A Life Stripped Bare

How often in life does convenience triumph over 'doing the right thing? And what is 'ethical living' anyway? When it comes down to it most people fight shy of giving up their cars or their toxic household products their cheap washing machines or dodgy unethical bank accounts in order to make the world a better place. So Leo Hickman resident consumer expert of the Guardian decided to give it a try. Over the course of a year he and his family set out to discover whether it was possible to live a 'normal life' - job mortgage kids holidays - while at the same time making each daily choice or decision an 'ethical' one - for the family their neighbours and the environment. This the story of that year is a record of an extraordinary transformation. Amid the pitfalls and confusion Leo's account is funny inspirational and a mine of information for the curious.

Leo Hickman is a journalist, editor and consumer expert at the Guardian. He is the author of How to Buy and A Good Life: The Guide to Ethical Living . He is married to Jane, and has a two young children.