Three in ten Brits bin unwanted homeware goods - rather than selling or donating
Households across the UK are keeping hold of over £477 million worth of homeware goods that are not being used – but will end up going to landfill rather than being sold, donated, or repurposed.
Three in ten Brits (29%) admit to binning off their old homeware items when they no longer want them – with 18-35-year-olds most likely to do so (40%).
Some of the top reasons for wanting to get rid of perfectly good homeware include their tastes changing (35%), or their situation changing, for instance if they were downsizing their home (25%).
Almost a third (32%), of the 2,000 adults polled, admit they simply don't know where to start when it comes to trying to re-home these belongings.
And 45% choose not to donate them, as they don't believe anyone else would even want them – with 24% even considering getting rid of an unwanted gift.
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However, half of those polled (49%) don't consider “fast homeware” to be an issue, with just 39% viewing it as much of an environmental problem as fast fashion – and only 6% were more concerned about fast homeware than clothes.
But it also emerged over three-quarters (77%) hate the idea of throwing anything away – with the number of people doing so dropping to just 13% among over-65s.
One in three admit they don't know where to begin when it comes to rehoming these items (PinPep)The research was commissioned by British pottery brand, Denby, as part of its Reloved campaign, helping the nation to find ways to re-use, re-purpose, and re-love its homewares.
As part of the campaign, launched in partnership with the housing and homelessness charity Shelter, this autumn people are encouraged to donate pre-loved tableware to charity if it no longer meets their needs, instead of letting it go to landfill.
On average, adults reckon they have goods worth £91.85 sitting around rarely being used – and across the UK adult population, that adds up to more than £477 million in profit, or money that could have gone to good causes.
When it comes to repurposing existing homeware items, one in three are open to giving it a go to extend the life of their belongings. But of those who don’t want to give it a try, 38% don’t feel they have the skills or tools to undertake these types of projects, and a third don’t think they’re creative enough.
Denby has partnered with broadcaster, Miquita Oliver, to help show people how to avoid their items going to landfill with re-loving tips and ideas.
Miquita said: “We all have items we’ve bought which we perhaps don’t need or want anymore, but our first port of call for these shouldn’t be the bin.
TV presenter, Miquita Oliver, has shared some top tips and ideas for re-purposing homeware goods (PinPep)“There are so many ways to make sure we’re extending the life of our homewares – from repurposing pieces you love, to finding new, creative uses for broken items.
“And of course, there’s donating good-quality items to a charity like Shelter – where people can find pieces to re-love, and raise money for an important cause in the process.”
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The average life span for homeware items before they’re binned was also investigated, with sofas being kept for 10 years, cookware for nine – but bedding for only six years.
Almost half (48%) had previously bought pre-loved homeware items, with 36% of those having done so motivated by the desire to be more sustainable, while 39% wanted to reduce the amount of waste they produce.
Those who donate items that can be resold by Shelter, can claim a thank-you from Denby in the form of a voucher for money off their made-to-last ceramics.
Hayley Baddiley, for the pottery brand, added: “We all love to pick up a beautiful homeware buy – but it’s important to think about how you’re going to use the item, how long for, and what you’re going to do with it when it no longer suits your needs or style.
“Depending on the condition of your belongings, there are lots of things that can be done to avoid it going to landfill, from repurposing to recycling and, of course, donating to a charity such as Shelter.
“It’s also important to think about the purchases you’re making in the first place. We have a “buy once, buy well” mantra, and believe investing in durable, versatile, and beautiful pieces is key – which is why we want to reward people who have avoided sending their tableware to landfill by donating to it Shelter.”
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