Coins
Step one: Donate. One person's junk is another's gold. The Furniture Reuse Network, www.frn.org.uk, for example, is the national coordinating body for recycling operations. It lists groups across the country that will pass on donated items such as saucepans, irons and microwaves to low income families.
Also, rather than letting old PCs clog up landfill sites, contact Computer Aid International - www.computeraid.org. This the world's largest not-for-profit supplier of computers to developing countries, taking in any working Pentium III or IV computer or laptop, plus monitors, adapters, power cables, keyboards and mouses. (Don't forget to wipe the hard drive of any PC you donate or you may be giving others access to sensitive information.)
Step two: Swap. Reduce unnecessary waste by trading in, bartering or reselling items you no longer need, from tumble driers to curtains. Log onto nationwide noticeboards www.recycle.co.uk or uk.freecycle.org or www.dontdumpthat.com, where you can offer or request items on a regional basis.
Step three: Reduce and reuse. There are loads of ways to cut down on day-to-day waste. Buy loose food, rather than pre-packed goods, stop junk mail through the mailing preference service - www.mpsonline.org.uk - donate old magazines to doctors' waiting rooms, and use your own bags when visiting the supermarket. Get into the habit of renting or borrowing items you don't often use, such as party decorations and crockery. For more ideas, go to www.recycle-more.co.uk
Step four: Get creative. Reusing our resources, and reducing our use of them, cuts waste and saves money - but it can be fun too. Some things, such as rigid food containers, are just not recyclable, but why not reuse them as household objects instead? Alternatively, why not reuse items such as coffee beans as a fridge deodoriser or to deter ants in your garden? There are even ways to reuse cooking oil as fuel for cars. Try www.junkk.com for ideas on how to use things you would normally throw away.
* Teena Lyons' opinions are her own and for general information only. Always seek independent advice.