Cllr Tricia Watson spots a recycled refuse truck at Kids Stuff.
Stroud District Council is encouraging people to rethink how they shop this festive season. In the council’s latest annual residents’ survey, 80% of respondents said they were concerned about the cost of living - a rise of 6% from last year.
One way to ease the pressure on household budgets is to make charity shops your first port of call for gifts and clothes. Buying second-hand toys and clothes is good for your wallet, and helps reduce waste, keeping valuable resources in circulation.
Members of the council’s Environment Committee recently visited Kids Stuff, a Community Interest Company based at Brimscombe Mill. Kids Stuff supports children and families across the district by redistributing donated clothes and toys. These are sold to families who need a helping hand, those on tight budgets, and those who choose recycled goods to reduce their environmental impact.
Cllr Martin Pearcy, Chair of the Environment Committee, said:
“Our council plan aims to reduce the quantity of resources discarded as waste and minimise their environmental impact. Every item that goes in the general waste bin will be incinerated. Why would you put a perfectly good toy on the fire when so many people are struggling to buy presents for their children this Christmas? It’s far better to keep as many items in circulation as possible.”
Anna Lewis, Regional Enterprise Manager for Kids Stuff added:
'With increasing pressure on budgets, all of us can experience times of difficulty financially, or relational with the need of support given through being part of a community.
“At Kids Stuff we want every family to have access to the things they need to thrive, whether its items from our circular economy shop, gift cards given out through our referrals or a community place to find activities offered pay as you can, so every family can have fun together.
“We are thankful for the generous donations of items that we are able to recycle to fulfil our mission to support families, with the added commitment of showing that 'Christmas doesn't need to cost the Earth.'”
Cllr Tricia Watson, Vice Chair concluded:
“Most children don’t care if something is brand new – it’s adults who think everything has to be shrink-wrapped. Let’s change that. Let’s normalise second-hand shopping, cut waste, save money and support brilliant local organisations.
“This Christmas, make charity shops your first stop.”
Textile banks are available throughout the district which can be found on the council’s website:
Others are available in many supermarket car parks. Please don’t leave items if charity shops are closed, or by textile banks if they are full.
Kids Stuff shop is open 9:30am – 4pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and 9:30am – 6.30pm on Thursdays. The Kids Stuff warehouse is usually open for donations every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:30am to 2pm, however it has requested no donations week commencing 15 December; if you have items to donate then, please take them to a charity shop. Find out more at:
|
