Give and Take Day

Bring your junk, take home some more junk, all for free. It’s shopping without spending money. What could be better?
I’ve taken loads of stuff I didn’t need anymore and received some lovely things in return: a new patent leather wallet, a Bullwinkle game from the 70’s, unopened beauty supplies, books, etc… I’ve been to a couple of events and the stuff that’s donated varies by neighborhood because local people are bringing in their things. Obviously, neighborhoods that have more children will have more kids’ stuff.
The events are well organised. People bring their stuff half an hour before everyone’s let in to browse. The goods are arranged into categories and there’s an electrician on hand to check electrics. It’s a great way to meet people in the community and to get information on local recycling and environmental programmes.
Yesterday I went to a give and take day in Haringey, but it seems they are held all over London by the recycling departments of the various councils. They’re easy to find, just go to the Web page of your local council, or look up the London Community Recycling Network
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