Reuse More
Moving home or in need of a clear out?
1. 'Freecycle'
A website where you can find a home for unwanted household items. You may find something you want at this site rather than buying new. Look for your local freecycle club at www.freecycle.org.uk
2. Efreeko
This is a similar concept to 'Freecycle' but designed by students from Chichester University to incorporate sending unwanted items by post. See www.efreeko.co.uk for more information.
3. 'The Greenhouse'
This is a Furniture Recycling Project whereby donated furniture is restored by trained volunteers and passed on to local people in need, or sold to raise funds for Guild Care's charitable services. See www.green-house.org.uk for more information.
4. Carboot Sales
This is a way to make money and find new homes for unwanted items! There are many weekend carboot sales around the County.
Shop Smarter5. Useful Hints
For some useful hints see the good shopping guide at www.ethical-company-organisation.org/the-good-shopping-guide.htm
6. Carrier Bags
There are many options to reduce the number of carrier bags used.
Reuse the supermarket carrier bags. You can get points or pennies off for your efforts!
Use a 'Bag for Life' - available at most supermarkets.
Carry a fold-up reusable bag in your car or handbag for spur of the moment purchases.
7. Batteries
Buy a battery charger and use re-chargeable batteries.
8. Electronics
Have goods repaired or serviced when it is economical and safe to do so rather than replaced.
9. Computers
Donate computers to charities. Their aim is to distribute them for reuse.
10. Clothing and Household Items
Donate items to local charity shops or community group jumble sales. While you're there, you might find a bargain!
11. Mobile Phones
These can be donated to charities or schools for fund-raising or can be recycled at www.envirofone.com
12. Disposable Products
Try to buy products that can be used over and over instead of single use items (ie. cameras, razors, dusters etc). At parties avoid plastic cutlery, cups and paper plates.
13. Be Creative!
Find another use - Papermaking, quilting, glass fusing and machine embroidery are only some of the processes used in creative reuse and recycling. Think of what you can transform things into: An old pan lid can make a perfect bird bath! Old CDs can be strung up above growing vegetables to deter birds eating your home grown food, plastic bottles make great mini cloches to protect tender plants from slugs.