Leon was our Travel winner. But these everyday green heroes were deserving runners-up. And they'll all be receiving a prize.
Andy's wife Eunice nominated him because the car he used to drive to work failed its MOT (the failure document read like war and peace!). So, rather than buy a new one, Andy decided to cycle to work. This may seem easy, but they live in the countryside, 10 miles from his work and there are a LOT of hills he has to go over. When he started off it took him over an hour to get there, now he can do it in just under 40 minutes. Diabetes runs in Andy's family, so he is well aware that doing this will help protect him from becoming diabetic. He's a fantastic example to their two children, helps the environment and helps save them money.
Anne was nominated by her husband, John as after moving house, they've gone from having two big cars doing approximately 20,000 miles a year, to one smaller car doing roughly 12,000 miles a year. His wife has cut her journey to work from 10 miles to four and he can now walk into Durham City which is two and a half miles away. John says his wife has certainly reduced her carbon footprint and in the process enabled him to lead a healthier (retired), lifestyle.
Anne-Marie was nominated by her husband as she's been trying her hardest to reduce their carbon footprint at home for the last few years. She recently persuaded her office to go paperless with the documents they send customers, and she's bought them bikes to do local journeys which is great fun too. This year, instead of taking a holiday, she's giving up her time to volunteer with Earthwatch a great environmental charity committed to researching global warming and its impact. She's not a superhero, but she tries hard to do her bit for the planet. Plus she's made her husband very proud indeed – and he's a lot fitter too!
The Battlesteads Hotel was nominated because they go above and beyond to get the green message out there to their clients, whether staying in the hotel, having a meal or just in for a drink.
They have a selection of green awards including GTBS Gold, Green Apple – Gold, HRS for Excellence in Social Responsibility etc, and the owners, Richard and Dee are passionate about the cause, turning this business around from a shabby, run-down inn into a four-star awarding one, graded by Visit Britain with the silver award for excellence in just three years.
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Sophie nominated her Dad, as over ten years ago, he started researching bio-fuel production after seeing how popular it was on the continent. Eventually he set up production in his shed, and was able to produce enough fuel to run his car as well as the vehicles used at the Grain Co-operative he manages – not only reducing fuel costs, but emissions too. He now operates Wight Made Diesel from larger premises. He has recently set up a solar farm at the bottom of his garden, and has always grown his own vegetables, recycled rain water and cow muck from the farm next to his house!
Christoph is described by Jenny as an extraordinarily green human being who consistently puts his green beliefs into practice. He rides a bike most of the time; grows his own veg; recycles everything obsessively; won't have a mobile phone or TV; won't buy anything new if it's possible to find an old one in charity shop or skip; watches his carbon footprint carefully; will only do the washing up once a day to save water; uses Eco balls in the washing machine and NEVER wastes anything.
It is not easy to live with his green philosophy, but Jenny really respects him for putting into practice what he believes.
Clare was nominated because she bikes to work and home every day and she also cares for head-injury patients after her full time main job, whilst looking after her 12-year-old daughter.
Courtney Coaches were nominated because they operate 45 buses in Bracknell, Berkshire daily that run on bio-fuel, which is made from (UCO) used cooking oil. They do 1,500,000 miles per year on this oil and it gives each vehicle a reduced carbon footprint of 95% against a diesel equivalent bus. They also use a plant-based carbon neutral engine oil called planto-mot which is manufactured by Fuchs of Germany in all their vehicles. It's estimated each vehicle saves around 56 tons per year of carbon and they have received many industry awards for innovation and their technology.
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Sandra nominated Dan as they have three young children and for nine months he has been the family rickshaw driver. His old MTB has been converted into what he calls an MPC-MultiPersonCycle; top tube seat, trailer, trail-gaitor and panniers. The MPC has ferried the children every day. It has been the workhorse for shopping and day trips, even taking a surf board to the beach. All through the bitter Scottish winter, the bike was used with the addition of studded tyres. They are all now looking forward to a green holiday he has organised: train to Loch Lomond and cycle round it. Locally known as ‘the man with the bike' he's the family's green hero.
