I despair that my recycling won’t change the world. But others’will | Michele Hanson

I tried to recycle my bed to do my bit and save some of the world's resources. I failed, but there's still hope - not everyone has given up

I've had a horrible feeling lately that the world is sliding down its final slope, with the brakes off: filthy seas, burned and ruined forests, vanishing species, flattened cities, millions of displaced people, desperate refugees and endless, murderous wars. It is difficult not to abandon hope.

Fielding is also feeling rather gloomy. "Jesus Christ," says he. "Give me a reason to get up in the morning." But I think that's rather wet. We must put up a bit of a fight. So I tried to recycle my bed, to save a speck of the world's resources.