I have to keep a diary over the next three weeks where I take a note of my progress (or not) with the three areas I feel I will be able to increase my eco-friendliness:
1. Recycle household waste using locally-provided facilities.
2. Switch to us
ing energy-saving light bulbs.
3. Re-use carrier bags when shopping.
Monday 21 JanuaryI finally managed to remember to re-use my carrier bags when shopping today and earned 11 green club card points for it.
I am surprised that East Renfrewshire has not supplied me with a recycle bin. Many people I have spoken to seem to have had them from their council.
My niece lives inside Glasgow Council's area and has a blue recycle bin which she is to put all her recycleable material into - not separated as the council separates it at their depot. My brother-in-law's council will actually fine people if they find recycleable material in the household wheelie bin – possibly that's going too far though.
Thursday 17 January1: My plastic bin is almost full; Not much glass yet but I don't use many glass items; I have started to store tins in a plastic bag in the glass bin as it is taking the longest to fill; I have started to collect cardboard products and store with paper; My papers/magazine bin is now full and ready for the centre.
2: I have now replaced the bulbs in all lamps in the upstairs with energy saving lightbulbs but not the spotlights
3: I have not been well and have therefore not been shopping yet
I have now purchased a basket for newspapers and magazines and am collecting re-cycleable cardboard.
I have had some difficulty getting six screw fixing bulbs to replace the bulbs in the upstairs of the house as all the energy saving lights bulbs specify that they can not be used in an enclosed area – all the fixtures I have are counter sunk spot lights.
I have been rather disappointed at the lack of range in energy saving bulbs and if the general public are expected to change to using them the range must expand and include many more fixings.
I have also read all the information on the energy saving bulb packets looking for specific guidelines as to their disposal, however I have once again been disappointed – no information about disposal or the fact that the light bulbs contain mercury.
I have been pleasantly surprised at how many items (like cereal, and egg boxes) have the re-cycle logo on them. I have now started to collect tins with this labelling.
I have also been pleased to note that my household bin does not need empting as often, now only about twice a week.
However, as I have not been well I have not yet taken my rubbish to the local re-cycle centre and I don't know if their will be facilities for all the items I have collected, I will let you know.
I have been surprised and disappointed that ready made meals in plastic containers with cardboard sleeves seem to be missing the re-cycle symbol for all their packaging. This makes no sense. I wonder when something will be done to rectify this situation.
Tuesday 8 January1: I purchased two plastic bins for keeping glass & plastic (cost £15) and searched my existing household bin. Found three plastic and two glass bottles.
2: I purchased two energy saving light bulbs (cost £2) and installed both to bedside lamps
3: Shopping - I used one bag. Forgot to take my existing bags and had to use one from the shop. I have now put some bags in the boot of my car so that I have them with me next time
I intend to get a basket for newspapers and magazines. I will also get six bayonet and six screw fixing bulbs to replace all the bulbs in the upstairs of the house. Some of the light bulbs used in the upstairs of my house as unavailable in energy-saving light bulb range but I will change all that are.
Click here to join our Let's Go Green Together campaign.Click here to find out more about BabsThe full article contains 741 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