Denise was nominated because when it comes to travelling, she cycles everywhere within a 20mile radius of her house. And it doesn't matter what month it is either, she still cycles although she draws the line at very heavy rain or when it is very windy. She goes cycling most Sundays, doing a 30-mile round trip and, when going shopping during the week, cycles rather than take the car which is cheaper. Last year she cycled 31 miles on her birthday, which is three days before Xmas, and there was snow about.
Helen nominated her daughter Eleanor as she's been campaigning in Kent for solar panel lamp-posts and road signs and is working hard on this as a member of Kent Youth Council. She also nags her mum not to use the car for short journeys.
Francis was nominated as he cycles to work three times a week from Bedford to Milton Keynes, saving 120 miles of CO2 emissions from his car. Obviously he can only do this in the summer months, but he started early this year and already has saved over 900 miles.
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Helen goes everywhere by bike which is why Katrina nominated her: her bike has flowers tied round the frame, a two-tone bell and a huge basket, good for lots of market shopping and the many re-usable objects she finds around West London, and passes on to friends, family and her child's school. She has a child seat on the back with a re-used floral shower cap keeping it dry, and everyone locally knows that bike. Helen says she's a true green inspiration.
Miss Simpson was nominated because she does a daily walk into her local town centre, and picks up plastic bags full of litter and rubbish of every description. Whilst she's disgusted with people's filthy habits, she picks litter up so that not everyone has to walk through it.
Justin was nominated because for the past two years, he has got into the habit of cycling to work, to the shops and also to his leisure centre. When the weather is too bad, he uses buses in and around Newport and his nominator would like to think he's making a difference by protecting the environment.
Lucy's Mum Carolynn nominated her and her boyfriend because her daughter is an opera student in London trying to raise funds for a postgraduate course and always uses the train to come home to Mum instead of driving her car. She uses trains to visit her boyfriend Tom in Reading too. He cycles to and from work each day and is a nature enthusiast having taken a degree in marine biology. They are a lovely hard-working couple who love the countryside, gardens, animals and the sea. She uses public transport to the Conservatoire or walks – quite a way! Her car stays home. She uses cold wash every time and irons only special items; recycles diligently; and is caring and unwasteful!
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David nominated Michael because he's set up a local gig night called Letham Nights, which is aiming to fund a ‘zero carbon' village hall for Letham in Fife at the same time as providing a stage for local talent. The project supports North Howe Transition Toun, aiming to tackle climate change in rural Fife. Michael and his team are in the middle of a busy 2010 programme, which is attracting local and international acts.
As a result of this project, local people can enjoy top-quality entertainment and a strong sense of community without having to travel miles to our nearest cities.
Millicent was nominated by Flo because she walks much more than she drives her car and is always encouraging her son to cycle everywhere.
Lucy nominated Neil as he cycles to work everyday, very early in the morning (between 2.00 and 4.00am) in any weather. He even cycled in the snow when most of his workmates were unable to get to work. Although the ride is relatively short (only 2.5 miles), it includes a VERY steep hill which is not for the faint hearted! Through cycling to work, Neil is able to reduce his carbon footprint, keep fit and help the household budget, eg, no need for a second car.
Virginia nominated Nora who she's known for several years and has yet to see her take a bus anywhere! Nora walks everyday, everywhere, regardless of the mileage involved. Katherine has been on a few of her 'local' trips, for example from Camberwell to buy some bagels in Brick Lane, East London – there and back by foot. It's a nice walk, because the route goes partly along the River Thames up to Tower Bridge. Nora is a shining example to much younger people and Katherine feels she deserves her nomination.
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Katherine nominated her children's childminder Nora who doesn't drive, so instead of taking the bus, she walks nearly all the time, except when it is raining too heavily. But even then, they sometimes have to walk as she looks after other children who are in pushchairs. She's educating the children that using cars and buses isn't the only option, and Katherine's children always like it when she picks them up as they know that they are walking home.
Peter was nominated because he drives his 'Electrocute' flatbed truck (which he converted from a milk float) to work every day. As it is an electric vehicle, it uses only a very inexpensive charge each evening to run (20 pence a time), and has zero road tax. It has alloy wheels, is a unique one-off vehicle and has been featured in a film by Wellington Films. Ann is so proud of him for doing this for the environment and also it is fun to drive. He has started a project to build his own-design electric trike which looks to be fantastic. When its finished it will be entered into shows and they'll encourage their local council to provide charging points so that other people will be persuaded to change to electric vehicles soon too.
