Ambleside Climate Change Forum has set up a local Carbon Counting Volunteer Project, with a meeting this week about how information will be gathered to help track carbon footprints, which it is hoped will lead to adopting practical ways to lead a greener life.

The object of the project is to help people work out what lifestyle changes can reduce their impact on the environment - and by working in groups with different families and situations the forum also hopes people will learn from, and support, each other.Participants will be well supported, with access to sustainable living toolkits and a volunteers' network to share ideas.A carbon footprinting software programme, the Small World Household Footprint Model allows participants to compare their results with UK averages - but it is not necessary to own a computer or be computer-literate to participate.It is hoped the project will be web logged, with bloggers invited to share their experiences and pass on green tips. The study will span a year, and people will be asked to provide information on electricity and fuel consumption; the distance travelled by car, bus, train and air; the amount of food consumed, its processing and packaging, in comparison with an average consumer; how much paper people use; and how much waste goes to landfill.At the end, the forum hopes to be in a better position to help the local community adjust to climate change.Those interested should contact Anita Payne on 015394-32686, with advice on technical queries from Mike Berners-Lee on 01539-729021.