When we were tinkering with the Gateway to websites recently, we tried to draw together some useful websites for green types of a practical disposition. So here are a couple of recycling suggestions, and a route-finder for shanks’s pony. Pick out the useful bits
RecycleNow combines good practical suggestions with some really naff trendyspeak. All the stuff about integrated advertising campaigns and "celebrity ambassadors" is probably more about getting government funding than it is about serious recycling. But ignore the guff and you’ve got some helpful hints on what and where to recycle.
The A to Z list gives general advice about whether you will be likely to be able to include an item in your recycling sack, box or bin. Even more useful is a search box where you can insert your postcode. What you get is a map showing local recycling points, and a cut-out-and-keep list of what your local authority will collect from the kerbside.
RecycleNow’s home page (which rather tediously mentioned Christmas card recycling four times when I looked!) has tabs at the top which lead to news and features.
Aimed at Westminster residents, with local information and links, Recycling in Westminster is another source of sound advice.
(From the Gateway to websites, select "Environment & geography". RecycleNow and Recycling in Westminster are both under "Going green".)
Steps in the right direction
I love Walkit. It does one thing and it does it darned well. To quote from the website:
"We want to get people walking more. We think walking in and around town can often be a smart choice. No timetables to keep to, no journey delays, no overcrowding, healthy, green, free, direct, access to services (and sunlight!) en route."
I think the bit about sunshine is just some sort of joke, but the rest is great. Pick a couple of points in London (or Birmingham, Edinburgh or Newcastle/Gateshead), and the nice Walkit computer will find you a choice of routes, either direct or "less busy". Since I intended to walk from Baker Street to the Aldwych, these were the locations I naturally chose.
The direct route cut a knife through the West End, and would have got me there in quick time. The "less busy" route was a bit longer and much more complicated (turns and twists galore), but avoided the worst of the main roads very neatly.
As well as telling the distance involved, I got information about the calories I would burn (depending on whether I stepped out or sauntered) and the carbon dioxide I would save compared with a car, taxi or bus journey. There is a cost: unless you have a really good memory you would need, especially for the "less busy" route, to print out a map and directions. What percentage of a tree this represents is not divulged. Less damaging to the environment than driving, I guess.
Oh, if you’re taking a walk to lose weight or save money, ignore the notes about the restaurants you pass!
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(From the Gateway to websites, select "Environment & geography". Walkit is under "Going green".)
Picture credit: xpistwv/morguefile.com
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