AS each year draws to a close, many people look to the New Year with a renewed sense of purpose and often make a resolution or two to help them achieve specific goals.

Cotswold District Council is hoping that some residents may turn their thoughts to leading a greener lifestyle, and has come up with three recycling resolutions to consider for 2015.

1. Increase your amount of recycling – go the extra mile and ensure that everything recyclable in your house is placed in the relevant containers for collection at the kerbside and is not just thrown into the general refuse bin. See the CDC website for our complete guide to recycling, including the additional recycling options available at Household Recycling Centres.

2. Sign up for the Council’s gRRReen community competition – it’s not too late to enter. This competition is open to groups of people of all ages who can find new ways to meet the challenges of the three R’s - Reducing, Reusing and Recycling waste. The three best performers will qualify for funding worth a total of £2,000 to finance further improvements in their communities. To receive an application form and information sheet, email waste@cotswold.gov.uk , phone 01285 623123, or write to gRRReen awards competition, Cotswold District Council, Trinity Rd, Cirencester, GL71PX.

3. Say goodbye to disposable nappies in 2015. Those with babies and toddlers in Cotswold District (and other parts of Gloucestershire) who choose to purchase real nappies to the value of £50 or more can receive a £30 cash-back voucher. Details are available on the Recycle for Gloucestershire website.