I like greentomato’s pragmatic ethos, they believe that everyone can be kinder to the planet but know we aren’t going to start giving up our comforts any time soon. That’s why they’re here to help us figure out all the green conundrums of everyday life.

One of the latest innovations from these guys is the greentomatokit, which they very kindly sent me to try out. The first thing that struck me as our postman handed me the parcel was that the packaging itself is biodegradable – It even explains, saying that excess packaging is bad for the planet and that’s why they chose this potato starch covering. Nice one guys! I’ve ordered stuff from various suppliers of environmentally friendly products and too often been disappointed by the excessive use of bubble wrap and polystyrene (yuk!).

This starter kit is for those wanting to go green at home but don’t know where to start and straight away I’m thinking what a great house-warming (hmmm… or house-cooling?) gift this would make. It contains all the essentials covering the major areas to make change in your home:

• Heating = Radiator panels & room temperature thermometer
• Electricity = Energy saving light bulbs & ‘turn it off’ stickers
• Water = A ‘Save a Flush’
• Waste = ‘No junk mail’ ‘don’t forget your bag’ & ‘recycling’ stickers

Plus it all comes in a giant cotton bag (much bigger than the regular tote style ones) to re-use for shopping and cut out the nasty plastic variety – I have a bag addiction so naturally I love this.

I have to say though that aside from all these goodies my favourite part of the kit is the sheet that explains why each item will help green up your home and how much carbon or water you can save when you use them. For me this is the most important item because this kit isn’t for an already enthusiastic greeny it’s for those who need a nudge in the green direction. We can’t expect people to make any kind of a change to such a personal part of their lives (their home) without explaining why it benefits them as well as the planet.

OK, so how do you get one of these kits? Well, you can go straight over to the greentomato website and hit ‘buy’ or you can sign up to the GGG Newsletter and get a special discount coming up for newsletter subscribers only! The first GGG newsletter comes out Friday 8th February so make sure you’re signed up before then where you’ll receive full details of the offer.

In the meantime mosey on over to the greentomato website anyway and check out what they’re doing.

To learn more about the thinking behind the greentomatokit and the measurable benefits it can help you make in the greentomato’s January 2008 press release.