As Spring is here,  and we have time on our hands, many of us will, no doubt, be having a clear-out. With recycling centres and charity shops closed;  'freecycling' online temporarily suspended; and people social distancing, many people might be tempted to just throw everything in the household waste.  But, before you do that, stop and think: Do I really need to do this?  Does it have to go to landfill? Instead, could you...?

1. Take items to the recycling bins located nearby, many in car parks, such as clothing banks and shoe banks?  Not all recycling points for crisp packets, for example, are within schools or shops but some are out on the street (eg Handforth- check out Terracycle.com for details) or in supermarkets.  Most batteries can still be recycled in this way.

2. Store recycling for when the lockdown has ended. Remember, WHS recycles writing equipment, crisp packets, batteries,  make-up and toothpaste tubes/brushes.

3. Store items which could be re-used by someone else such as children's toys, books, bric-a-brac etc - the charity shops will be grateful for items when they reopen. 

4. Why not have a go at upcycling?  You could learn a new skill. Who knows,  you may have a hidden talent!  Consider upcycling furniture or re-working an old outfit to  create something bespoke for yourself or someone else. There are loads of ideas online.  With many people at home with their families, this might be something you choose to do together.  The possibilities for crafting with recycled materials are numerous.

5. Change the purpose of something  to give it a new lease of life.  I now have the drawers from my old freezer in my garage where they make great storage boxes.

So, get your thinking caps on.  As we take more notice of nature in these quieter and less-polluted times and appreciate her beauty, let's all do our bit to save the planet.