[R]esidents are being encouraged to grab a freebie or give away unwanted items at a local Freegle event in Staveley on Saturday.
Attendees at the Festive Freegle can take any item for free or donate unwanted household items and donation is not needed to take a freebie.
The Freegle’s organisers say the event will contribute to reducing waste over the festive period.
“As Christmas approaches this is the perfect opportunity to declutter the house and reuse anything, from books to toys, or games,” said South Lakeland District Council (SLDC)’s project officer, Andy Vickers.
“At this time of year people tend to throw perfectly good things away to make space for Christmas presents.
“We want people to come along on Saturday, put those items to good use, and help reduce waste.”
As well as the environmental benefits, the Festive Freegle will also help people pick up some early stocking fillers.
“With Christmas just around the corner, the Freegle is a perfect opportunity to grab a free stocking filler,” added Andy.
“If you don’t fancy taking a freebie, pop along and donate any household items that are no longer wanted, but remember that donation is not needed to take a free item.”
Any items left over on the day will be donated to a charity shop.
Staveley Village Hall will also be hosting a Women’s Institute coffee morning on the day.
The Festive Freegle will take place on Saturday, 25 November, at the village hall in Staveley from 10am to 12pm.
The event forms part of the Waste Less project, a volunteer-led recycling initiative in the village.
The initiative aims to reduce the average amount of grey bin waste in Staveley by encouraging villagers to take a fresh look at what they recycle.
Since the project launched last year the average amount of grey bin waste has reduced by 21% in Staveley.
During the same period, recycling collected at the kerbside has increased by 35%.
SLDC is committed to helping residents reduce household waste and recycle more and are working with Cumbria County Council and local volunteers on the project.
More information on the Festive Freegle, and all things Waste Less, can be found on Staveley with Ings Parish Council’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/staveleyingspc.
