Money for old rope

Alright...I know this post isn't quite about old rope. In fact, apart from the heading it doesn't go anywhere near the subject, so apologies to anyone who thought I might be offering suggestions for recycling something whose only future might be destined for the annual charity Tug-of-War.

However, yesterday's guest post about recycling woolly jumpers from Jane Perrone at Horticultural prompted me to plug the news about the M&S and Oxfam Clothes Exchange.

These high street names have got together to encourage folks to recycle more clothes with Oxfam (and of course increase sales at M&S). The deal is that if you take any old M&S clothes into an Oxfam charity shop, you will receive a £5 M&S voucher, which can be used against purchases of £35 or over during that particular calendar month.

Oxfam is the only major charity that has its own textile sorting facility. If it can't resell donated items, the charity is still able to sort and reuse them to raise money for its campaign. With estimates of 1 million tonnes of clothing being discarded in the UK each year, this is yet another good reason to support the charity's work.

So perhaps it's time to go through your wardrobe and drawers and bag-up those things that you no longer wear before the moths decide an alternative fate. If you dig deep, you might find that unwanted jumper from Marks and Spencer, which Aunt Gladys gave you the Christmas before last. The good news is she has probably forgotten about it by now and you can bag yourself a £5 voucher that can be used against clothing, homeware or beauty products at M&S.

Don't forget though, don't use the voucher just to "grab a bargain", as your bargain might just be back at the charity shop next month. And of course, keep a special eye out for the packaging.

I can't end this post without plugging my latest discovery, which will come in handy for the real thrifty ones among you. I've just discovered Oxfam's online shop for donated clothing. This is perfect for me as someone who is blind to spotting great items in charity stores. Take a look at:
http://www.oxfam.org.uk/shop/default.aspx

Oh yes...the rope...of course you can get money for old rope, if that's what you are really into. Some of you might remember the BBC documentary about eBay which was broadcast a few years ago. If you missed it, here's the article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4274683.stm

I'm now off to see what's at the bottom of my wardrobe. If I don't emerge soon, send in a rescue party.
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