Happy New Year. My resolution this year is to change my habits just a little.

We all need to take responsibility for our own actions towards the environment. We can lobby our politicians or get into big debates, but let's not forget to change our own habits to have a positive effect immediately. We may only reduce the speed at which we increase our detriment to the environment, but even that is better than nothing.

I won't set myself impossible tasks but I do hope to achieve a little. Perhaps each month I can tackle one habit and if I am still doing all 12 things at the end of the year, the world will be a little better for it.

My January challenge will be to see how much I can reduce the amount of washing powder I use while still getting the clothes clean. Perhaps I should go further and switch to a biodegradable brand. Wish me luck!

Cai Mallett,

St George's Place,

York.

Updated: 10:07 Saturday, January 07, 2006