We’ve all heard it said, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Although it may seem cliché, it still can be true. If you can’t personally reuse an item and you cannot recycle it, it does not necessarily mean it belongs in a landfill. For the sake of being green, try passing along your unwanted items to someone who may like them.
One easy way to get rid of some clutter is to pass it along to a local charity. Thrift stores like Goodwill, Salvation Army, and Habitat for Humanity are always accepting donations. These organizations accept everything from used clothing to unwanted building supplies. They will either distribute the materials throughout the community, or put them up for sale for others to buy. Either way it is a win-win for you and the planet.
For those who do not mind spending a little time on the internet to get rid of their junk, there is a great website called Freecycle. This site allows users to post unwanted possessions for free to other members. It allows all users to participate in reducing, reusing, and recycling. The only rule is that it must be FREE! You can also post items for free on Craig’s List.
If you have an old car that you need to get rid of, please think twice before you take it to the scrap yard . Old vehicles in junkyards take up a lot of space, and you can actually recycle several components. Tires, oil, gas, metals, and even windshields can be recycled and used for many other products. You can also donate cars to a charity that will repair it and give it to another user. This way you can get a tax deduction…and a free parking spot in your garage. Visit http://www.kars4kids.org or http://ohkyin.wheelsforwishes.org to see how to donate your vehicle.
There are obviously lots of things that can be reused or recycled. Whether it is an old pair of sneakers or a 1987 Cutlass, do some research to see if it can be given away or recycled. You will feel better for freeing up space in your home, and someone will cherish those once unwanted items.