What’s involved?
1) Freecycle - "Recycle" and give your goods a new home
www.freecycle.org
Freecycle is an online network that allows you to offer belongings you no longer need to others, rather than throw things out (your trash may be their treasure!). There are groups all around the world exchanging everything from furniture to computer equipment, and toys to magazines, so visit the site for your nearest group.
* MW: I gave away my childhood stamp collection to a local family after I offered it on Freecycle. It was something I'd hate to have thrown away but could no longer keep, so I'm glad to know other kids are enjoying it now.
2) Stitch In Time - Donate your sewing machine to combat poverty
http://spotlight.com.au/departments/dressmaking/stitch_in_time
World Vision has partnered with Spotlight to create the Stitch in Time program. To give people the tools they need to start their own tailoring business and work their way out of poverty, you can donate your old working sewing machines and overlockers to your nearest Spotlight store. (Bonus: you receive a $75 discount voucher towards a new machine for yourself!)
3) Bicycle recycling - Finding a second life for your two wheels
http://www.ourcommunity.com.au/giving/giving_article.jsp?articleId=2121
Donations of bikes can make a great difference to many community organisations and individuals, such as refugees. Visit the site to find your nearest donation centre.
4) PC Recycling - Offer someone else a "byte"
http://www.ourcommunity.com.au/giving/giving_article.jsp?articleId=468
Giving away your old, working computer is a great way of helping out the community. Whether it is your personal computer or from your workplace, computers can assist an individual or organisation and at the same time prevent PC's ending up in landfill. The link takes you to a list of places and organisations where you can donate your computer.
5) Mobile Phone Recycling - For when it's rung its last ring
www.mobilephonerecycling.com.au
Help the environment and recycle your old mobile phone. By donating your unwanted mobile phone, you'll prevent highly toxic materials ending up in landfill. Every phone collected will also help raise funds for a charitable organisation in each state.
6) Garage Sale - It's time for the pink flamingos to go
http://www.egaragesales.com.au/tips_hints/tips_and_hints.asp
Get all your old gear together and have a garage sale! Better yet, organise with a few neighbours to have a joint sale for your street. If a garage sale at your house doesn't suit you, why not try setting up a stall at a local car boot sale or market. At the end of the day, you can donate any unsold goods to organisations such as the Salvation Army or St Vincent de Paul, and even donate some of your profits to your favourite charity.
This work is licenced under an Attribution-ShareAlike licence.
© 2008. First published on actnow.com.au
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