Going green. Many are trying it, many are unsure of it, many ignore it, but one thing is for sure – it s going to be 2007 s biggest issue. North Herts Friends of the Earth membership has increased significantly during the last year. Group coordinator Dan

Going green. Many are trying it, many are unsure of it, many ignore it, but one thing is for sure - it's going to be 2007's biggest issue.

North Herts Friends of the Earth membership has increased significantly during the last year.

Group coordinator Dan Gomm said: "This has been mainly due to the issue of climate change, but the proposed expansion of Luton Airport has also raised interest and, of course, the two issues have a clear link."

There has also been a dramatic difference in the response to the group's activities from the public at local events including people queuing to sign cards and letters to MPs and local councillors.

The announcement of a climate change Bill got the group geared up to generate cards and letters to encourage local MPs to get behind it. Hitchin and Harpenden MP Peter Lilley, and Oliver Heald, MP for Hertfordshire North East, are now supporting the Bill.

However, the most noticeable trend is the increase in the number of young parents who have contacted the group over the past two years. As the future of their children stands at risk with the worrying climate changes their concern appears to be growing stronger.

So North Herts Friends of the Earth has helped them set up the Hitchin Parents Action on Climate Change.

Although people have begun to increase the recycling of household waste and turn off their lights and electric appliances more regularly, many believe that further moves to "go green" can be expensive.

Some ideas to go green show you can reduce your carbon footprint and save money in the process. Also, after an indulgent festive season it might help counteract that guilty conscience.