Climate change is a complex, global issue. But that doesn't mean that making small differences in your life can't help to make a difference. Here's some ways that you can help make your footprint on the planet a little lighter:

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?

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.

For more on recycling, have a look at the Waste Watch website. The telephone number is given on 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.

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.

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. The Association of Charity shops has a shop finder to locate charity shops in your postcode area.

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. Compost.org.uk is a rich source of information on composting matters. Local Authorities can also provide advice on composting and some sell composting bins.

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.

Get browsing

If you want to know more about recycling and doing your bit for the environment here are some great sites to visit. Recyclemore
has more on how to reduce your waste; recycledproducts hosts a guide to products available in the UK which contain recycled materials. Hate junk mail? You can stop it by registering with the Mailing Preference Service.

The Environmental Services Association is a non-profit making trade association for companies providing waste management.

What choices do we have with waste? Explore Open2's guide to watse.

Save energy

The Energy Savings Trust has much useful information on energy efficiency, cleaner fuel and solar grants.

There's more about choosing energy options in Open2's guide to energy.

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