Don't Trash

I was shocked recently after helping at a neighbour’s garage sale, to find that they intended to take everything, which didn’t sell, to the tip!

This included a lounge suite, set of frying pans, shoes, framed painting, books and more. All items were in good useable condition. I asked, “Why are you throwing those things away when there are people out there who would love to use them?” She replied, “Obviously no one wants them and I’m far too busy to be bothered finding something else to do with them. I need the space.” Imagining the poor people of the world, who barely have enough money for food, let alone belongings, I realised it is a sad day when we would rather bury something in the ground than even try to donate it to somebody else.

It was exactly this kind of behaviour that drove me to start the charitable website DonateNZ, where people can connect goods they no longer need, quickly and easily, with good causes in the community who can use it. The hope is to connect people once more on a grass roots level to simple ways they can give back to their local community and hopefully save a lot of things from the trashcan as a bonus!

Whilst I have been on a crusade to ‘save the planet’ since I was a wee one, and have been running the website for nearly four years, I too am continually surprised by what can be utilised. Schools and playcentres are one of the website’s biggest users and, as many of you will know, kids can find a use for anything! The most popular items are anything arts and crafts related – which are more often than not typical waste items. For example, paper, which had been printed on one side, fabric off cuts, cardboard inner rolls, old towels and men’s shirts. However, it’s not just limited to those. Old silverware became pirate booty, appliance boxes become forts, obsolete laptops became learning accessories or play toys – the list is endless.

Imagine the difference we could make to our environment if we took time to redefine what our idea of trash is – all it takes is a little time and a concerted effort to look outside your own box.

See below for tips and pointers to help you to think outside your box:

•  Beware the rubbish bin and landfill. Just because they are easy and accessible, doesn’t make it right.

•  Start systems in your home and workplace that encourage trash reduction.

•  Analyse what is going into your rubbish bin, especially when you’re moving house or office. Just because you don’t want it, doesn’t mean no one else will.

•  Don’t kid yourself that the solution is going to be as easy as walking out to the trash can. Be prepared to take the time to find a solution and make an effort – trust me, it’s worth it.

•  Remember and practise all of the following strategies in this order, before trashing: use, re-use, share, swap, sell, repair, reduce, recycle and compost.

•  Think outside your box and know that just because something doesn’t have value to you, doesn’t mean it doesn’t to someone else.

Handy sites for reducing the amount you trash:

Sell: Trademe, Sella, Trade & Exchange.

Sharing resources: DonateNZ, Freecycle, Renew Waste Exchange.

Swap: create a sharing box in your office. Have swap parties with friends.

Offline sharing places: op shops and resource recovery parks.

Claire Sawyers
www.donatenz.com