Society now puts more emphasis on saving the environment than ever before.

Media reports often paint a bleak picture of what will happen to our world if we do not take notice of warnings such as global warming and industrial pollution.

We can't all be full-time eco-warriors, however, by making a few changes we could not only contribute to a greener future but may save money.

Our homes are our castles but are homes costing us money? Energy efficient homes can reduce gas and electricity bills dramatically. Try switching to energy efficient light bulbs - not only do they last longer but they consume less electricity, saving you money as a result.

Fridges can also waste electricity. All fridges and other white goods now have an energy efficiency label which are categorised from A to G, with A being the most efficient.

However, don't rush out to buy new energy efficient fridges without considering what will happen to your old fridge. Many are dumped on tips and will emit harmful chloroflurocarbons which can damage the ozone layer.

You can ring Croydon Council on 020 8255 2700 for information regarding disposal.

Many government funded organisations will give you a free efficiency survey of your home and suggest cost saving ideas.

Croydon has it's own Energy Efficiency Advice Centre who will be able to offer advice (call free on 0800 512012).

But we must remember saving the environment doesn't just begin at home. The item consumer's purchase most is food but do we really understand what we are putting in our shopping trolleys and how it could effect the environment? "Organic food'' definitely sounds nicer, but what is it?

The word organic is legally protected and means fruit and vegetables are grown without using harmful chemicals. Organic dairy products and meat come from animals fed on organic food. Some people say this natural quality makes the food tastier and the benefit is it doesn't harm the environment.

Other labels on food can be equally puzzling. Many foods are labelled "genetically modified'' or GM food. GM food is produced by selective breeding to enhance favourable characteristics but their impact on the environment is still unclear.

Another environmental concern is the amount of packaging household products waste. For every £75 we spend on groceries, £10 is packaging, so we can aim to buy less packaged goods.

Markets such as Surrey Street or the monthly Farmers' Market in New Addington (the next is on July 20) are good places for this.

We can also re-use household items or give them to charity shops. Old newspapers, glass, aluminium and textiles can be recycled at the borough's many collection sites (call 020 8760 5524 for details).

The message is reduce, re-use, then recycle.

For more advice and ideas on environmental action, contact Croydon Agenda 21 on 0208 760 5791. If you have any doubts about environmental claims made in relation to particular products, then contact Croydon Trading Standards Consumer Advice on 020 8407 1310.

July 10, 2002 10:30