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The environment may be a global issue, but there are many ways you can act locally. Here are
a few ways in which you can ‘do your bit’ to really make a difference.
1. Think before you buy!
The products we buy often have unnecessary packaging. Do fruit and vegetables have
to be bought in plastic wrapping or can you buy them loose? Do meat and fish have to be pre-packed? Before buying disposable
plastic razors, think about buying a metal one that lasts longer. Consider biodegradable nappies, which decompose much faster.
When you come to taking your shopping home, why not use a string or fabric bag, instead of lots of plastic ones? So before
you reach for that item on the shelf … think! Is there a better alternative?
2. Recycling Centres in your area
Most local authorities run recycling centres, where you can take almost anything
for recycling. Batteries, cans, electronic equipment, computers, fluorescent tubes, furniture, glass, household appliances,
metals, oils, paper, glass, plastic and textiles can often be taken to recycling centres. To find the nearest one to you,
search the National Recycling Directory at Waste Watch. For more on recycling, have a look at the Waste Watch website. The telephone number is given with the site, so give them a call first to make sure that your local site takes the items
you wish to recycle.
The Local Authority Recycling Advisory Committee is the leading national local authority organisation promoting waste reduction and recycling. They have lots of information
on recycling with links to useful sites.
3. Supermarkets
There are often bottle banks and recycling bins at the big supermarkets situated in the car
parks. These sites sometimes also take paper and textiles, so next time you’re at your supermarket, keep your eye out
for them.
Inside some supermarkets there are also recycle bins for plastic bags, so rather than throwing that pile of bags in the
rubbish, pop them in the recycling bin instead.
4. Charity Shops
You can do your bit for the environment and help others by taking your unwanted items
like clothes, shoes, books, etc. to your local charity shop. The Red Cross, RSPCA, Help the Aged, Salvation Army, Cancer Research
and Oxfam all have charity shops, which will take your unwanted items. Click on www.oxfam.org.uk/shops/find.html or www.cancerresearchuk.org/getinvolved/shops/shops/ to locate your nearest Oxfam or Cancer Research charity shop.
5. Get Composting
You can compost your vegetable peelings, grass and all manner of things in a composting bin,
which can be used to enrich your garden. You can find out how to get one started by going to www.compost.org.uk where Alan Titchmarsh has a guide on how to get started. Local Authorities can also provide advice on composting and some
sell composting bins.
6. Get Active
Is there something you feel strongly about which is damaging the environment in your area? Do
you think recycling could be improved? Act locally. Contact your local Councillor, MP or your newspaper to get your views
heard. Most local councils can be found on the Web and will provide you with the name of your Councillor or MP. Alternatively
you can find out from your local Council Office or Local Authority Library.
7. Get browsing
If you want to know more about recycling and doing your bit for the environment here are some
great sites to visit.
For quick and easy tips on dealing with rubbish at home, at work and at the shops visit: www.rethinkrubbish.com.
To find out more about recycling go to: www.recyclemore.co.uk.
A guide to products available in the UK which contain recycled materials can be found at: www.recycledproducts.org.uk.
Hate junk mail? You can stop it by registering with the Mailing Preference Service: www.mpsonline.org.uk or call: 020 7291 3310.
Consider using re-usable nappies for your baby, find out more at: www.realnappy.com or call: 020 8299 4519.
What are the Government doing about all this? Find out at: www.doingyourbit.org.uk.
What choices do we have with waste? For articles on waste reduction visit: www.open2.net/choices/waste/waste.htm.
The Environmental Services Association is a non-profit making trade association for companies providing waste management:
www.esauk.org.
8. Save energy
You can find simple energy saving tips, money saving ideas and a directory of energy efficient
products at: www.saveenergy.co.uk.
Get a Home Energy Check from your local Energy Efficiency Advice Centre, call free on 0800 512 012.
The Energy Savings
Trust has much useful information on energy efficiency, cleaner fuel and solar grants: www.est.org.uk or call:
0845 727 7200.
For articles on choosing energy options visit: www.open2.net/choices/energy/energy.htm.
Children will enjoy this interactive site: www.funergy.org.uk.
9. Food
If you are interested in an organic lifestyle contact the Soil Association at: www.soilassociation.org or call: 0117 929 0661.
Learn more about seasonal food: www.bbc.co.uk/food/foodinfocus/inseason
Sustain is the alliance for better food and farming: www.sustainweb.org.
For a cool interactive on how your diet affects the environment visit: www.open2.net/choices/food/food.htm. Click on 'Your diet'.
10. Transport
Find out about cleaner fuels and grants to convert your car at: www.transportaction.org.uk.
Find out what a trip to France really costs the environment:
www.open2.net/choices/transport/transport.htm. Click on 'Your Trip'.
11. Climate change
Get involved in monitoring climate change: www.phenology.org.uk
And have a look at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs website:
www.defra.gov.uk/environment/climatechange/index.htm
12. Sustainable living
ERGO is an online consumer guide to sustainable living. See it at: www.ergo-living.com.
13. Protect the Environment
Measure your environmental impact and how to cut it: www.carboncalculator.org.
The Environment Agency is responsible for protecting and improving the environment in England and Wales. What's in Your Backyard? gives you on-line information about nearby landfill sites, river quality and industrial pollution an other quality of life
measures. Go to: www.environment-agency.gov.uk.
In Scotland contact the Scottish Environment Protection Agency at: www.sepa.org.uk.
In Northern Ireland contact the Environment and Heritage Service at: www.ehsni.gov.uk.
14. Join in
There are a number of groups actively campaigning to improve our environment. Here are a selection.
Friends
of the Earth is the largest international network of environmental groups in the world, with over 200 campaigning groups in
the UK. Find out more at: www.foe.co.uk or: www.foe-scotland.org.uk/
Greenpeace exposes global environmental problems, their causes and solutions: www.greenpeace.org.uk
RSPB is Europe’s largest wildlife conservation charity and campaigns on a range of local and global issues. Visit
them at: www.rspb.org.uk
The National Trust is developing its environmental and conservation work: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
WWF campaigns to save endangered species and protect our natural environment. Panda Passport keeps you up to date with
news and campaigning information. Go to: www.wwf-uk.org and: www.passport.panda.org.
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