The Bike For All site has lots of information on locally based recycling, refurbishment and distribution schemes for bicycles. But, before you give your bike away: - could you actually use it more yourself? Could you make journeys to your local shops, or to work, on your bike? And get fit in the process?

In the old days we had rag and bone men, who took your old clothes and recycled them. We don’t see them around any more, but there are still businesses specialising in reclaiming textiles, many of them supplied by the charity sector.

Tools for Self Reliance refurbish tools in the UK then send them to communities in Africa.

Donate your old toys to a toy library, charity shop, or bring and buy sale. Hospitals may also be grateful for your old toys. A national directory of toy libraries would be useful – let us know if you know of one.

Take your old spectacles to your local optician and ask if they have a scheme for re-using glasses - most do. They will send them to third world countries.

For other options regarding spectacles, see our section on Looking After Your Eyes.