7 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU COULD DONATE




There’s lots of things which we keep hold of – shoved in a drawer or stuffed in a cupboard because we don’t really know what to do with them. We either feel too guilt-ridden to bin them or just don’t think they will be of any use to anyone. Well, think again! Here are 7 things you can donate!

Duvets and pillows

Duvets and pillows can’t be recycled but they can be reused by your local animal shelter or animal rescue charity as bedding.

Food

Have one too many spices or a can of pineapple gathering dust? There’s no need to bin them. Try the handy OLIO app, a quick and free way to give your unwanted food a new home.

Travel money

Every penny counts! We all come back from holiday with the odd coin which ends up rolling around at the bottom of a bag or hidden in a drawer.  Most high street charities have collection boxes for coins of any kind, even old coins.

Cat under duvet




Stamps

You’ve got mail! Used stamps from cards and parcels can be donated to some charities such as Macmillan Cancer Support, RNIB and Oxfam.  Just tear them off the envelope and start collecting!

Pile of used postage stamps

 

Electrical items

If you have electrical items still in good reusable condition, whether it’s a toaster, a hairdryer or a lamp, you can donate them to some charity shops. If you have a broken electrical item why not see if you can get it repaired before replacing? Find a repair cafe near you. Or if it’s beyond repair, take it to your local Recycling Centre – never put electrical items in the bin!

Wheeled bin WEEE

Pens

We all have a surplus of pens scattered here, there and everywhere around the house but when we really need one we can never find one. If you have one too many pens or other stationery you can donate them to some charities and education projects.

Row of black and blue biro pens

 

Make up and toiletries

If you have any unused makeup or toiletry gift sets from Christmas and birthdays you can donate them to Elle for Elle which will help women and children in refuge accommodations. There are six drop off points in Greater Manchester.






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SCRUNCH TEST




Not all wrapping paper is actually paper. Some is made with plastic or foil.

To check if it can be recycled, try the scrunch test. If you can scrunch the paper into a ball and it stays scrunched, you can recycle it.







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HOW TO THROW A ZERO WASTE PARTY




Invitations

Ditch the paper and go digital. Send a text message, an email or create a private event on social media. There are loads of websites which let you design your own invitations for free.

Decorations

Instead of buying single-use plastics like balloons and confetti, why not save some money and make decorations out of paper instead, such as bunting, garlands and streamers? You can find loads of ideas on Pinterest and DIY craft websites.

Presents

If you don’t want to be overloaded with presents that you don’t want, why not:

  • ask for money – fiver parties are growing in popularity. Get guests to contribute £5 towards a present
  • give to charity – if you’re not bothered about presents at all, ask your guests to donate to a charity of your choice instead
  • make a secondhand wish list – request for gifts from charity shops, websites or app marketplaces



Food

There’s always uneaten leftover food at parties – that’s because we are made to think too much food is better than running out. Try not to over cater, set a certain amount per person and have takeaway boxes at the ready so guests can take a doggy bag home with them.

Instead of using disposable single-use cups and plates, use the ones you have in your cupboard! If you don’t have enough, borrow from friends and family or you can even hire party kits.

Recycling Bins

Don’t sweep everything into a black bin bag at the end of a party, clean as you go.  Get the recycling bins out front row and centre so everyone can see them and use them!




Party bags

The dreaded plastic party bags that usually contain plastic or things wrapped in plastic.  Here are some plastic free alternatives:

  • wildflower seeds to grow
  • books
  • something handmade

We love these eggbox growing kits!

If you have any ideas on how to throw the ultimate zero waste party, please share them with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

Cupcakes with Candles

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Hannah (@creativewritingwithhannah)







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Residents warned of battery danger after recycling lorry catches fire

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) and Recycle for Greater Manchester (R4GM) are urging residents to take care when disposing of items containing batteries after a lorry caught fire last week.

READ MORE
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