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LONDON, UK - DEC. 3, 2025: In the UK, a growing network of sharing platforms and charity shops is helping reduce waste by ensuring that used goods and surplus food find new owners instead of ending up in the bin.Mobile apps now connect people who want to give away or receive second-hand items—whether for free or at low cost—and often include food nearing its expiration date.Books, meanwhile, are placed in weather-proof “little library” boxes so they can be exchanged safely despite the UK’s frequent rain.Alex Horn, the founder of the initiative “West Central London Fixers,” which runs Repair Cafe activities in six London boroughs, said that one of their goals is to combat electronic waste."Electronic waste is our fastest growing waste," said Horn, and added, "The amount of mining required for one mobile phone is at least 50 kilograms of mining."He said their goal is to promote a repair culture in the West similar to that found in many developing countries.Stefanie Stretton, who organizes children’s item swap events in the Wendell Park area of London said that items like baby clothes can't be used for more than 6 months, "So you're buying a product that's only for use for the first six months of a child's life."Stretton emphasized that passing baby items to other people is a sustainable way."I've got this jumparoo and my child only used it for a little while, and it's basically brand new. So am I going to put that in the bin or am I going to gift it to my friend who's expecting?"Now, 48% of the population shops at more than 11,000 charity shops across the country. These stores serve not only people in need but also those looking for items they will use only briefly—such as costumes, swimsuits, or evening dresses.(Footage by Behlul Cetinkaya /Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)