givers and receivers.

Pollycat

Pec123 said:

Pollycat said:

Pec123 said:

Every town/area should have an "acts of kindness Facebook page where people give stuff away for free to avoid good stuff being thrown away like [Freegle] In fact it should be made law. Countries like France have started with food but should be made law for clothing and furniture too, as clothing production is environmentally damaging all of which can go to the needy first. Connectivity is what is needed between the givers and receivers.

There's quite a few places like that near me.

I call them 'charity shops'.

I agree, charity shops are great, but they are struggling with pressure to not take everything as they can only sell what they can or have a rag bag.They have targets to meet to pay the rent for example. Connectivity is what is needed between the givers and receivers for the rest of the stuff that cannot be sold and gifted on.  What do you think could be the best format?

I agree with IvanOpinion after also having bad experiences with Freecycle.
If the item is good enough, you'll get people collecting and then re-selling on eBay or Vinted.
I'd rather my charity be the middle man in that case so they get money for my unwanted item.

I'll continue to donate my unwanted items to my local hospice. 
That's the best format for me.
We have 'connectivity', I'm the giver, they are the receiver.
And hopefully the charity benefits when my items are sold and the buyer also benefits from having an item cheap.
And reduces landfill.

Savvy_Sue

I agree, I'd rather money raised from anything they can sell went to a charity shop. Anything I'm not sure about I'll take to the ReUse shop - they're quite picky but that's fair enough, at least I know I'm in the right place for getting rid of it somehow! 

Pec123

IvanOpinion said:

 

I understand your frustration with giving away items for free and highlights a common issue: the lack of appreciation for free items. Introducing a middle process could  improve the connectivity between givers and receivers. Here are a few ideas:

1. Verification and Screening: Implement a system where recipients are verified and screened to ensure they genuinely need the items and will appreciate them.

2. Feedback Mechanism: Create a feedback system where givers can rate their experience with recipients. This can help build a community of trusted individuals.

3. Moderation and Mediation: Introduce moderators or mediators who can facilitate the exchange process, ensuring that both parties adhere to agreed terms.

4. Educational Campaigns: Raise awareness about the value of free items and the importance of gratitude and respect in such exchanges.

5. Incentives for Good Behavior: Offer incentives for recipients who consistently show appreciation and respect, such as priority access to future giveaways.

These steps could help create a more respectful and appreciative environment for both givers and receivers, making the process more rewarding for everyone involved.What do you think?

tealady

I find giving a bit of thought where to donate/ advertise works well.
My street has a very active WhatsApp group so often people put random stuff on there. I have seen stationery, pet food and small items of furniture on there.
Where items which are too heavy my local charity shop will collect for free. When I had an item to donate I called in 1st with photos and an accurate description to see if they wanted it 1st.
Checking other charity shops I have found some with a large book section, others which only seem to have room for clothing and small bric a brac.
Finally I have put stuff at the end of my drive with a note saying "free"

Pec123

tealady said:

I find giving a bit of thought where to donate/ advertise works well.
My street has a very active WhatsApp group so often people put random stuff on there. I have seen stationery, pet food and small items of furniture on there.
Where items which are too heavy my local charity shop will collect for free. When I had an item to donate I called in 1st with photos and an accurate description to see if they wanted it 1st.
Checking other charity shops I have found some with a large book section, others which only seem to have room for clothing and small bric a brac.
Finally I have put stuff at the end of my drive with a note saying "free"

It sounds like you've found a great system for giving away items! Your approach is thoughtful and organized, ensuring that items go to those who need them and are appreciated. Here are a few more tips to enhance your process:

1. Local Online Marketplaces: Websites like Freecycle, Gumtree, or Facebook Marketplace can be great for reaching a wider audience.

2. Community Centers: Many community centers have bulletin boards or online groups where you can post items.

3. Specialized Charities: Some charities focus on specific items, like books, clothes, or furniture. Researching these can ensure your donations are used effectively.

4. Donation Drives: Participating in or organizing local donation drives can help distribute items to those in need.

5. Upcycling Groups: Joining groups focused on upcycling can give your items a new life and reduce waste.

Your method of checking with charity shops first and using local resources like WhatsApp groups is excellent. It ensures that items are reused and appreciated, reducing waste and supporting your community. Keep up the great work!

Pec123

Pollycat said:

Pec123 said:

Pollycat said:

Pec123 said:

Every town/area should have an "acts of kindness Facebook page where people give stuff away for free to avoid good stuff being thrown away like [Freegle] In fact it should be made law. Countries like France have started with food but should be made law for clothing and furniture too, as clothing production is environmentally damaging all of which can go to the needy first. Connectivity is what is needed between the givers and receivers.

There's quite a few places like that near me.

I call them 'charity shops'.

I agree, charity shops are great, but they are struggling with pressure to not take everything as they can only sell what they can or have a rag bag.They have targets to meet to pay the rent for example. Connectivity is what is needed between the givers and receivers for the rest of the stuff that cannot be sold and gifted on.  What do you think could be the best format?

I agree with IvanOpinion after also having bad experiences with Freecycle.
If the item is good enough, you'll get people collecting and then re-selling on eBay or Vinted.
I'd rather my charity be the middle man in that case so they get money for my unwanted item.

I'll continue to donate my unwanted items to my local hospice. 
That's the best format for me.
We have 'connectivity', I'm the giver, they are the receiver.
And hopefully the charity benefits when my items are sold and the buyer also benefits from having an item cheap.
And reduces landfill.

