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Watch Video: Survival Rations? So where are we going? >
Our group of 11 strangers met for the first time at a plush hotel in the English countryside, near Gatwick Airport. Over a plentiful brunch they bonded in the knowledge that this may be the last decent meal they would have for a while.
The group was a cross-section of society and views on green issues. They'd all signed up to take part in an eco-challenge but had no idea where they were going. All they knew for sure was that it would be tough, uncomfortable and would involve living without creature comforts for three weeks.
Destination unknown
So where were they off to? Ultra-green student Lawrence had worked out that it wasn't any sun-drenched beaches or mountain retreats in Africa or Asia. How? Even though they all had to make sure that their vaccinations were up-to-date, typhoid, rabies or yellow fever weren't included. No problem. That still left Australia, New Zealand or even Canada in the running.
The group had been warned that their destination could be hot during the day and fairly cold at night, and had been asked to pack appropriate clothing. Based on that, classical singer Jason thought it was unlikely to be anywhere in Britain.
Meanwhile Jarvis, a spiritual musician and advertising salesman, piped up that he thought it might be northern Africa, and semi-pro footballer Jermaine insisted on winding the group up making wild suggestions with anything from Wales to America. Ultra-green fitness instructor Selena expressed her love for Wales and defended the idea of going there.
Also present were psychology student Aaron, marine engineer Ian (who'd only just left the Navy), product developer Christine, part-time model and legal temp Sasha and Darren, who runs his own joinery company and is also a tattooist.
The eco-expert arrives
The last person to arrive was eco-design expert Rob Holdway. He said he would be on hand at various points over the next weeks, but he stressed that this was their challenge. He warned that it would be tough and that some of them might not make it to the end. But by taking part in the challenge they were helping to raise awareness about a very important green issue.
Survival kits issued
Finally, Rob issued them each with a survival kit, which included a sleeping bag and mat, some mess tins to cook with, sunscreen, special wind up torches and, ominously, just one loo roll each. Once that ran out, they were going to have to improvise …
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