Kicking off an exciting new series of “Transition Cafes” at the Lancaster’s Gregson Centre, author Mike Berners-Lee will talk about his new book How Bad Are Bananas:The Carbon Footprint of Everything on Tuesday 21st September.

How Bad are Bananas, published earlier this year by Profile Books, unearths some surprising facts about the carbon footprint of all aspects of life – from the everyday (such as bananas, sending a letter, a pint of beer) to the more unusual (volcanic eruptions, the Iraq war and bushfires).

You may be surprised: for example, plastic bags have the smallest carbon footprint of all the items listed, while a block of cheese can be bad news for the environment. 

There will be plenty of time for questions and discussion and to get some facts to help make carbon-savvy purchases and lifestyle decisions. It’s also a great opportunity to enjoy some food and a drink in this uniquely informal yet informing atmosphere.

Word has it that the Gregson do a good dinner (click here to see their website and menu) so get along and join in from 6.30pm.

Mike Berners-Lee, author of the new book How Bad Are Bananas:The Carbon Footprint of Everything is also Mike the director, principal consultant for  Lancaster University-based Small World Consulting, and an expert in greenhouse gas footprinting and organisation.

How Bad Are Bananas:The Carbon Footprint of Everything, from 6.15pm. Speaker 7.15pm on Tuesday 21t September 2010. Admission free (donations invited). Food and drink available. Wheelchair access at side entrance.

• One of a series of Transition Cafes sponsored by Transition City Lancaster. More info: www.transitioncitylancaster.org