Petersfield Christmas present swop will help save the planet

Petersfield Climate Action Network (PeCAN) is running the popular Christmas Present Exchange again this year.

PeCAN spokesman Imogen Oxley said: “This is a completely free service, allowing you to exchange your unwanted gift for something you want or need.

“One man or woman's trash is another's treasure, and anything left over will be donated to charity.”

Donors can drop unwanted gifts (not charity shop goods) at Winton House until Friday, January 13, from 9.30am to 3.30pm.

They will then be given a token, and on Saturday, January 14, they can return to Winton House between 9.30am and midday to select an exchange gift.

Alternatively, tokens can be donated so that someone else can choose a present.

The aim is to reduce waste and provide a route for nice but unneeded gifts to find a new home where they will be more appreciated.

Imogen added: “This is a project for the community by the community.

“Every time you reuse, regift, repair or recycle something, you are helping to reduce the volume of CO2 consumed every year in Petersfield from the production and transportation of goods.”

Around 80kg of CO2 a person could be saved if unwanted gifts were not bought in the first place.

Winton House is in Petersfield High Street. Organisers might reject unsuitable items.