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THIS year’s Green Guide is about the people who are making our lives greener. They include online ecoshop founder Louise Brace, whose conscience about her daughter’s exposure to consumerism led her into the green sphere on p6.

There are those who have developed their own creativity and love of all things natural to make a
difference, like talented stylist Lupe Castro, pp 4-5. And individuals whose commitment to healthy eating and outdoor living have driven them to pursue organic ideals, such as farmers Lola Lopez Sanchez, p14, and Malcolm Coxall, p24.

Yet the person I know with the lowest carbon footprint of anyone in this guide hasn’t had to change a single aspect of her lifestyle as the world’s been warming up around her.

Her name is Rosario and she’s my next-door neighbour. She doesn’t own a car and never goes on public transport. She has never been in a plane or shopped in a big supermarket. She does not eat meat and only occasionally opts for locally caught fish. Most of her staples are from her land (which her son works), or from the land of her neighbours and have only travelled a few hundred metres to reach her. She does not own a microwave or have an oven, cooking only on her gas hob. Her food is recycled – scraps are given to the local cats. She has no central heating. In winter, she puts on some extra layers or lights a brasero using the burning embers of olive wood. Her biggest indulgence is TV, a source of entertainment and company for her since being widowed. Though somewhat frail, at 80 years old Rosario is funny and sharp, always chatting to passers by and sharing a joke. Locals in our Axarquian pueblo blanco look out for her and often drop by. One thing is certain, Rosario’s life is in no way diminished
by its simplicity. And there are many more like her in Andalucia – leading uncomplicated, tranquil lives.

So, whilst we celebrate the many people on these pages actively working to greenify us, let’s not forget the likes of Rosario – eco-warriors since long before we even had a label for them.

Caroline Peal (Editor)