By passing your second-hand or unused goods on to someone who will use them, you are both reducing the environmental resources required to satisfy our consumption as well as helping others.
These days, giving away or selling your unused stuff couldn’t be easier. From online sites through to garage sales and local charity clothing bins, there are loads of ways to give your unwanted stuff a new life.
From an environmental perspective, recycling your second-hand goods extends the life of the things you no longer want or need and defers or avoids the need for more resources to go into the manufacture of a new product.
How to do it now!
Drop it off at your local op shop.
Op shops receive your unwanted goods and sell them cheaply to support charities focused on helping the poor and ailing members of our community.
They are generally staffed by volunteers and always appreciate contributions. You might even find a bargain for yourself while you’re there!
- St Vincent de Paul Society
- The Salvation Army
- Brotherhood of St Laurence
- Lifeline
- Doncare (Vic)
- Australian Animal Protection Society (Vic)
- Epilepsy Foundation of Victoria
Have a garage sale
Put an ad in the local paper, print out some signs, put them up in the local café and on corner telephone poles a day or two prior to the big event, and sell your stuff from the comfort of your own doorstep. It’s a nice way to meet the neighbours, too. Don’t forget to take your signs down and dispose of them properly after the event.
Buy second-hand goods online
Try reading The Choice Buying Guide: Second-hand goods, which describes the rights and responsibilities of buyers and sellers of second-hand gear.
Some online sites from which to buy (and sell) second-hand goods include:
And for sites which list free goods try: