That was just one of the findings at the centre of green networking organisation Reforesting Scotland's new three-year action plan.

And RS's plan to put sustainability at the heart of its local lobbying has won the backing of Borders politicians.

It will also campaign with other eco-organisations through a new glossy magazine to be launched next year.

The networking group made the decisions at its annual gathering near Innerleithen over the weekend.

An RS director, Borders-based Donald McPhillimy, told TheSouthern: "We realise trees, woodland, timber and other forest products are only a small sector, but we think they are incredibly significant.

"They give people real opportunities to take personal responsibility to do something about climate change – you plant a tree and you soak up carbon, but also if you use timber instead of steel or plastic you are using a sustainable product."

He added: "I feel very optimistic. There are quite a few positive things happening and we feel we are at the forefront of that."

The group decided it will promote ways people can make eco-friendly changes through events such as workshops, supporting existing action (eg transition towns), as well as through the new magazine.

They hope to join with other organisations such as community woodlands, Borders Forest Trust and green architects to produce the journal, which they hope to sell nationally.

Through it, RS will encourage more timber use in houses and buildings. They will try to help people to convert to wood fuel for heating. They will link businesses that depend on the forest and encourage people to use local timber, which will cut down on wood miles.

"There are about half a dozen sawmills in the Borders and I'm sure they would be delighted if more people started getting their wood from them, " said Mr McPhillimy.

The group also hopes to help people economise with energy.

Mr McPhillimy said: "There are lots of good things people can do. First they need to insulate their house to try to reduce the leaks of energy, and convert to wood for heating. A solar panel is an efficient way of heating your hot water, and heat exchangers – which take the air from outside, warm it and pump it round your house – reduce fuel bills and the role of oil and gas in your house."

Borders MP Michael Moore welcomed the moves, describing the work of organisations such as Reforesting Scotland and Borders Forest Trust as 'spot on'.

"We understand what we are doing in terms of reforestation and sustainability much more clearly than we have done and we have got great potential, as a result of that, to enhance the beauty of the Borders which needs to be actively managed," he told us.