Over the years -with their corresponding birthdays, Christmas gifts or anniversaries- a huge number of toys that children no longer use, outdated technology or clothes from old seasons that we have not worn for centuries accumulate at home. The same happens when we have shelves overflowing with books or when you are about to replace a piece of furniture or a sofa in the living room. What to do with all those things that we no longer want? Before you get rid of them by Wallapop, to sell them to the highest bidder, another good option is to donate them. With this action you will help the planet, the people who need it, in addition to generating jobs. Next, we review with the help of a practical guide prepared by Oxfam Intermon how to reuse and recycle what we no longer use. With some simple guidelines you can help people with limited resources. We explain where and how to donate. In some cases you can send the items for free by mail, in other cases you will have to go to their collection points.
Where and how to donate clothes
As the Intermon guide points out, the textile industry has created the artificial need to constantly renew the wardrobe. Where to take the one you no longer want? There are several NGOs that are dedicated to collecting it, classifying it and making it reach those most in need:
- Mother Courage. This NGO also works with donated clothes in cities throughout Spain. The newest clothes (with labels) are sent to impoverished communities in Peru. The rest is distributed in solidarity stores. List of containers, here
- Human Foundation. It also has collection points throughout Spain. In 2018, it collected more than 17 tons of discarded clothing. Part of the clothing is sold again in stores in Spain and Africa and another part is sold to companies that reuse it to make blankets, insulation or rags. here you can donate
- Known fashion brands. Various multinationals also have used clothing collection projects. Zara and H&M were the pioneers (in the case of the second signature for the clothes you will receive a coupon to redeem on your next purchase). Decathlon also got on the bandwagon in this case at the hands of the NGO Koopera to manage the recovered clothing. In these cases they go to local NGOs and are reused as second-hand items.
Mailboxes for used glasses
Since 2006, it has promoted a solidarity project to recycle used glasses. They are collected in 600 mailboxes placed in their stores. The glasses end up in developing countries where people without resources and with vision problems cannot buy them. All the information here
Books
The Intermon report stresses that, with the proliferation of tablets and electronic books, there is a tendency in developed countries to get rid of paper books. Don’t even think about throwing them away!
Public libraries. Most accept donations although they do not accept all books. Therefore, depending on the material in question, it is advisable to call in case they need it. (They do not accept textbooks or encyclopedias).
Aida Book&More. This NGO even receives textbooks (from the last two years) that are in good condition. They collaborate with localities in Vietnam, Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Paraguay and Haiti. They also promote solidarity projects in Spain. List of stores to donate books (they don’t accept encyclopedias).
Best Books. In addition to books, they collect CDs, DVDs and vinyls. They help support disadvantaged libraries in Peru. More information here.
Book stores. Do you have any second hand nearby? Ask if they collect donations, with them libraries are created.
Toys
If there are children at home, surely more than what they need accumulates. What does Intermon propose in these cases? Explain to the little ones that, with those toys that they no longer use, they can make other children without resources happy. In fact, they could help choose which ones to donate, thus transmitting values of “solidarity and generosity”.
Value Foundation. Receive all kinds of articles. The donation is made through its website with a system that connects donors with the organizations that receive them. It has been running for 14 years and they have already distributed more than two million products (in addition to toys they work with furniture and other items).
No child without a smile. This organization works with volunteers who must be contacted for the donation. They also carry out campaigns to collect school supplies.
Red Cross. Collect toys at their headquarters as long as they are new, not sexist or warlike.
Bicycles without borders. This NGO collects bicycles providing a means of transportation to people from Senegal, India, Honduras or Burkina Faso. In Spain they work with youth centers and youth insertion entities. Collection points.
Mother courage. The Mother Courage organization, in addition to clothing and footwear, also receives toys. Here you have the location of their containers.
Video game consoles. The Juegaterapia Foundation arose after giving a Play Station to a child receiving chemotherapy and seeing how he faced the disease with a smile. They have an agreement with a courier company so that you can send it at no cost. More information here.
Leave a Reply