Our sustainability mission
At Age UK, we're committed to sustainable retail. We extend the life of items such as textiles, bric-a-brac, books, toys and so much more. To achieve that, we rely on our amazing customers shopping with us - and the donations of unwanted items we receive for us to sell. All funds go towards providing vital support for older people.
Did you know
- All our shops use 100% renewable energy.
- We use 100% recyclable carrier bags which can be used again and again.
- We're committed to using as little plastic as possible across our network of shops.
- We're challenging our suppliers to provide environmentally-friendly packaging and products.
- We're working with respected recycling companies to make sure anything we can't sell in our shops can still be recycled and sent to European and developing countries.
- Behind the scenes, we're going 'digital first' wherever possible - which means less paper and less waste.
Shopping secondhand doesn’t have to mean second-best!
It's the sustainable way to shop, helping us recycle, reduce waste and provide support to older people. At Age UK, we're committed to reducing the environmental footprint by encouraging customers to shop with us. Age UK supports the circular economy by extending the life of items.
With the fantastic support of our loyal customers, Age UK managed to save 62 million kiloggrams of CO2, and avoided 4.5 million kilograms going into landfill in 2023.
We encourage you to donate what you no longer need to your local Age UK shop to help us continue reducing CO2 emissions, offset landfill waste and help us provide services and vital support for older people.
One bag of donated items can go a long way, such as helping to cover the costs of running the Age UK Advice Line, our telephone friendship services, benefits entitlement checks and much more. Learn more about the difference we make together.
If you would like to be more sustainable, we've got you covered with these sustainability tips:
1. Ditch fast fashion
Purchasing pre-loved clothing is not only a greatway of preventing clothing and textiles going to waste and landfill, but can also save money.Charity shops often house a range of unique items,including one-off pieces and designer goods, which can also set you apart from the crowd
2. Donate old toys
Parents often feel their homes are overrun with toys and it can be hard to 
know what to do with items your children no longer play with. Reduce your clutter by donating them to be sold on to beloved again. Second hand toys and games can also make great gifts, as well as saving you money at times like Christmas, which can be costly.
3. Get to know your local charity shops
Often charity shops will sell different things or specialise in different items. Some may sell more toys or electrical items than others. Age UK has a mix of charity shops including fashion boutiques and furniture stores. Getting to know the shops near you can save you time when looking for something specific.
4. Visit local charity shops regularly
Often charity shops put out new stock each day, popping in regularly means you’re more likely to spot a bargain before someone else does!
5. Get upcycling!
Turn an old pair of jeans or piece of furniture into something new and beautiful by changing the length, adding embellishments, or painting them a new colour. Not only will you be reducing waste, you’ll have an item unique to you and a new hobby!
6. Get to know the shop staff
Age UK shop staff and volunteers are a friendly bunch! Not only are they on hand to help and have a chat, they also know about what’s been donated. If you’re looking for something specific, they can help you find it or keep an eye out for you.
7. Shop with an open mind
Visit charity shops with an open mind and think outside the box! Furniture can look different when in your own home, or with a lick of paint. Clothing can be paired with other items to create unique and stylish outfits, or upcycled to create new pieces.
Share your shopping experience on social media by tagging us on Instagram @ageuk_shop or find us on Facebook: Age UK shops