Guest Editor's Spot - Jo Sugden
After the long cold winter months, the weather is finally warming and it’s getting to that time of year when it’s out with the old and in with the new – yep it’s the spring clean. So confession time……..we know we live in a throwaway society so what do we do with all those unwanted items? For many it’s easy to bag it and bin it or break it and burn it but its time to stop and think. What are the alternatives for disposing of furniture and bric-a- brac?
Passing on your unwanted, unfashionable and out grown clothing is easy. There are plenty of high street charity shops but what do you do with those bulky household items? That hideous display cabinet may now look out of place in your living room but for someone else it may make the difference between living in a home and not just a house. There are now many furniture recycling and re-use organisations in Greater Manchester that would be more than happy to find a new home for that item you’re about to throw out. Just think of the benefits. Not only are you helping to support people in need but you are  contributing to saving landfill space, something that is becoming more scarce. If the item is still in good condition then a charity store like ourselves at CT New to You would be interested in collecting and re-using it. To make life easy we’ll even collect it free of charge or you can drop it off at the new re-use container based at the Household Waste Recycling Centre on Lumns Lane in Salford.
So the next time you have a spring clear out, please think twice about what you do with all that ‘junk’ you want to throw out. There are ample opportunities for it to be re-used by someone else!
Spring Clean
The start of Spring is traditionally the time many  people turn their thoughts to clearing out the things they no longer use or need. And those of us who use the onset of Spring as a perfect excuse to give our houses a good clean, can also help the environment, as many of our unwanted items we throw out can be recycled or better still, donated for re-use.
Here are some top tips on how to de-clutter, swap or donate those unwanted possessions this Spring:
1. get two large coloured bags – use one to put items that can be recycled in and the other for things that can be donated to a charity shop
2. see if you can swap or sell unwanted items on-line
3. don’t throw away old furniture as many items can be used again. Check if there is a local community organisation that will collect these items for re-sale back to the local community. Your unwanted furniture may be able to go to another good home!
Easter Season
Easter is a great excuse to go out and buy chocolate for our nearest and dearest. But it can also be used to show a bit of tender loving care for our local environment whilst still making our loved ones feel special. With a little planning, everyone can find the perfect Easter gift that will bring joy to friends and family while protecting the planet. Why not visit MoreEco or the Ethical Superstore for inspiration.
Here are a couple top tips to help you reduce waste this Easter:
1. always avoid over-packaged chocolates and make sure you can recycle all the packaging.
2. buy chocolates you know you like, in a quantity you know you can consume. Remember LoveFoodHateWaste!!
Remember to buy chocolate with the Fair Trade label – it helps communities in need and still tastes delicious.
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