www.andreaclairesmith.info

I work as a journalist, specialising in environmental and social issues. If you are interested in a greener world and a better quality of life, then check out some of my favourite articles. You'll find stuff on subjects as diverse as car share clubs and alternative economic systems.

There is a school of thought that every journalist really wants to write a book. I thought I was an exception. However, circumstances conspired to lead me into books and I have just had my fourth title published. "Save Cash And Save The Planet Too" was commissioned by Friends of the Earth and has a website of its very own. See books for the link.

Since I have been writing books, I have not had a lot of time for journalism. However, I do write a weekly column for the Leicester Mercury, a newspaper for which I once worked as a feature writer. I was responsible for the Mercury's input into Turning The Tide, a partnership of businesses, local authorities and media that promoted sustainable lifestyles in the most pragmatic, useful and entertaining way we could think of. The Mercury won a British Environmental Media Award for the Turning The Tide project.

Eventually I decided that it was not enough to try to persuade individuals to take action. Our political leaders needed to create a system in which it is easier for all of us to act in the best interests of the planet and ourselves. So I joined the Green Party and later started working for Caroline Lucas, the Green MEP for the South-East of England (www.carolinelucasmep.org.uk). Note all the words on this website are mine though.

I am standing for election myself this year - as the Green Party Parliamentary candidate for Gosport, the Hampshire town where I live. You can read about our local policies and activities on the Green Party page.