We are all trying to do our bit to save the planet. But life is hectic and fitting all the recyclables sorting, solar power grants, cycling to work and reusable nappies in can been mind-blowingly difficult. What we need is more planet-saving tactics that don’t cost us the earth in our time.

An Oxford-based research group is doing just that, when it comes to efficient energy.

They are developing a wonder material called graphene. Graphene is a nano-material. Nano is a measurement of all things incredibly small. To be awarded the title of “nano” a material must be less than one billionth of a metre.

To put that tiny amount into perspective, if you could take a strand of your hair and cut it into 40,000 equal slices each one of those slices would be a nanomaterial.

Using the carbon atoms that are also the building blocks for pencils, charcoal and diamonds, scientists are able to create Graphene.

By arranging the carbon atoms in a single layer of hexagons they make Graphene thinner than cling film, stronger than diamond, as flexible as rubber and nearly completely clear. It is quite beautiful to look at under the microscope too.

A bit like what you would get if you took a super-thin slice of honeycombe from a beehive. The flexibility and strength of Graphene is remarkable. If you wanted to make a trampoline for an elephant you could use Graphene and it would work a treat!

To add to this impressive spec it conducts heat and electricity. Take all these characteristics and the change to your life that this stuff could make is pretty huge.

Do you think solar panels on houses are a bit unsightly? Think Graphene and the future looks nano-tastic.

The clever scientists at Oxford’s Begbroke Science Park are developing Graphene sheets that can coat household windows to collect solar power without the need for solar panels. Graphene is far more effective at converting light from the sun into electricity – about twice as effective as the silicon that is currently used in solar cells.

Scientists all over the world are trying to solve the current issue of creating Graphene sheets of the size and quantity needed to make it a viable alternative to solar panels.

The benefits are not just green. Have you ever shattered your phone screen? Our local scientists are also making mobile phone screens that are just as sensitive but much more flexible and resilient than glass. Imagine a phone that curved around your bottom in the back pocket of your jeans. Or even a phone that could be rolled up like a watch!

The challenges we face around the sustainability of our planet are daunting and I often wonder whether the little contributions I make are actually changing anything.

I feel so reassured that there are some of our generation’s brightest minds working on revolutionary materials that we will all be able to use to help secure the future of our planet.