CARL Munson quit his well-paid job to follow his heart and conscience and become a full-time activist on a mission to save the planet.

Carl, 43, from Polsloe, Exeter, first became interested in environmental issues 20 years ago, after his daughter was born.

He said: "I looked at the way I was living and didn't like what I saw. There was room for improvement. The first thing I did was give up smoking."

Carl, who formerly worked in the music industry and has appeared on television performing a top-20 hit he co-wrote with The Funky Worm, self-published a magazine on green and personal development matters.

More latterly, he developed the CopperStrings social network website, using skills which came in handy when he decided to create the New Exeter website, promoting a sustainable as well as enjoyable lifestyle.

This was one of the first things Carl did after leaving his job at the end of January. The network, where people can share blogs, pictures and information about events, has 32 members so far.

"I read How to be Free by Tom Hodgkinson and it made me want to quit straight away," said Carl, who also cited a meeting with Rob Hopkins, a key initiator of the Transition Movement, as a key influence in his decision.

"We are on the edge of potentially disastrous global changes that through denial and despair we are hopelessly failing to address.

"We cannot continue to live the way we do and expect, as a race, to survive. Our way of life does not address the true needs and long-term survival of humanity, let alone support our birthright — a joyful existence on this beautiful planet.

"As we begin to feel the pinch of peak oil and climate change it makes sense to develop a happy, healthy and resilient life close to home.

"In the face of environmental, economic and social catastrophe, we haven't got time to waste."

Carl has attempted to create a self-sufficient and sustainable lifestyle for himself.

He hopes that by raising awareness of environmental problems, others will follow suit before we are all forced to do so.

"I started to grow my own food," said Carl, who grows wheatgrass, rocket, other salad leaves, strawberries, onions, peas and beans.

Most of this is grown in pots on the windowsill but Carl is happy that he has recently been offered an allotment.

He has also taken responsibility for his own health, and chooses natural, herbal remedies over pills from the doctor for everyday health matters. He used to run a natural health centre.

"People tend to depend on the state to take care of their health and education," said Carl. "The sense of dependency goes with the denial of where our culture is heading."

Similarly, he has taken it upon himself to learn as much as he can about the environment, driven by his passion for what he is doing. He said: "It's about really understanding what's going on with our society and not just accepting what's given."

He does a New Exeter radio show on Phonic FM but it's not too heavy. "We mix up some environmental issues and interviews with feel-good music," he said.

Carl was asked to get involved with Eco-fayre, which puts eco-friendly products within easy reach of everybody, by the founder, and he did so willingly.

He said: "People can find out about alternative energy, green investment, composting, and natural, ethical food and drink. I think a lot of people are interested but don't know where to start, so I have been promoting Eco-fayre."

Another aspect of Carl's work is his delivery service, which is a commercial venture rather than a voluntary activity.

He has been bringing Clearly Devon bottled Dartmoor water into Exeter to cut down on water miles, as a lot of bottled water comes from Wales, Scotland or France. To make his visits economical, he also delivers bulk items of food such as rice or potatoes. The plastic packaging is reused and recycled.

"The future is collaboration," said Carl. "I think we've lost the idea of real community and teamwork."

Carl recently helped to get a Devon Climate Action Network off the ground, with 50 people coming together to address climate change in a positive way.

His friends, however, were concerned about him when he quit his job and changed his life. He said: "It seemed terribly dangerous but it showed how serious I am about these issues. I redesigned my life so my overheads are lower.

"The Transition Movement is demonstrating we can create a different, positive and enjoyable version of the future if we take a good look at it."

He suggested people play football or a musical instrument instead of electricity-consuming computer games, but said he would continue to use a computer to develop the New Exeter website.

"There's a job to be done using these tools for the time being," he said. "My key skill is raising awareness. I'm doing my best and I hope that I'm making a difference."