A GREEN-themed bus could be used to show people how to live a sustainable lifestyle.

Volunteers from the Smart Future Centre, based in Basing View, are hoping to set up a permanent facility on a piece of borough council-owned land near Eastrop, running from inside a bus.

The group’s long-term goal is to open a centre in Basingstoke which will include a café, shop and information about sustainable living.

But in order to gain investment for this, the group is in the process of trying to open up a smaller centre to showcase its work to potential investors.

Tara Bowers, chair of the Smart Future Centre, said: “Our long-term plan is to have a centre in north Hampshire that can be anything from a shop with a restaurant and community space through to a farm.

“The objective is about education and showing people how to become more sustainable within everyday life.

“I did lots of research and it showed that people were confused and knew they had to do something, but didn’t know where to start. They thought they would need to make massive changes, like giving up foreign holidays or cars.

“We need to have a living, working example of how to do things and live a sustainable life. We don’t need to change massively – we need to make small changes.

“That’s what our aim is – to show people it’s not giving up your car, it’s using it less. With food, you don’t have to give up all your luxuries, but maybe one day a week go vegetarian or cut out junk food.”

The bus would include a garden area outside, organic food cafe downstairs and a multi-use area upstairs.

The group is also looking to open up recycling points around Basingstoke for people to take their bottle tops, which cannot be put in the green recycling bins, although this is still in the early stages.

Ms Bowers, who runs her own organic food business, said Smart Future Centre will soon publish its own free magazine.

The Smart Future Centre’s five tips to lead a more sustainable life: Reduce meat consumption by having a meat-free day. Meat farming produces harmful emissions.

Switch off lights and other appliances when not in use.

Drive in an eco-friendly way by not accelerating too heavily, or leave the car at home for a day. Ms Bowers decided to get rid of her own car this year to become more environmentally friendly.

Buy organic food when possible, and avoid foods that are genetically modified.

Save water by having shorter showers, collect rainwater or reuse water.