Freegle “Don’t throw it away, give it away”

The Idea “Don’t throw it away, give it away” The problem: Average person in the UK sends about 319kg to landfill per year The solution Free gifts to keep “stuff” out of landfill Sofas, computers, clothes, Giant African Land-Snails, World War II air-raid shelters… Free to join, free to use Saves money, effort and the planet

Using it Local virtual communities Go to Find a local group on Yahoo, e.g. Reply to WANTED or OFFER mails Send them yourself People sort out collection between themselves

Why it works Makes it easy – low barrier to entry Variety of motives – Environment – Community – Finance – Convenience Technology creating community

“What a waste” “It’s a shame to throw it away” “Someone could use this…but who?” “It’s nice, but just not right for me” “It doesn’t fit me any more”

Running It What needs doing? – Moderating groups – Spreading the word – Tools and Processes Who does it? – Entirely volunteer-run – 265 groups across the UK – 1.1 million members – Hundreds of volunteers

Varies enormously Some excellent – Fund banners, leaflets, business cards – Tip sites, schools, libraries, roadshows Some minimal – Website link – Erm….that’s it Under the radar What Councils Have Done

“Waste not, want not” “Out of site, not out of mind” “Why tip it or skip it when you can give it away?” “ Don’t use it, lose it” “Surely someone would want this?”

Big Society Could there be a better example? Volunteers and local communities can achieve so much …and only so much Should be easy – we’re saving councils money

Junk….or Community Greenhouse?

What Next? We don’t need money (much) We need publicity – Opening doors – Media – Promotion And co-operation/permission – Stickers on wheelie bins – Banners at tips – Special uplifts

Summary “Don’t throw it away, give it away” Simple brilliant idea …underpinned by technology Throwing stuff away should be like drink-driving …responsible citizens just don’t do it Unique virtual movement …volunteer run We need publicity, not funding