I’m an eco-worrier. What mainly plays on my mind is that – in reality – changing to a greener lifestyle is far easier than people think. Example – recycling. It’s all about habit forming, not huge effort. I’ve chivvied my housemates, who initially didn’t know you could recycle newspaper, into recyclers who even wash out the bean tins before dumping them in the box.
The biggest problem isn’t doing it, it’s knowing what and how to do it. And it worries me that we – and by we I mean all the weeping eco-obsessed Guardianista liberal lefties – can’t expect people to get on board unless there’s enough information to make it simple and straightforward. Which is why I’ve been writing a feature called Everything you ever wanted to know about recycling, but couldn’t be bothered to ask. Snappy, eh?
I’ve attempted to get it published in Bristol/Bath Venue magazine, but to no joy – admittedly, it is a bit long winded, though I’ve really worked to keep it simple and straightforward as possible. Perhaps Big Issue is more suited, though it’ll need less of a Bath/Bristol focus. But here’s an extract as an example of how I think we need to broach the issue – lighthearted but informative, not smug or overwhelming.
So what else can I recycle?
More than you’d think! The basics are simple – clean white paper, clean kitchen foil, newspapers, magazines, etc. But here are a few that aren’t so obvious:
Batteries – Bag up batteries, rechargeable or otherwise, and include them in your usual collection. Leave car batteries next to your box/bags.
Printer cartridges – Bath council will collect ink and toner cartridges as part of your regular recycling. In Bristol, you can take them to ActionAid Recycling. Call 0117 304 2390.
Mobile phones – Bath council will also take mobile phones and chargers, but in Bristol you should contact ActionAid on the number above.
Shoes – Keep them in pairs by tying them together, and sticking them with your usual collection.
Water filters – Brita filters can go straight back to Brita, who, admirably, take care of recycling them. See the Brita website for details (www.brita.net). For non-Brita filters you’ll need to contact the manufacturer for recycling details.
Tetra Paks – Juice and milk cartons made by Tetra Pak can’t be recycled normally, but you can send clean, flattened cartons away to be recycled. Follow the instructions on this website: http://snipurl.com/1nz6j.
