Living Sustainably: A Reuse & Repair Mindset

In a world where consumption often outpaces conservation, adopting a reuse-and-repair mindset is a powerful step toward sustainable living. By extending the life of everyday items, we can significantly reduce waste and minimise our environmental footprint. Here are some affordable and easy ideas to help you on your way;

Shop second-hand

Purchasing preloved items is a simple way to reduce waste and adopt a more circular lifestyle.

Buying second-hand from local op-shops can be cost-effective and helps to support charity organisations. See our map to view op-shop locations in Penrith.

Additionally, there are numerous online shopping platforms, such as Facebook Marketplace, Depop, Freecycle, or Rosella Street, Aircloset app, where you can swap, trade, or buy good-quality used items for a bargain price.

Avoid buying “new” - Borrow items for short-term use

Purchasing and owning fewer things is one of the most important actions we can take as individuals to protect our environment. The 'sharing economy' makes this possible by providing communities with access to shared goods and services to avoid individual ownership.

Clothing: Need something to wear to a special occasion? Consider borrowing or renting an outfit instead of buying a new one for a one-time wear. Check out online platforms such as The Volte, Revibe , RHAiNE, or Glam Corner for high-quality, high-end clothing available for rent.

Toys: Did you know you can borrow more than just books from the Penrith City Library branches? Their toy library collection includes sturdy toys for 0 – 8 year olds, including baby toys, construction, vehicles, food, animal, and house play sets, and puzzles. Plus, they have a great selection of family board games and others suitable for older children and teens. Browse and borrow at all library branches during library opening hours, then take them home to play. Click here for more information.

Host a ‘swap event’

A community swap event is a fantastic and fun way to promote sustainability, encourage connection, and make the most of resources. Organising a swap event among friends, family, or the community allows you to refresh your wardrobe, home decor, books, children’s toys or other essentials without spending money.

How to plan a swap

A swap event can be as simple or elaborate as you like, but the objective is to foster a spirit of sharing and sustainability. We’ve put together an easy step-by-step guide to help you plan your own:

Select a Theme – Deciding what items will be swapped, such as clothing, books, toys, or home goods, helps attract participants and ensures a fair swap.

• Pick a Venue – Finding a suitable space, such as a community centre, school hall, or even someone’s home or backyard, depends on the scale of your event and the number of people likely to attend. Tip: Ensure there is enough room for tables and displays.
• Set Guidelines – Establish clear rules for participation, such as the condition of items, swap limits, and how exchanges will be managed (e.g., direct trades or token-based swapping).
• Spread the Word – Promote the event. Share the invitation with your friends and family or open it up to the community through social media, local bulletin boards, flyers, or community groups if you’ve planned a larger event.
• Gather Volunteers – Recruit assistants to help set up, manage tables, guide participants, and handle logistics like clean up if necessary.
• Create a Welcoming Setup – Arranging tables and displaying swap items in an organised way, such as by size or category, helps to make the space look inviting. You may even consider offering refreshments or playing music in the background to create an ambience.
• Facilitate the swap – Have fun!
• Encourage Leftover Donations – Arrange for any remaining items to be donated to a local charity or not-for-profit organisation in need.

There are numerous online resources available to guide you further in planning a successful secondhand swap event. Here are a few that we’ve found; however, there are many more.

• How to host a successful secondhand swap party
• Swap, Don’t Shop: How to Host a Community Clothes Swap
• Host a Successful Community Swap Meet: Tips & Ideas
• How to host different types of clothes swaps for friends and communities

A swap event is a perfect way to build connections and celebrate sustainability with your friends and community. So why not make it a party?

Repair what you already have

Repairing items you already own and love is a terrific way to extend their lifespan and is often a more cost-effective alternative to buying new. Many local alteration, mending, and furniture repair businesses provide these services. For your convenience, we have created a map listing some of these businesses within Penrith.

Eco-conscious shopping

Buying new? When purchasing second-hand isn’t an option, you can still contribute positively to the circular economy by considering the following.

Can the product be recycled at the end of its useful life?

Is the business I’m purchasing from a member of a product stewardship program?

What is the product made from, and how long is it likely to last?

Look for businesses that are committed to ethical sourcing, fair trade, and environmentally friendly production practices.

These small but impactful choices add up, helping you shop mindfully while reducing waste and supporting a healthier planet.