial short list of practical tips - do mail us at [email protected] with your additions and suggestions;

• Walk, cycle or take public transport to work

• Grow your own vegetables or flowers • Cut time in the shower

• Collect rainwater in barrels - for your garden plants • Compost food waste

• Recycle other waste • Use renewable energy

• Holiday in the UK • Use a manual lawn mower

• Buy locally grown food • Ditch plastic bags

• Turn the heating down

Photograph: Olga Lyubkina / www.istock.com