So what IS the Big Green idea, then???

This is what the founder of the BGI, Brigit Strawbridge, has to say!!

"What is The Big Green Idea?
Following the making of the BBC2 series It's Not Easy Being Green, my family and I received thousands of emails from people saying they would like to live more sustainable lifestyles but didn't think they could make many changes in their lives because they were on low incomes, lived in flats or rented accommodation, or didn't have access to land for growing their own vegetables.

I have learned over the last few years that there are many, many ways we can all make a difference whatever our circumstances, and I would like to pass this knowledge on to other people. All we need to live a greener life is the will to change some of our habits and a little bit of help to know how to do this without it costing us a fortune or making our lives more difficult than they already are! In fact, once you know how, you can actually save money at the same time as conserving the earth's resources by living a more sustainable lifestyle.

So, how can we help people make changes? There is of course the Internet, but it's sometimes a bit overwhelming to be bombarded with so much information and it can be difficult to sift through the information and work out which are the best options for you. To make matters worse, how do you know who you can trust or who is out to make a quick profit at your expense?

There are a lot of genuine people and organisations out there offering advice on all things ‘green’. There are some great courses, books and magazines, as well as people demonstrating wind turbines/solar panels/big sexy green gadgets, and there are also loads of wonderful people campaigning and lobbying government and local councils - but there seems to be a gap. There appear to be very few people offering help directly to individuals who would like to make changes but don't know where to begin because they can't afford to tap into, or have not been reached by, the current green media machine. This problem seems to be especially relevant to those who live in urban and suburban environments.

Having done a great many talks across the UK, I have come to see that one of the best ways to explain to people how they can make these changes is by allowing them to see, touch, smell, feel and play with energy-saving-devices, water-saving-gadgets, alternative household cleaners, natural skincare products, clothing made from sustainable crops or recycled textiles... Basically, almost all the everyday items we use and buy have greener alternatives which can help us to reduce our impact on the planet.

The aim of The Big Green Idea is to reach people who want to change, by bringing the message to them in an attractive, hands-on, inspirational way. What better way to start than with an eco-educational double-decker bus ?!"