Give sustainably this Christmas

With Christmas just around the corner, it’s time to source sustainable gifts and decorations.

The team at JBL Environmental Ltd, which runs the Re-use Shop on behalf of Council, has been busy digging out their collection of Christmas trees and decorations ahead of the big day.

“We have Christmas and festive decorations, including some brand new Christmas trees,” Project Manager Nic Fairbrother said.

While the shop already had a wide range of quality items for gifting, Nic also encourages people to have a ‘spring clear out’ before the Christmas break and donate any quality items they no longer need.

“Many people do visit the shop to find a gift for their loved ones in the days leading up to Christmas. It would be great to have some new quality items on offer, particularly for those children who may not get a lot otherwise.”

Donating items, and buying second hand, was a good way to reduce one’s impact on the planet, Nic said.

“We know that Christmas is all about giving, but we’d love for people to think a bit more about the impact their purchases will have on the environment in the long run. We’d love them to first think ‘does this person need this?’, and then, if they do, ‘could I find a quality second-hand version instead of buying it new?’,” he said.

“There are so many treasures here at the Re-use Shop, and often they’re better quality than the more mass-produced versions found in some stores now.”

Some of the quality items currently on offer at bargain prices include wetsuits, skis, sleeping bags, artwork and clothing for all ages.

The Re-use Shop is at 3 Wither Road and open seven days a week from 8.00 am - 4.30 pm Monday to Friday and 10.00 am - 4.00 pm Saturday and Sunday.