While we should always be thinking about ways to give back, we’re getting close to the time of year when we receive additional encouragement to think about others; today, we’re going to talk about a very deserving recipient of our thought – the planet. Given that today is National recycling day, we have an even better reason to be aware of Mother Earth’s needs. Further, since the holidays are coming up, you are likely cleaning your place in anticipation of having guests over; so what can you recycle?
Everyone that has a library of books ought to be proud, but sometimes there are too many books (consider switching over to a tablet, it’s pretty dang effective); don’t throw them away. You can donate them to your local library, start a local book share (you know, those boxes on the street with books in them), or give it to a friend who is not as well-read as they should be.
You don’t have to throw away old clothes either; there are plenty of people who could use them (it also frees up a lot of space). For clothing that can be worn again, Goodwill and the Salvation Army are good directions to go. If the clothing is in tatters, take it to the recycling center!
Your furniture and appliances tend to represent a bigger issue, since most recycling centers won’t take the time to break appliances down to their component parts, and dispose of the hazardous materials properly. As such, giving it to a friend, or posting an ad to sell it at a discounted price or give it away for free will better serve you.
E-waste is a very serious problem, amounting to 7 million tons of electronic waste annually. Most local charities will accept working electronics. If your electronics are no longer working, consider donating it to the Republic Services. There are also often places in the community that do regular e-waste recycling events so do some research and see what you can find.
A house that is void of clutter looks larger and more inviting; this makes your house more appealing to potential buyers. Add the fact that you’re helping the environment and your community in many instances, and it makes perfect sense to recycle and donate things rather than throw them away. At the Chernov Team we understand that knowledge is power, and knowledge of how to declutter while helping the environment is powerful knowledge indeed. At the Chernov Team we know that whoever comes to the table most prepared leaves with the most, and the Chernov Team always leaves the table with the most.