Al Gore

Guardian Unlimited | Special reports | Jonathan Freedland: Al Gore on his mission to save the planet: "Al Gore was the nearly man of US politics, the wooden Clinton sidekick who never made it to the top job. But now he's back with a mission to save the planet - and this time he's passionate. In an exclusive interview, he talks to Jonathan Freedland about going green, what he thinks of Bush - and if he'll stand again for president "

From activism to energy-efficiency: Al Gore's top tips for saving the planet

1. Insist that politicians in all parties make this planetary emergency their top priority; this is crucial

2. Think about conservation and efficiency in the way you use resources in your own life, eg:

· drive less (every mile not driven saves one pound of CO2)

· fly less

· recycle more

· keep your tyres properly inflated

· use less hot water

· use a clothesline instead of a tumble-dryer

· insulate your home

· avoid products with a lot of packaging

· turn down the thermostat by 2C

· plant a tree (one tree absorbs one tonne of CO2 over its lifetime)

· turn off electronic devices when they are not in use

3. Be a conscious consumer with regard to everything you buy, both in the marketplace and in the investments you make, eg:

· switch to green power

· buy locally grown food, and organic where possible

· buy fresh food over frozen

· buy less meat

· offset your impact on the planet's resources by investing in renewable energy projects For more information go to climatecrisis.net.