Swap shops reducing waste grow in popularity

Helen Langford started volunteering at the swap shops after first using the service herself

A community group dedicated to reducing waste said the popularity of its "swap shop" events is increasing.

Sustainable Devizes first held a Devizes Swap Shop in 2022 from a small stand in the town's market place, with a couple of tables of books and toys.

The event, which is now held at least three times a year and is attended by hundreds of people, is taking place later at St James' Church.

People are encouraged to donate unwanted toys, games, crafts, books, houseplants and school uniforms, and can take anything away for free in exchange.

The Devizes Swap Shop is held regularly at St James' Church

Helen Langford now volunteers at the swap shops after first using the service herself.

"One time, I found it quite moving because I remember a particular lady who had a few children with her and she was basically saying, 'I couldn't have got through Christmas without this', and I knew it was making a really big difference," she said.

"For me personally, I was driven by trying to be more eco-friendly and trying to spend less, waste less and see stuff used for its whole life, rather than just used for a season and out the door."

The founder, Sam Drury Shore, said: "The reason I love the swaps is the co-benefits they bring.

"Our initial motivation was very much about reducing waste, and trying to gently change people's mindsets around consumption.

"But with the cost of living crisis, we can really see that the swaps are a huge help to families - hopefully without it seeming patronising or stigmatising as our framing is 'you are helping by reducing waste', rather than 'you are being helped by being given free stuff'."

The Devizes Swap Shop is taking place at St James' Church from 10:00 GMT.