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[6/26/08] With a few exceptions, it's better to pass around products that are still usable instead of pulling more raw materials from the Earth. Giving away children's clothes and baby gear is pretty easy to do. But what about going one step further and trying to pass along almost every object that is still usable? There are a variety of methods for recycling usable goods, selecting the right method depends on: whether you prefer blind donations or personal transactions, whether you desire something in return, and how much energy you want to put into it.
[Editorial published 6/26/08]
Hi Everybody,
Being a parent has required boosting my "stuff management" skills. Every month it's something new. Early on it was just making room for the baby. Then it was childproofing and finding safe places for cleaning products. Next came the addition of toddler cups and a slew of plastic ware in our already jammed kitchen. Last year we were organizing train tracks, this year it's legos. My son's art projects started on the fridge, then took over the pantry and basement doors, and lately can be found covering a few cabinets too. I'm grateful that both my kids enjoy lining up the shoes in the entryway. Last weekend I successfully rearranged the bikes and ride-on toys so I could park in the garage again. Oh, how could I forget to mention clothes! I store clothes that the oldest child will be growing into, and the clothes that are being saved for the next child. Stuff, stuff, stuff.
Accepting the fact that having kids means acquiring and disposing of stuff, let me devote this editorial to Recycling Usable Goods. To understand the true importance of the recycling effort, please take a few minutes to watch The Story of Stuff (20 minutes, animated) if you haven't already seen it. (The content may be too strong for impressionable children, you may want to view it privately.)
The take-away is that whenever possible (see "Exceptions" below) it's better to pass around products that are still usable instead of pulling more raw materials from the Earth. Giving away children's clothes and baby gear is pretty easy to do. But what about going one step further and trying to pass along almost every object that is still usable? There are a variety of methods for recycling usable goods, selecting the right method depends on: whether you prefer blind donations or personal transactions, whether you desire something in return, and how much energy you want to put into it.
A. Turn usable goods into money:
craigslist - works well for local sales
eBay - if you enjoy shipping items
local message boards* for parents (example: Boulder Rockn Moms) or other appropriate clubs
Consignment shops for adult/child/maternity clothing, toys, baby gear
Specialty shops for used books or sports equipment
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Garage sale - only if you have items that will sell for enough money to be worth your time
B. Get something in return:
Try Zwaggle. The concept is excellent: you give away items in return for credits that you can use to acquire items that other people have posted. The local audience needs time to grow; I posted a lightweight stroller, ride-on toy, and car seat travel bag for free and have had no local takers for more than a week. (A couple people have inquired about shipping, but I'm not interested in the hassle.) If you don't want to earn credits, you can donate them to local charities so they can acquire items too. Zwaggle has a great service where you can ask a local volunteer to come to your home, take photographs (required for all postings) and do all the legwork for your items. Give it a try, but be ready to make arrangements with a charity (pick-up/drop-off) if you don't have any takers.
At ioffer you can trade, buy or negiotiate many kinds of items (I'm partial to the Springbok jigsaw puzzles :)
I've heard of social gatherings where guests each bring shoes, purses, toys, videos, books, knick knacks -- whatever is cluttering their own home. Then at the party they freely offer their items and freely take items that other guests are offering. Of course, the result is more like swapping clutter than reducing it, but it could be a fun evening and it does reduce consumption of new materials.
C. Donate your items to a good cause:
Local thrift shops tied to charities
Some charities are specific to the needs of parents and families (for example, see the wishlists of The Parenting Place in Boulder and The Family Tree in Denver)
Local to Boulder/Denver, I think the Sister Carmen volunteers do a wonderful job of treating donated items with care.
Charitable drop-off bins (e.g., found in parking lots) have signage about "Clothing Donations" but often accept toys and small household items too.
I recently toured the Sister Carmen pantry from which they feed many families every day, now more than ever, the extra effort to donate food (see wishlist in right column) is needed and appreciated around the country. If you shop at a warehouse club (Costco/Sam's/etc), an easy way to teach your kids about caring for the less fortunate is by tithing/donating one can or package from the cases you've purchased.
D. Give away your items quickly:
If you live in an urban area with good weather, put a "free" sign on the item and leave it on the curb (if it isn't picked up, or you expect bad weather, do consider a charitable thrift store instead, many offer pick-up services.)
Line-up a neighbor with a younger child who would like your child's used clothes and toys. Drop-off a bag to their porch whenever you have extra items, and feel good in the process. If they don't need it, they'll find a way to donate it down the line. I find this preferable to giving to long-distance family members because there's no shipping hassle and you don't have to fill up a box before sending.
Some libraries accept books all the time, others have specific weeks of the year when donations are accepted.
E. Give your items to someone who specifically desires them:
See "neighbor and family" in the previous paragraph.
Local message boards* for parents (example: Boulder Rockn Moms) or other appropriate clubs
ReUseIt Network* and Freecycle*. All items must be 100% free and it's recommended that you pick up any donated item within a day or two. I've had very good luck with many strange items ranging from office furniture (that required reassembly), jeans with a torn knee, aggressive tropical fish, and irrigation hosing. You can also submit a posting for an item you need or desire. It's all free. (Sign up to receive the daily digest from ReUseIt Network* and Freecycle*, it feels great when you see a "wanted" request for an item that is cluttering your home but could make someone's day.)
F. Challenging or unusual items?
See ReUseIt and Freecycle above. Some recycling centers have message boards too.
Opened cleaning products? Any family child proofing for the first time will have a surplus of cleaning products. Almost all shelters (for people or animals) are delighted to have your extra cleaning supplies. For example, here is the wishlist for the Family Tree of Denver.
Surplus of diapers or feminine products? try family shelters
Moving boxes and supplies? see the first bullet above (Section F.)
Building materials? Habitat for Humanity has warehouse-like Habitat Re-Stores in major cities (a great idea if you're about to remodel, or just finished and have extra materials to donate). The smaller Habitat thrift stores (e.g., Flatirons location) will also take cabinets, plumbing and electrical supplies in good condition.
If you have items that no one wants, look into local alternatives to a landfill. In Boulder, these hard-to-recycle items are accepted at the Charm facility (notice some require a small fee).
Did you know: families can tour the Boulder Recycling Facility for free? tours are usually the first Tuesday of the month.
Reduce consumption and save money on acquisitions
1. Besides garage sales, check out stores with used items including: Used book stores, used sporting good stores, and used clothing stores (consignment shops and thrift shops). A couple years ago, we had a guest from South America. I was able to acquire a jacket and snowpants - both in perfect condition - for less than $5 combined at the Birds of Prey Foundation thrift shop.
2. Lower your consumption and costs by considering rental programs: Netflix/Blockbuster, Gamefly/GameTap, BabyPlays, to name a few. Of course, your local library has the best value in children's books and DVDs around.
3. Many web sites exist that sell used specialty items (for example, bricklink for lego pieces - guide).
Any way you approach it, make the effort to recycle usable items and save energy + natural resources in the process. Your children will be grateful (when they grow up).
I hope your week is filled with laughter,
Jill
Exceptions: Be cautious if you are considering used safety items (including car seats), medical gear, mattresses, etc. Old pajamas (washed so many times that the flame retardant has warn off) should probably be recycled into rags instead of given away. Consider recall notices and safety standards (such as the distance between crib slats) when shopping for used goods.
*Security Note: Do not post your address or phone number online. Use caution when dealing with strangers. Do not allow a stranger to enter your home. You can place items for pick-up outside or meet at a public place.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 03 September 2008 )
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