Swapping and sharing is the name of the game in one York neighbourhood on Sunday (September 16).
Streets in South Bank will be alive with activity as the fourth annual Street Re:Cycle event gets under way.
To date, 29 households have signed up to take part in the event – a community-wide “yard sale”, organised by voluntary group Planet South Bank.
Street Re:Cycle gives people the chance to get rid of unwanted possessions – and to to pick up items being let go by their neighbours.
The idea is to reduce waste, promote reuse and encourage neighbourliness.
On the run
The event takes place from people’s front (and some back) yards and gardens on the streets above.
This year members of GoodGym are helping out. Stationed at the junction of Bishopthorpe Road and Scarcroft Road its members will be on hand to help out, run errands and carry items home for people.
“It’s a great opportunity to have a clear out now that the summer’s over. It’s not a commercial event – it’s much more about getting to know other local people and sharing things,” said Planet South Bank organiser Kate Lock.
“Many people simply give away their stuff away or collect for charity.
“At the end of the day it’s about preventing items going to landfill and prolonging their usefulness for as long as possible. We don’t always need to get brand new stuff.”
The group encourages householders to donate items that are not rehomed to charity shops, or to recycle or repair as appropriate. All participants are responsible for clearing up afterwards and keeping the area tidy.
Planet South Bank’s next event is a repair café and clothes mending workshop at Clements Hall on October 21 (10am-1pm) followed by a recycling presentation and talk.