‘Giveaway weekends’ can be a benefit for everyone

Let’s follow other cities’ example, says Stephanie Kusie

There is not a week that goes by at city hall that someone doesn’t say something about wanting to help the environment.

At the same time, we all know times are tight right now. Calgarians can’t afford to pay higher taxes to create new bureaucracies or fund new environmental initiatives. That’s why Common Sense Calgary has proposed that Calgary city hall copy a great environmental initiative that has been a success in other cities — giveaway weekends.

The concept is simple. People look through their belongings to determine if they have anything they no longer want that still has life in it. Perhaps you might have an old lamp or end table that you no longer need, but don’t want to throw out.

During a giveaway weekend designated by city hall, you could then place these items in front of your house with a “free” sign on them. Other people could then help themselves to the goods. By city hall designating the giveaway weekend, it helps co-ordinate the activity and increases the chances your goods will get scooped up.

It is a win-win for all involved. Pack rats have the opportunity to free themselves of possessions that have been accumulating in their homes, and people in need of goods have an opportunity to pick up items free of charge — an especially beneficial aspect during this challenging economy, as many Calgarians want to pinch pennies wherever possible.

But perhaps the best thing about giveaway weekends is that they don’t require any tax dollars or bureaucracy to manage. They’re arguably one of the most cost-effective, environmentally friendly initiatives in the nation’s history. And of course, it’s a completely voluntary initiative.

To date, the results of giveaway weekends have been exceptional. Three major Canadian cities now hold annual giveaway weekends, in addition to numerous smaller municipalities. Ottawa began the initiative back in 2007, with Winnipeg following suit in the fall of 2009. The idea was such a success in the latter case, that the city has held two weekends each year ever since. Halifax jumped on board not long after Winnipeg.

To give you an idea how fruitful the initiative can be, an Ottawa journalist once described furnishing an entire room in her apartment using items only obtained on a giveaway weekend.

In addition to proclaiming a weekend or two each year as a giveaway weekend, city hall would be wise to copy the guidelines posted on other city’s websites. For example, the City of Winnipeg’s website instructs people to not put out bedding to help prevent the spread of bedbugs. The other activity for city hall to undertake would be to hold a press conference or two to educate Calgarians about the initiative. Perhaps they might even line up a corporate sponsor to help pay for a few ads.

One thing should be clear: the benefits of giveaway weekends are enormous; just ask Winnipeg, Ottawa and Halifax.

We certainly hope that Calgary city council considers this idea.

It is an idea that benefits the environment, can save Calgarians some money on purchasing new items and doesn’t require tax dollars. Giveaway weekends are an idea whose time in Calgary has come.

But perhaps the best thing about giveaway weekends is they don’t require any tax dollars or bureaucracy to manage … of course, it’s a completely voluntary initiative.