It’s not trash it’s treasure
You may no longer love that vase taking up space on your shelf, or the box of kids’ clothes that your youngest has outgrown… but someone else will.
I’m always happy when I see the throngs of people browsing at my local recycling shop - a paradise for thrifters and those looking to give a second life to a no-longer wanted item.
With the current cost of living, and many of us wanting to reduce our impact on the planet, it makes good sense to look for ways to find a new home or life for something we no longer love or need. And its a win-win exchange. I’ve seen (and felt) the lightness that comes with passing on a car-load of things that are taking up space at home. And there’s joy in finding a new treasure, an old book which has already been enjoyed, or a cool vintage bag.
And the range of options for recycling just keeps growing. It feels good to be able to contribute to a cause that matters to us, whether its much-needed clothing for those affected by disasters, or practical help for who find themselves in need. For those in the Wellington area, a few of my favourites are listed below.
At Olive Organising, our home organising service takes pride in doing our bit to get your pre-loved items to their new homes. As always, give us a shout if you need a hand having a sort out, and turn your trash into someone else’s treasure.
Find new leases of life for …
… pre-loved or broken jewellery - CanBead collect beads for creative therapy workshops for those experiencing loss, illness or trauma
… curtains - Wellington Curtain Bank upcycle pre-loved curtains for low-income families
… books - you can donate books for prison libraries and reading services through the Department of Corrections
…household goods - there’s lots of options, one is Trash Palace in Porirua, who will collect from your place if you’re local
… baby clothes and toys can make a difference for families in need, one option is to donate via The Nest Collective (who also collect wool and fabric to be recreated by their ‘nest-makers’)
… and there’s even a place for bras that no longer fit - Project Uplift collects them for women in need, including in the Pacific.
