A free-of-charge portal has launched that gives individuals full control over where the money goes for their unwanted clothing and textiles.
1step2be lets individuals turn their unwanted textiles into money and either donate the money to a campaign already on the portal or set up their own. The service donates 13p for every kilo of textiles donated.
Anyone can set up a campaign with charities only entitled to set up indefinite campaigns for which collected funds are settled in 30-day accounting periods. Each donation on the 1step2be portal is also eligible for Gift Aid. Charities can find out more about how to set up a campaign on the site.
1step2be collects: jackets, coats, dresses, trousers, jumpers, shirts, t-shirts, unused lingerie, shoes, jewellery and handbags, curtains, tablecloths, bedding and towels, soft and hard toys. All items must be clean and usable. The service sends a courier to the donor, weighs the textiles and tells them instantly how much their unwanted clothes will make for their chosen cause.
According to 1step2be, around 75% of households admit to throwing away unwanted textiles rather than recycling, with the UK sending 300,000 tonnes of clothing each year to the landfill instead of to a good cause or recycling.
Jakub Czernecki, Director and co-owner of 1step2be said:
"1step2be was created based on indepth market analysis which has shown us things that need to change to make clothes collections more sustainable, and easier for donors to get involved."
"We realised how much waste bag collections has and wanted to find a way for this plastic use to be prevented. 1step2be doesn’t post bags through donors doors, and instead collects directly from their house meaning no unnecessary plastic. It makes it more convenient for the donors and charities using the service with them knowing exactly where the money has come from."
"Helping reduce waste is extremely important to us and turning that waste into money to help other people makes it all worthwhile. Fundraising for a charity has never been so simple, trustworthy and free."