How Garage Sale Trails help co-production of positive environmental and social behaviours in local communities

Outcomes 

Impact on pro-social behaviour

“I would never of thought of selling any of this stuff, it was literally on its way to the tip. We did another sale the following weekend and we're going to use the money to help towards our holiday next year" 

• 86% of people said that after taking part in Garage Sale Trail they would likely try to sell their unwanted goods again, instead of throwing them away.
• 100% of people who took part pledged not to illegally dump.
• 59% of participants said that after their experience of taking part in Garage Sale Trail they feel more motivated to play an active role in their community.

Improving community connections

“I’ve met loads of new people but more importantly it’s given us a reason to open our back gate and let the children play out on the street for the first time.”

"We came together with five other families to have a sale.  We took part because we all had a load of stuff that we wanted to get rid of.   We all had great fun on the day and managed to sell quite a few things and we met loads of new people by taking part".

• 66% of participants said that after their experience of taking part in Garage Sale Trail they feel more positive about their community
• On average, each participant made 10 new community connections.

A common theme reported by participants was that Garage Sale Trail was a fun and friendly event whereby they got to know their neighbours better. As one participant commented, "just chatting (to neighbours) was nice".

Dr.  Jessica Steele and Andrew Dick wrote this case study in November 2015.