How to get more ecofriendly with one simple Question

We're all increasingly aware of the importance to reduce, reuse and recycle, in order to help minimise our negative impact on the world around us, but it's not always as easy as we'd like. 

Recently my eyes were opened up by a three word question on twitter, which boiled down a lot of positive actions I'd already seen across social media, my neighbours and in my own life - "Does Anyone Want...?". Simple, but actually a kind of magic phrase we can all make greater use of, and benefit from too!

Summarising a way to live in just #doesanyonewant 

You may have been brought up like I was; don't throw it away until there's no further use for it, buying second hand is great, and swapping things or part exchange is a good way to get something new while also getting rid of something you no longer need. Or these may be newer ideas to you, perhaps something you've only just thought about as part of living not only in a greener way, but also smarter. After all, it saves you money!

When I saw the twitter chat group @UKGiftAM championing #doesanyonewant , it immediately struck a chord. I'd seen friends on Facebook asking "Does anyone want this wonky table before it's BBQ wood?" or in costume groups "This material is no good for me, but I'll happily pass it on just for postage." Here though were strangers online, widely shouting in public about giving things away, just to see them get used.

Where does the idea come from?

The idea originates with Samm Collins, owner of Samm Designs, who told me "I was aware of informal swopsies and passing on, I'd both given and received some myself. There were also several tweets from people who use recycled materials, often from charity shops, who were struggling to get their raw materials. After I quote tweeted a couple of these to help spread the word, I suggested it might be good for people to tweet about unwanted items with #doesanyonewant. ". Samm had already been asked to co-host an upcoming session of #UKGiftAM, with a focus on eco-friendly gifts, so they discussed the idea of promoting the hashtag to help makers move on or find unwanted items.

David, part of the @UKGiftAM team, picks up the story "There's a popular hashtag called #doesanyonesell, for people to track down things they want. I felt this green take on it would also be popular. It could save money for makers looking for materials, it frees up space for those wishing to donate and gives them the feeling it's going to something useful, plus it all could lead to fabulously creative gift ideas. That's quite aside from all the benefits to the environment, as although it doesn't lead to any major improvements, it does keeps the topic in people's mind and every little helps."

How you can use "Does Anyone Want"

As far as is possible, the @UKGiftAM team are keeping track of the exchanges taking place, and I've seen vintage duvet covers go off to become dungarees, sea glass going to become jewellery, as well as all manner of parts and pieces, and even finished items like notebooks, getting new homes where they'll see use.

If you're on twitter search for the #doesanyonewant tag, and if something pops up which you could use, ask the person who tweeted. You may feel a bit odd approaching a stranger, but they have put themselves forward to find you! If you want to pass on items you can't use, take a couple of photos, explain any problems (perhaps there's a little damage, or it's half used, be honest!) and post a tweet using the  #doesanyonewant tag. 

What if you don't use twitter? You may find closer to home you can join up friends and family with your unwanted items, and encourage them to think about anything they have taking up space. Just don't be afraid to ask, and explain the positive that you'd rather something be used than thrown away or mouldering. I offered my DIY tinkering neighbour a couple of my knackered baking trays, and he happily uses them to catch oil under his latest engine projects.

I've sent out buttons

New earrings from old blue beads

Over the years I've often passed on unwanted items to other makers, bundled beads into arts and crafts packages for families in vulnerable circumstances, or done charity shop runs. I also gladly take on unfashionable, damaged or just unwanted jewellery, which I clean and incorporate into new pieces. From now on, each time I open a drawer or box, I'm going to think "Hmm, do I really use this, could someone else?" and I plan to make much more use of the unwanted in my work, giving new life to old beads.

What could you do with Does Anyone Want?