Save Money: Recycle, Reduce, Reuse

Today's blog looks at 5 ways you can save money, while doing your bit for the environment.

1) Claim recycled stuff 

If you need something new for your home, there is a very good chance you can pick it up for free. People frequently give away good quality items in good repair, as well as those that can use a bit of TLC if you're handy, through a number of different sites. They list items that are going in your area, and you can also ask for something you need. Sign up for free to one (or all) of these. :

• Freegle
• Freecycle
• Facebook Marketplace (Search for free stuff)
• Nextdoor (This is also a community site, so you can connect with others in your area. 

2) Recycle stuff you don't want

If you have lots of stuff sitting around your home collecting dust, rather than taking it to the tip, the consider giving it away through one of the sites above. Of course, if you want to try and earn some money for the items, you can also sell stuff it.

3) Sell stuff you don't need:

It's easy to sell online. These are some sites to try:

• ebay: Ebay does charge fees, so read the fine print, but it is well respected, and buyers and sellers are protected by its policies. Sales are global. See tips for selling on ebay here.
• Facebook marketplace: it's free to list and sell on this site, but beware of the scammers - I've regularly been approached by them when selling items. Sales tend to be predominantly in your local area. 
• Vinted is the new kid on the block, focussing predominantly on clothing. They don't charge selling fees, but buyers pay a buyer protection fee. 
• Summer is boot sale season, and another way to declutter and make some cash from things you don't need. 

4) Recycle - buy it cheap and second hand

Why pay high street prices, when you can pick it up cheaply second hand. In some instances, the items are new with tags - people simply didn't return them in time. 

Places to find bargins include:

• Your local tip (furniture, toys, household items, garden items etc)
• Charity stores 
• Boot sales - if you're savy, you can buy items at bootsales to sell online on auction sites.
• Auction sites: ebay; facebook marketplace, vinted etc. 

5) Free & Cheap Food

WRAP estimates that the UK wastes around 9.5 million tonnes of food every year. 70% of which is edible. 

• Olio is an app where people can give away edible food they don't need, and where you can pick up free food. 
• Community Fridges offer free food, some of which comes from supermarkets. Check the website to see if there is one in your area. 
• The Real Junk Food project has cafes serving waste food and you pay what you feel for the meal. 
• This blog from MoneySavingExpert has lots of other ideas for cheap and free food. 
• Community Supermarkets allow you to buy groceries for whatever you can afford to pay. Seach for one in your area. 

Reducing waste is a great way to save money, and to save the environment.