It sounds like you've found a system that works well for you and benefits multiple parties. Donating to your local hospice ensures that your items are appreciated and put to good use, while also supporting a worthy cause. This approach not only helps the charity but also provides affordable items to buyers and reduces landfill waste.

Your method of using a trusted intermediary like a charity can indeed prevent issues like reselling on platforms like eBay or Vinted. It's a win-win situation for everyone involved. Keep up the great work in supporting your community and the environment!

Pec123

Savvy_Sue said:

I agree, I'd rather money raised from anything they can sell went to a charity shop. Anything I'm not sure about I'll take to the ReUse shop - they're quite picky but that's fair enough, at least I know I'm in the right place for getting rid of it somehow! 

They are picky because they have to raise money from it, for the charity otherwise they have to waste time and energy to dispose of it which could be spent in charitable ways.

Pollycat

Pec123 said:

Pollycat said:

Pec123 said:

Pollycat said:

Pec123 said:

Every town/area should have an "acts of kindness Facebook page where people give stuff away for free to avoid good stuff being thrown away like [Freegle] In fact it should be made law. Countries like France have started with food but should be made law for clothing and furniture too, as clothing production is environmentally damaging all of which can go to the needy first. Connectivity is what is needed between the givers and receivers.

There's quite a few places like that near me.

I call them 'charity shops'.

I agree, charity shops are great, but they are struggling with pressure to not take everything as they can only sell what they can or have a rag bag.They have targets to meet to pay the rent for example. Connectivity is what is needed between the givers and receivers for the rest of the stuff that cannot be sold and gifted on.  What do you think could be the best format?

I agree with IvanOpinion after also having bad experiences with Freecycle.
If the item is good enough, you'll get people collecting and then re-selling on eBay or Vinted.
I'd rather my charity be the middle man in that case so they get money for my unwanted item.

I'll continue to donate my unwanted items to my local hospice. 
That's the best format for me.
We have 'connectivity', I'm the giver, they are the receiver.
And hopefully the charity benefits when my items are sold and the buyer also benefits from having an item cheap.
And reduces landfill.

It sounds like you've found a system that works well for you and benefits multiple parties. Donating to your local hospice ensures that your items are appreciated and put to good use, while also supporting a worthy cause. This approach not only helps the charity but also provides affordable items to buyers and reduces landfill waste.

Your method of using a trusted intermediary like a charity can indeed prevent issues like reselling on platforms like eBay or Vinted. It's a win-win situation for everyone involved. Keep up the great work in supporting your community and the environment!

You may have misunderstood slightly.

It's not really the issue about donating for free using Freecycle etc who may then re-sell.
I don't mind if someone buys my unwanted Denby bits and pieces or clothes/shoes from a charity shop and then resells them if they can make a profit.
I want to give to my local hospice to help them fund care for people who need it.

IvanOpinion

Pec123 said:

IvanOpinion said:

 

I understand your frustration with giving away items for free and highlights a common issue: the lack of appreciation for free items. Introducing a middle process could  improve the connectivity between givers and receivers. Here are a few ideas:

1. Verification and Screening: Implement a system where recipients are verified and screened to ensure they genuinely need the items and will appreciate them.

2. Feedback Mechanism: Create a feedback system where givers can rate their experience with recipients. This can help build a community of trusted individuals.

3. Moderation and Mediation: Introduce moderators or mediators who can facilitate the exchange process, ensuring that both parties adhere to agreed terms.

4. Educational Campaigns: Raise awareness about the value of free items and the importance of gratitude and respect in such exchanges.

5. Incentives for Good Behavior: Offer incentives for recipients who consistently show appreciation and respect, such as priority access to future giveaways.

These steps could help create a more respectful and appreciative environment for both givers and receivers, making the process more rewarding for everyone involved.What do you think?

I have to disagree, why would anybody want to put in so many layers of bureaucracy over something that should be as simple as, "Who wants?", "I need one of those", "There ya go!", "Thank you".

Why do we need to train and blackmail people into behaving like normal decent human beings.

Pollycat

IvanOpinion said:

Pec123 said:

IvanOpinion said:

 

I understand your frustration with giving away items for free and highlights a common issue: the lack of appreciation for free items. Introducing a middle process could  improve the connectivity between givers and receivers. Here are a few ideas:

1. Verification and Screening: Implement a system where recipients are verified and screened to ensure they genuinely need the items and will appreciate them.

2. Feedback Mechanism: Create a feedback system where givers can rate their experience with recipients. This can help build a community of trusted individuals.

3. Moderation and Mediation: Introduce moderators or mediators who can facilitate the exchange process, ensuring that both parties adhere to agreed terms.

4. Educational Campaigns: Raise awareness about the value of free items and the importance of gratitude and respect in such exchanges.

5. Incentives for Good Behavior: Offer incentives for recipients who consistently show appreciation and respect, such as priority access to future giveaways.

These steps could help create a more respectful and appreciative environment for both givers and receivers, making the process more rewarding for everyone involved.What do you think?

I have to disagree, why would anybody want to put in so many layers of bureaucracy over something that should be as simple as, "Who wants?", "I need one of those", "There ya go!", "Thank you".

Why do we need to train and blackmail people into behaving like normal decent human beings.

I have to agree.

Who is going to sort this out?
Create systems?
Find and appoint moderators?
Run awareness campaigns?
et al

Just let people do what suits them.