Children’s clothes that have become too small, shoes that we no longer wear, books that we have already read and re-read… We all have objects sleeping in our closets that we no longer use. † Rather than keep these relics indefinitely, the residents of Moret-sur-Loing (Seine-et-Marne) had an ingenious and unified idea: to set up a “free store” in their neighborhood. A way to give their objects a second life and at the same time help people in need.
This circular economy project was born at 13 rue Georges Lioret, in Moret-sur-Loing, reports The Republic of Seine-et-Marne† A group of residents took over the garage facade of an abandoned house, transformed for the occasion with paint and decorations. Shelves have been set up for shoes, books, clothes or other items looking for new owners.
This ‘free store’, conceived by a group of neighbors during the first incarceration, has since become a transit point for the residents of the neighborhood. “The mentality is that if you can, you give, and if you have to, you take. No judgment here”explains to 20 minutes Maud Juillerat, one of the people behind this initiative. Because the Rue Georges Lioret is very busy, the objects deposited there disappear quickly… before being replaced just as quickly by new donations.
Some people have already become regulars in the place they visit almost daily, the Republic of Seine-et-Marne indicates. “Some passers-by may not be aware of the precarious situation of their neighbours”trust Elsa and Karine, two inhabitants of Moret and neighbors of “13”, in trust.
The success of the project has not gone unnoticed by Moret’s citizens’ committee. After discovering the free store, he expressed the wish that this device would spread to other parts of the city.
All over France, ‘tips’ arise in towns and villages, at the initiative of citizens of solidarity. Soon another one near you?