Information on a new vaccine available to girls to help combat cervical cancer
Make little green steps
Get real as granny goes green
Next time the kids are round at Grandma's house, get them to ask her about her memories of the war, and stories that her parents and grandparents told her. Did her parents tell her to 'Waste Not Want Not'? How did she do it? This knowledge will equip them with much of what they need to know about green living.Then challenge them to live that way for a month. They can try out any number of things from eating everything on their plates, recycling unwanted woollies by re-knitting them into scarves, which they can wear them or send them to charity; walking to the local shops or farmer's market to buy only what is needed and even paper recycling.
The whole family can also get involved in composting and, if you've got the space, growing your own vegetables. Tips for composting can be found at www.recyclezone.org.uk. You can even build your own wormery - not everyone's idea of fun, but it is for the greater good and everyone will benefit.
Make do and mend
This will make Granny proud. The website www.lmb.co.uk has some wonderful ideas for re-using and recycling textiles. Instead of throwing out old socks, you can make a 'sock monster' and learn about how second hand textiles benefit developing countries.Draught-free dogs
Warm air literally goes through the roof - and under the door - so why not recycle your old clothes by making a patchwork dog door draught excluder? Help the kids make one for every door in the house, and a slimmer skirting-snake for any other draughty areas, taking £10-£20 off your heating bill each year.Monitor magic
If you make your kids aware of the plight of the planet you will probably find that they are monitoring your behaviour. Kent-based Howard and Carla Laughton's daughter Saskia has become the family's ethics and eco-monitor. She recently berated her mum for buying cosmetics made by a company which uses animal testing.Saskia nominated herself, but each family member should take it in turns, ensuring that all products that come into the home are environmentally friendly.
The monitor can be responsible for dishing out chores as well as being responsible for doing them on his or her week off. It's their chance to tell you what to do and take responsibility for their actions and the planet.
School run
Leave the car at home and either take your kids to school on foot, or if they are old enough to go without you, encourage them to walk with their friends.They'll feel more awake, will save you money on petrol, time in your day and will reduce harmful CO2 emissions.
Schools for thought
Get the kids to design and personalise their own containers to take their lunch to school. It's creative and helps you re-use old tubs. Ice-cream containers are great lunch holders and you'll be saving the pennies rather than splashing out on some plastic creation emblazoned with advertising.Don't cling to the cling film, it's a waste. If food's packed in an airtight container, the sandwiches won't need covering in cling film or foil. Buy fruit loose, not pre-packaged from supermarkets. Whoever creates the least waste from their lunch, is the winner.
Green Flags are awarded to schools which are eco-friendly, see www.eco-schools.org.uk. Any one of the ideas you and your kids come up with to make your home more environmentally friendly has the potential to help the school and the community.
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