Nothing makes me more upset than driving around the neighborhood and seeing piles of "stuff" being thrown away. I'm not talking about household garbage - I'm talking about useful items that people have gotten tired of. . . the entertainment center that doesn't work with the new big screen TV, the computer printer that is two years old and isn't as up-to-date as a new one, the Weber grill that someone decided was obsolete. . .you get the picture.
We have become a "throwaway society". If it's not new enough, we toss it to the curb. Most people don't even consider where it goes after the big truck comes and loads it up. Out of sight and out of mind has become the American way of life.
Landfills are becoming filled at an ever increasing rate and it's time to re-think what we do with our "stuff". Like many Americans, I have too much "stuff". As my husband and I start to simplify our lives and pare down our belongings, I started looking for ways to put our things to good use. Many people donate to Goodwill and other local charities, which is great. But if something is not in almost new condition, they don't want it either and again, it goes to the landfill.
I recently discovered freecycle.org, which is a magnificent way to reduce the amount of items going to the landfill. I have personally given away furniture, dishes, computer parts, art supplies, fabric and tons of other things that I know went to people who really wanted the items and will use them. ReStore is another great place to donate wood, hardware, appliances, light and plumbing fixture that may normally be tossed out when doing a remodel. These items are sold in the ReStore and money goes to support Habitat for Humanity.
Here's just two of many great options for getting rid of things. It's simple - if it can be used by someone else - please keep it out of the landfill and find someone who can use it!
