Waste not want not
The post-Christmas rush to the local tip has already started as the nation dumps unwanted presents, empty boxes, wrapping paper and Christmas tree skeletons.
But this January we’re being urged to “skip the tip” and regift unwanted items to dramatically reduce the 100 million bags of Christmas waste that end up in landfill every year.
Instead of throwing away unwanted gifts, the YoungPlanet app is encouraging people to embrace the “circular economy’ and find new homes for good quality children’s items and toys.
The latest report from the National Infrastructure Commission has warned that the environmental impact of landfill will stop the UK from reaching its target of becoming net-zero by 2050, causing climate catastrophe, so it’s up to all of us to change our habits. Kids’ toys are the worst culprits, and it’s estimated the average child will have received up to 16 gifts this year, which will result in £42million-worth of unwanted toys being thrown away.
Jason and Emma Ash started the YoungPlanet app to allow parents to regift children’s items that they no longer need, creating a cashless, circular economy to prevent waste.
Over 20,000 items have found new homes to date through the app and, as Emma says; “The need for climate action is universal and we’re asking people to skip the tip this year and instead regift toys. “Second-hand is not second best – it’s a vital part of creating a sustainable planet.”
Download the free YoungPlanet app from the App Store or Google Play Store. For more info, visit youngplanet.com