Why Buy?

What can be done to stop the purchase of so many items?

Some items may be available to hire, share or borrow from someone else. A good example of this is simply going to the library to borrow books or DVDs. You can also hire special items for one off events – such as a suit for a  wedding or a large tool for a major DIY job.

Every time we hire, borrow or share an item we are not adding to the mountain of redundant and unwanted items needing disposal or to the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere.

The first practical step is to look more closely at the items you buy and where these items may end up when you’ve finished with them.

Ask some simple questions before purchasing:

• How often will I use this item?
• Do I really need it?
• Do I know somebody who has one I can borrow?
• Is this something I can hire – if so is there a local outlet?
• Would it save me money to hire it or borrow it?
• Could I lend it to a friend or relative?
• What will happen to it when I’ve finished with it?

Times gone by…..... 

There was a time when washing machines, televisions and video players could be hired from rental shops. Things have changed and these services have nearly all disappeared. Clever marketing and sales promotions by retailers mean it’s easier to buy an item rather than hire it.

So what can we do?

A good example is a CD or DVD player. It may be difficult to rent or repair a player but you can hire the CDs and DVDs from local libraries who offer an excellent range for all ages. It may take more effort to hire, borrow or share items however, if we get into the habit of thinking of an alternative to purchasing, we are helping the environment.      

Useful ideas!

Some useful ideas and contacts:
Books, DVDs, newspapers, maps, story tapes, audio books, music CDs, music scores, language courses and more at your local library or rental shops.

Sports equipment - What about hiring that set of golf clubs? Check telephone directories and the internet for outlets.

Washable nappies

These can be borrowed from a loan scheme organised by the Brighton and Hove and East Sussex Real Nappy Network. Tel. 01273 482242 www.nappies.org/ Or contact Newhaven Health Visiting team, Quayside Medical Centre, Newhaven. Tel 01273 615000 ext 400. For lots more information about modern washable nappies visit the Nappies section. Go to Washable nappies for more information.

Bicycles, cars and vans, catering equipment and wine glasses, fancy dress costumes, suits and clothing, tools etc. Check telephone directories and the internet for local outlets.

There are many more items which can be hired, borrowed or shared than the ones listed. By taking the effort to think about hiring, sharing and borrowing we are helping to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.

Local Libraries run by East Sussex County Council

Ringmer Library
Village Hall,
Lewes Road,
Ringmer
Tel 01273 814661

Lewes Library
Styles Field,
Friars Walk,
Lewes
Tel 01273 474232

Seaford Library
17 Sutton Park Road,
Seaford
Tel 01323 893420

Newhaven Library
16 High Street,
Newhaven
Tel 01273 514468

Peacehaven Library
Meridian Centre,
Peacehaven
Tel 01273 583945

Equal Access Library
The Hillcrest Centre,
Hillcrest Rd, Newhaven
Tel 01273 612352

Toys Lewes Toy Library (term time only)
All Saints Centre,
Friars Walk,
Lewes
Tel 01273 486391

If you’re interested in setting up a loan scheme of any type we would like to hear from you. Please call the Recycling Team on 01273 486619 or email recycle@lewes.gov.uk