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 cgi.charityshops.plus.com/locator to find charity shops in your postcode area.

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. www.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.

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.