Western’s Free Store: Take What You Need, Give What You Can!
Written by: Tuleen Tayeh, 5th Year Health Science Specialization and Psychology Major
Photo by: Western Sustainability
Sustainability at Western isn’t just about big initiatives - it’s also about everyday actions that make a meaningful difference. One of those actions comes to life through the Free Store, a campus space where members of the Western community can donate new or gently used items and take what they need, completely free of charge. Run by Western Sustainability, the Free Store supports reuse, reduces waste, and helps build a culture of sharing on campus.
Beyond reducing waste, the Free Store is really about supporting the campus community and looking out for one another. It shows how small, everyday choices - like sharing what we no longer need - can help build a more inclusive and sustainable campus community.
What Is the Free Store?
The Free Store is a donation and reuse space designed to give items a second life. Instead of throwing things away, students, staff, and faculty can bring in items they no longer need and browse what’s available. No payment, no exchange, and no pressure!
This initiative supports circularity, meaning materials stay in use for as long as possible rather than ending up in landfills. It’s a simple but powerful way to reduce waste while making everyday items more accessible to the campus community.
How It Works
Using the Free Store is easy:
- Donate clean, new or gently used items in good condition
- Browse and take items you need - completely free!
- The most commonly donated and taken items include clothing and kitchenware
- Full lists of accepted and non-accepted items are available on the Free Store website
Donations began being collected in April 2025, and the Free Store officially opened for shopping in September 2025. Since then, it has continued to grow thanks to strong participation from the campus community. The Free Store is also supported each week by dedicated student volunteers, who have been helping run the space and welcome visitors since November.
Before You Visit the Free Store
To make the most of your visit, keep these quick tips in mind:
- Bring your Western ONECard
- Check the accepted items list online before donating
- Ensure all donated items are clean and in good condition
- Inventory changes often, so visiting regularly can lead to new finds
A Growing Impact on Campus
In just a few months, the Free Store has already made a measurable difference:
- 800+ visits since opening in September
- 170 donations from the campus community since April
- Nearly 900 kg (almost 2,000 lbs) of items diverted from landfill
Laura, Sustainability Engagement Coordinator with Western Sustainability, shares:
“The Free Store has been very well received by the campus community, providing a space where items are given a second life while reducing waste and advancing sustainability at Western.”
These numbers show how small choices, donating an extra sweater or picking up a kitchen item, can collectively lead to a significant environmental impact.
When and Where to Visit
(Photo Source: Liam McInnis / GAZETTE)
The Free Store is located in the Arts & Humanities Building, Room 1B09 on Western’s main campus. Beginning Monday, January 19, 2026, the Free Store will be open twice a week, with hours on Mondays from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
These expanded hours make it even easier for students to participate, whether they’re donating items, browsing between classes, or stopping by on their way home.
If you have any questions about the Free Store, you can contact the Sustainability Office at sustainability@uwo.ca.
Why the Free Store Matters
The Free Store supports more than sustainability: it also promotes accessibility, community care, and mindful consumption. For students, it can be a way to find essentials without added cost. For donors, it’s an opportunity to declutter responsibly while knowing their items will be used again.
By choosing reuse, you’re contributing to a campus culture that values shared resources, waste reduction, and collective responsibility.
Why Students Love the Free Store
Students come back to the Free Store for lots of reasons: to pick up useful items at no cost, reduce waste, and feel good knowing they’re supporting a more sustainable campus. The welcoming space and ever-changing selection make each visit feel both helpful and rewarding.
Get Involved
There are many ways to support the Free Store:
- Visit during open hours to browse or donate
- Check the accepted items list before donating
- Share the initiative with friends and classmates
- Learn more about sustainability efforts at Western
Small actions can lead to lasting impact. Whether you’re taking what you need or giving what you can, the Free Store is a reminder that sustainability is something we build together, one item at a time.
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