Bric-a-brac....is there just too much

There was a programme on TV a year or two ago about charity shop clothing going to Africa in huge bales which African shopkeepers would buy (not knowing what would be in the bales) and selling the clothes on their market stalls. One African country had banned the import of these bales because the local clothing industry was being damaged, people were buying western clothes in preference for locally made African clothes and putting local clothing producers' jobs and income in jeopardy.

Slightly off subject but for many years I have had concerns about the safety aspect of these unsolicited plastic bags being pushed through our doors. Although it doesn't currently affect me, the potential hazard of a pet or small child getting hold of one before the householder is aware doesn't seem to have been highlighted as yet.

I agree - the so-called "charity bag collections" are a scam - sorry, girls and guys! and if you read the small print, most of the stuff you give is sold in Eastern Europe. Better to give your stuff to a genuine charity shop. The only thing I've found that they won't take is electrical goods for health & safety reasons.

The Age Concern charity bag that comes about twice a year to my house states that it takes bric-a-brac and I believe goes straight to the local shop and the Shaw Trust shop near me actually wrote back to me telling me how much they raised from the sale of my donations so that would be a good one to give to ( no begging letter from them either afterwards). I also give to a local animal rescue charity shop. I NEVER put anything in charity bags that only give % to charities. Someone is making a profit there from your cast offs.

We wash and pack up clothing we no longer wear and take to Salvation Army which has collecting box at our local Morrisons.