Choose to Reuse

Community events are a great way to get people involved in reusing and reducing waste.  Swap days can provide an opportunity for passing on any unwanted items and picking up something you need.  This could include anything from bric-a-brac to toys to furniture.

How about organising an event at your village hall or club?  For further information see the Community Recycling Network website for a guide on how to organise a swap event http://www.crn.org.uk/.

Or you could get yourself a whole new wardrobe and still help the planet! Swishing refers to swapping items of clothing, shoes or accessories with friends or acquaintances.  Everyone must donate an item to be able to participate and then they are free to choose something of interest from what others have offered.  See http://www.swishing.org/ for more information on Ethical Fashion Clothes swapping events and how to organise them

Charity shops - donate any unwanted items to a charity shop or take to a charity bring bank located at many recycling centres.  Pick up a bargain and support a good cause.  http://www.charityshops.org.uk/ gives lots of helpful information on your local charity shops and reusing.

There are several charities across Norfolk that take good quality second hand furniture and electrical items to be refurbished and resold or given to disadvantaged groups.  Not only does this keep these big, heavy items out of landfill, it can also be of great benefit to someone in need.  See our Furniture Reuse page for details of your nearest organisation. 

Car boots are a great way to make a bit of money and reuse old goods.  Don't throw out your old items - your rubbish could be someone else's treasure!  If you are feeling more generous why not offer your unwanted goods for free on http://www.norfolk-freegle.org.uk/.  Similarly http://www.eastex.org.uk/ can help create links between businesses and organisations that have any useful reusable materials that they no longer require and someone else who may be looking for that very same thing. 

Lastly there is a brand new scheme running at 5 of Norfolk's Recycling Centres.  Re-use Shelters allow you to purchase unwanted bric-a-brac and furniture at car boot prices.  Why don't you pop in and take a look? - You might be surprised at some of the items on offer.  More information on the reuse shelters can be found here.