With World Environment Day just around the corner, Harlow Council visited Cllr Eleanor Macy last week to measure how environmentally friendly her home and lifestyle were.

Environmental health officer David Taylor invited Abbie Brook, from specialist environmental consultancy Green Pebble, to assess Eleanor's home in Hookfield and advise on ways to cut down carbon emissions, increase energy efficiency and generally reduce her environmental impact.

They looked at Eleanor's meter readings, water usage and grocery choices, examined how well insulated the property was, and assessed the heating and lighting systems. Eleanor said:

"I was quite excited to find out what I could do to reduce my environmental impact easily. Like most people I don't have the time to make too many drastic changes, so I'm hoping that this exercise will help me to help the environment without having to make major changes to my lifestyle."

David and Abbie will be returning to Eleanor's home shortly to review the meter readings, and to assess whether their advice has made an impact on Eleanor's household. They will also be providing Eleanor with a list of actions she can undertake to reduce her carbon footprint.