Introduction

Last year was the year the world finally woke up to climate change - and it has hardly been out of the headlines since. Given the apocalyptic nature of much of the coverage you would be forgiven for feeling a little worried about the future. However there is no need to despair just yet – if we act quickly we can still avoid the worst effects of climate change.
The Shrewsbury Green Guide is an invaluable source of information which will help you play your part in reducing your own ‘carbon footprint.’ Whether it’s buying locally produced food, swapping the car for a bike or the bus, making an ethical investment, recycling and composting the contents of your rubbish bin or kitting your home out with energy efficient light bulbs and your very own solar panels this guide will point you in right direction.
While it’s important we do what we can in our own lives it’s equally important we use our voice to encourage the Government to take action to make it easier and cheaper for us all – individuals and business – to be climate friendly. That’s why The Big Ask, Friends of the Earth’s climate campaign, has been calling for the Government to introduce a climate change law that will commit the UK to cutting its carbon dioxide emissions by at least 3 percent every year.
Last year the Government agreed to introduce a law - this year they decide what the law will do. The next 12 months are crucial and we need as many people as possible to support the campaign. So once you have had a good look through this guide please take a few minutes to find out more at www.thebigask.com.

Tony Juniper
Executive Director
Friends of the Earth
February 2007