Why Don’t Folk Give Things Away?

[allenlondon]

I’m sure when I wert lad people gave away unwanted goods. Now they sell them on eBay.

What happened?

In Denmark, in my sister’s commune (local council area), on one day each year folk left unwanted goods on the verges outside their homes, and their neighbours took what they liked.

Are people getting meaner?

[carolegif]

They have these days in Australia too, where people put their unwanted stuff on the pavement. There is a name for it, but I can’t remember.

[Theland]

Littering?

[Mamyalynne]

I'd love to be able to leave stuff out, all I would get is a grumpy phone call from the Management Committee.

[allenlondon]

Mamya. Your story of your daughter’s joy epitomises the whole experience to me - the joy of giving. How I wish that joy was universal.

[Mamyalynne]

I think it's perhaps more evident than your experience, though it is true to say that in some areas things have changed.

Younger folk are keen on doing up and recycling old stuff more than ever and that's a good thing.

[Mamyalynne]

I'll award that BA to my Daughter, she doesn't come on here these days.x

[TonyV]

Personally I up cycle my "rubbish" sell it and donate money to charity shop.

[royfromaus]

I've just given 8 buckets of ballast away.

[woofgang]

Yes it wouldn't work where I live, the road is narrow and the drive is shared...also its not on the way to or from anywhere, no one would pass. I see Freecycle as the modern alternative of giveaway days

[TonyV]

roy good for you, hope respondent was grateful.

[gness]

We live in a field up a lane on the Kerry Way. All the old stuff from re-doing the bathroom and kitchen was left at the end of the drive and quickly taken for use elsewhere. The inherited fridge, freezer and washing machine went to the couple running the organic vegetable farm. They have five children and when each reaches mid teens Dad builds them a little cabin of their own on the land. How good is that! It's been lovely to help furnish those cabins...especially now.
The village charity shop is closed so read books are left on the wall for the now returning visiting Kerry Way walkers to take. When he's not around I plan to put some of Dave's forty seven pairs of boots, shoes and trainers on the wall.
We have no individual refuse collection here and getting rid of stuff can be difficult but if it still has life in it someone will be happy to use it. A nice way to live... :-)

[woofgang]

it sounds lovely

[gness]

Woof...it is. Apart from sitting in our now wild meadowed field and seeing the mountains it's a short cycle ride to the sea and some beautiful deserted beaches. More than that though it's a kind and happy village with folk from all corners of this country and the world just living together.....and sharing...and drinking Guinness if the pubs ever open!