Nominated by his wife Janet, until one year ago Richard would travel to the railway station and back by car, to get to the office. But for the last year, he has cycled the seven miles every day, Monday to Friday, whatever the weather after a long day at work. He also likes to go for bike rides at weekends too – so he is doing his bit to save the planet.
Richard and Diane were nominated because they cycle to work (Richard 30 miles, Diane 10 miles); go on cycling and camping holidays; and did a year-long round trip around the world on bikes, camping most of time. Richard works for a company developing hydrogen fuel cells for cars and bikes and has a diploma in environmental studies. They grow veg in their garden and allotment; have hens for eggs; use manure in a compost bin to compost their veg patch; use water butts; buy locally produced veg and meat; make their own bread; use low-energy lighting; have a combi-boiler; loft insulation; use charity shops to buy and recycle unwanted items; recycle furniture to Women's Refuge; and lots more.
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Julieann nominated Rob because he gets their family to walk everywhere. Cars are a must, to get to and from work – a 65-mile round trip each day – but after that, they are out-of-bounds. Winter or summer, walking shoes or boots are on and, as well as reducing carbon emissions, this helps them all get fitter. Even when they are cooking at home, they make sure they cook more than one thing in the oven at the same time; and when using a hob they use it again when switched off to heat more water. Draft excluders save us energy and foil behind radiators also helps.
Brenda nominated Sabeana who walks her five children to school and back everyday. She helps them grow vegetables and encourages them to be aware of wildlife and respect it. She has taught them to make sure they do not leave lights etc turned on, to help protect the polar bears and our planet. Sabeana recycles tins, bottles, etc and has just got her father to make a compost bin which he has put at the bottom of the garden, and she puts all appropriate kitchen waste, such as peelings in there. Sabeana took her family for a five-day holiday in a caravan in Devon, compliments of a daily newspaper, saving vouchers.
Scott was nominated by Debbie because he has tried to make changes that will affect the amount of energy he uses and to lower his carbon footprint. For instance, as someone who really loves his car and loathes public transport, he has actually started taking a bike on the train to work. He's also started to grow his own herbs and some veg (on a small scale, but at least he's trying), and he now has a disgusting bucket of home-made compost at the bottom of the garden! He has also gone around and changed every light bulb in the house to low-energy and everything is always turned off stand-by.
Stephen was nominated because he was shortlisted in the 'Take one small step' competition, for developing a new electric assistance kit for a bike, built into the pedals. This will reduce carbon by encouraging cycling over driving, improves health, and reduces the stress of parking. No sweat, and fewer clothes to wash after cycling.
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Jessica says Thomas cycles everywhere and anywhere! He goes five miles to work (and then back again!) through Newcastle every day, all year, whatever the weather. Only the other morning, he set off in full waterproofs in the pouring rain! He runs a website business, with clients all over the North East. He and his business partner don't drive (for environmental reasons), so they either cycle or take public transport to all their meetings. Jessica is nominating him as he is extremely passionate about the environment, has proven that you don't need a car to run a business, and deserves his dedication to be recognised.
Tom was nominated because he set up and runs Green Tomato cars, London's first environmentally friendly car company. He is currently rebuilding his Victorian terrace house in Hammersmith as a passivhaus on a very low budget. He is committed in every way to helping alleviate the pressures on the environment for future generations.
Sharon nominated Tom as a Team Green Britain hero; for cycling a 50-mile round trip from Newton to Sowton, as part of Green Britain Day.
Tony is Damon's everyday green hero because he is committed to reducing carbon footprints and recycling as much as he possibly can. He cycles everywhere; so much so that he's worn his bike out and has had a repairs' estimate of £185 to get it fixed! At work, Tony is a 'Green Envoy' and has a responsibility to encourage all his colleagues in all green matters. He has introduced a new recycling scheme at his work with different containers for paper/cardboard, glass, plastics, textiles, etc. He plays an active role in attending city-wide meetings and sharing good practice throughout the city.
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