Kennet Furniture Refurbiz (KFR), a charity based in Devizes, Wiltshire, is encouraging the public to consider purchasing second-hand items this Black Friday as a part of the “Buy Nothing New” campaign. KFR focuses on collecting second-hand furniture, homeware, and appliances and is linked to a national reuse network aimed at promoting affordable options for communities.
Over the last year, KFR has successfully redistributed around 18,000 items, amounting to approximately 340 tonnes. Managing Director Daniel Thompson noted the growing acceptance of reuse within society, suggesting that the stigma associated with secondhand goods is diminishing. He highlighted an increase in online platforms that facilitate the repurchase of repurposed items and expressed that the ongoing cost of living crisis may drive more individuals to seek affordable alternatives for Christmas gifts.
Thompson emphasized that while many retailers offer Black Friday discounts, their refurbished appliances are often in good condition or can be easily repaired. He pointed out that reusing items generally results in lower carbon emissions compared to recycling, which can still contribute to pollution during processing. Last year, KFR distributed over 7,000 pieces of furniture and nearly 3,800 electrical items.
Jen Gale, from Warminster, who runs a sustainability blog, stated that Black Friday could be beneficial for consumers with a specific item in mind, but she warned that it often encourages excessive and unnecessary consumption. KFR has been expanding its operations, collaborating with other charities for house clearances and offering services through local councils to provide items to nearly 700 households in need via the household support fund.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2evx9l0y2o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss