Reduce, re-use and recycle with our shops

Most people know that there are some great second-hand items to be had at bargain prices from your local charity shop.

But did you know that each time you buy from a charity shop you are making an important contribution to supporting sustainability initiatives as well as supporting a good cause?

Our chain of 24 shops across Herts and Bucks are all embracing the “Reduce, re-use recycle” theme by taking a number of measures to reduce waste.

“Most donations of good quality clothing, shoes, accessories, books and bric-a-brac can be sold in our shops,” explains Deborah Gould, our Director of Retail and Trading. “Items that, for a number of reasons, we are unable to sell ourselves are sold to a merchant for recycling. As well as making a contribution to waste reduction, this method of disposal also generates an income to the charity of around £162,000 in a year.

“We also sell higher value items from our eBay shop,” Deborah adds.

This year ​we’re taking additional steps to help protect the environment by introducing several new waste reducing changes. These include removing cellophane wrapping on our range of greetings cards, phasing out glitter and gold foil on stationery, recycling mobile phones and spectacles, stocking a nylon shopping bag that’s made from two and a half plastic bottles, plantable cards and books and working with a buying specialist to recycle unsold books, DVDs, vinyl and CDs.

Our shoppers are also embracing the cause. Rachel Noon, who is a regular at several of our shops said: “Fast fashion is ruining our planet so I rarely buy anything that isn’t pre-loved. Buying from Rennie Grove’s shops is good for the environment and contributes to a fantastic local charity – you can’t go wrong!”

The portfolio of shops will be featuring the following strapline Recare Rewear Rehome through the shops reinforcing the waste reduction message. Also creating eye-catching window displays throughout the year to highlight how seriously the charity takes the cause. To find your nearest shop please visit our shops page or visit our eBay shop.