Why not swap it?
Although the idea of a good spring clean might be in our thoughts, the 'credit crunch' has made us wary about what we should replace. But if you are tired of your kitchenware, CDs, books, ornaments, pictures or even clothing, why not swap them?
Come along to one of the many Swap Shops that are taking place during March, but mainly Saturday 7 March with eleven events, and see what you can pick up. You can still get the thrill of having something 'new', without the financial worries attached to a shopping spree.
Mark Palmer coordinator of the Waste Group, Sustainable Wallingford said, "We have been running three or four Swap Shops a year for five years now. They are really popular and a good way to reduce waste. Because they are free and local, Swap Shops benefit the whole community, from people on low incomes and those wanting a bargain, to those who want to help reduce waste by giving away unwanted but usable items for re-use."
"We do not take clothing - there are several charity shops in the town that take unwanted clothing - but we do combine the Swap Shop with a recycling collection for items for that are not collected by the council, like aluminium foil and batteries."
Swap Shops are fun, social gatherings were people bring unwanted, but reusable items, and take away something they want for free. Although you do not need to bring to take and vice versa, and you can just come along and browse.Everyone enjoys getting something for nothing as well as doing their bit to help reduce waste and therefore reduce your carbon footprint.
Some of the Swap Shops are having extra attractions at their event, for instance, Dorchester has a theme of 'spring clean', and will have their refill station for eco-detergents available as well as a seed swap and a Master Composter to talk about home composting. The swap shop in Milton-under Wychwood will be part of the Green Fayre where there will be information on sustainability issues, recycling, help and support for saving energy in you home as well as children's crafts and much more!
Following the success of the county-wide swap shops in the last three years, groups of local people will again be coordinating their events to raise awareness about reducing waste through reuse. Eighteen events are planned during March, so there are lots to choose from, in fact you could go to a swap shop every weekend in March!
The Swap Shops are being run by the volunteer led Community Action Groups (CAGs) that work within Oxfordshire communities to conserve resources and reduce the amount of rubbish going to landfill sites.
Look out for posters giving exact locations, visit the CAG website for a list of events at: www.cagoxfordshire.org.uk or phone Frances Buckel, Community Action Group (CAG) project officer on 07903 037290.
If you would like to know more about the CAG project or are interested in setting up a group in your area, please contact the CAG project officers on 01865 815871 or check out our web-site at: www.cagoxfordshire.org.uk
Swap Shops in March 2009
County-wide Swap Shop - 7 March
- Abingdon - Long Furlong community Association, Boulter Drive Abingdon 10-11.30
- Abingdon - South Abingdon Children’s Centre, Caldecott Road, Abingdon 10-12.00
- Dorchester Carbon Project, Dorchester Village Hall, Dorchester-on-Thames 10-12.00
Theme Spring clean and spring seed swap - Eynsham Area Waste Watchers, at Eynsham Baptist Hall, Eynsham 10-12.00
- Hook Norton Guides, The Study Centre, Hook Norton C of E Primary School,
Sibford Road, Hook Norton 14-16.00 - Faringdon Waste Watchers, Corn Exchange, Faringdon 10-12.00
- LEN – Longworth Village Hall 14-16.00
- SWYCH at the Wychwood School, Milton Road, Shipton-u-Wychwood 10-13.00
Includes craft stalls & eco fair - Sustainable Wallingford Regal Centre, Wallingford 10-12.00
- Thame Environment Group Thame Town Hall 10-12.00
- Wheatley CAG, Merry Bells, High Street, Wheatley 9.30-12.00
14 March
- Charlbury Area Waste Action Group in Charlbury Village Hall 10-12.00
- Bullingdon CAG, Bullingdon Community Centre, Pear Moors, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7HS 11-16.00
21 March
- Headington CAG, Headington community Centre, Gladstone Road, Oxford 11-13.00
- Barracks Lane Community Garden, off Cowley Road, between 10-16.00
Kenilworth Avenue and Cumberland Road, East Oxford
28 March
- Canalside Environment Group, St Margaret's Institute 10-13.00
