I believe that part of the reason we keep a lot of stuff that isn't serving us any more, is because of feelings of guilt. Whether that's because the item was gifted, inherited, or because of it's (perceived!) monetary value. A lot of us are trying to avoid filling our black bin bags and adding to landfill. We can recycle certain items, but what about the rest?
Here's five feel-good ways to let items go without putting them in landfill.
Clothing: Donating items to a clothing bank (frequently in supermarket car parks) or charity shop (a cause important to you) will let you feel good about your donation. You will be extending the life of the clothing and diverting it away from landfill. Listing items for sale on platforms such as Vinted, Marketplace or Nextdoor is an option if you have space to store items put up for sale and have the spare time to photograph, list and post items. Also bear in mind that you may be making only a few pounds on each item.
Electrical items: old chargers and wires as well as small appliances can be recycled at your local authority recycling center. You’ll know the components will be used again and not go into landfill. The British Heart Foundation will accept larger saleable appliances via an online booking and collection service, giving items a second life and helping to fund life-saving research. Small kitchen gadgets in good condition can also be donated to Benthyg Cymru projects in Barry, Penarth, Cardiff, Newport, Monmouthshire, and to the Swansea or Barry Library of Things, for the benefit of many, who may not have access to items otherwise.
Toiletries: The Hygiene Bank tackles hygiene poverty by giving access to products. They collect new, unused, in-date personal care and household cleaning essentials including deodorant, shower gel, shampoo, make-up, nappies, toilet roll, laundry detergent and surface cleaner. There are drop off points in Boots stores across South Wales.
Towels & blankets: Help companion animals waiting for new homes by donating to an animal rehoming center such as Cardiff Dogs home or The Dogs Trust center in Cardiff and Bridgend (via their contact-free drop off points outside the buildings). Cats Protection Bridgend also accepts towels.
Toys & Games: ToyBox Project takes in unwanted toys and gifts them to families and organisations in need. Toys are kept out of landfill and put in the hands of those who need them. Toybox is based in Caerphilly but also has drop off points in Barry and Cardiff. They accept most toys and games - even games consoles, as long as they’re complete and not broken. Loved Before soft toy adoption- you can safely send your cuddly friends along with a little bio to Loved Before. Soft toys received via post are repaired, cleaned, and listed for ‘adoption’ via the website. Charlotte the founder says, “instead of losing value, a toy once loved is made even more valuable by the love and life it has already experienced."
If you need one to one support with decluttering and disposing of items please contact Heather on 07833472591 for a freindly, no obligation chat
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