Go Green Anytime - Making Use Of What You Have
Thursday, August 26th 2010 @ 10:49 AM
Go Green Anytime - Making Use Of What You Have
by Ann Gambrell
Having too much stuff…leads to too much stuff in the trash and more stuff to recycle. Yikes! We all want to help save the earth….but how can we when everything comes in disposable containers?
There is something YOU and I can do to help save the earth.
Well, at least save a small part of it, by doing our part in “going green.”
The next time you start to toss a container in the trash or recycle bin, stop to think of how it can be re-used, re-cycled or repurposed.
ALERT: Suggesting that you save containers for re-purposing does NOT mean you need to save every container for some possible future use. That just leads to more clutter! So be selective.
Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Boxes:
1. Bank checkbook boxes.
- Dividers in drawers to organize:
- Paper clips
- Plastic bag twisters
- Rubber bands
- Postage stamps
- Address labels
- Tacks/push pins
- Store small receipts for future reference/tax purposes.
2. Shoe boxes….cardboard:
- Store shoes on shelves. (Plastic shoe boxes do not allow for shoes to air out/breathe between wearings.)
- Storage of tax/other receipts
- Packaging for mailing
- Storing garage supplies on shelves & drawers
- Electric cords & plugs
- Adhesive tapes/adhesives
- Various repair items
- Tools/nails/screws, etc.
- Gardening supplies
- Storing office Supplies:
- Pens/markers/pencils
- Notepads/sticky notes
- Tape/rubber bands/staples/push pins
- Storing craft supplies
- Kids’ school and craft supplies:
- Pens/markers/crayons
- Small toys: Cars/trucks/blocks/Legos, etc.
- Puzzle pieces
Re-usable plastic containers for storage:
- Food leftovers: refrigerator/cupboard
- Dry food products: cornmeal/flour, etc.
- Snacks/treats
- Craft & needlework supplies
Product discards:
- Spray can lids:
- Use in drawers to hold paper clips, rubber bands, and minutia.
- Fruit/berry baskets:
- Store plant bulbs
- Craft items
- Drawer dividers
- Supermarket plastic produce bags:
- Wet garbage/trash. (Do not use for clean food storage)
- Cleaning up after the pets
- Supermarket & department store carry-out bags:
- Trashcan liners
- Hang-up storage in garage or closet
- To hold charity donations: clothes, etc.
- Return to stores to recycle
- Tissue boxes:
- Store reusable plastic bags for future use in home or car.
- Hold used batteries for proper disposal.
- Hold craft items.
Thinking “outside the box”:
1. Silverware drawer tray:
- Organize “junk drawer” items in kitchen or craft drawers.
- Separate cooking utensils in drawers.
- Organize bathroom drawer toiletries.
- Hold small craft items.
- Hold stationery items…pens, paper clips, stamps, etc.
2. Used computer paper:
- Reuse blank side to print
- Use as scrap paper for notes
- Drawing & painting paper for kids projects
3. Cookbook holder rack:
- Hold personal calendar/organizer on desk top
- Hold a book to read
- Hold documents for computer input
- Hold a framed photo on a table or shelf
4. Plastic shoe boxes: Storage for:
- Office supplies
- Craft items
- Kitchen equipment & supplies
- Garage:
- Electric cords
- Small tools/supplies
- Tacks, clips, tape, etc.
- Cleaning products
- Screws, nails, etc.
5. Wicker baskets:
- Hold wash cloths in the bathroom
- Dishtowels in the kitchen
- Toiletries/products on counter top or shelves
- Desktop/shelf office supplies
- Cards/photos to display
- Reading materials
- Craft items/supplies
- Drawer divider/organizer
- Paper/pens at each phone location
6. Small to medium size plastic baskets:
- Organize refrigerator/freezer items for easy retrieval
- Drawer divider/organizer
- Copy paper storage
- Phone message taking items
- Store jars of herbs & spices
7. Photo/video boxes:
- Organize recipes using dividers provided
- Hold greeting card stock
- Memorabilia storage
- Stationery & note pads
- Receipts
8. Large lidded trash container:
- Storing of out of season clothing.
- Storing holiday/seasonal decorations/supplies.
- Storing breakable items…dishes, vases, etc.
- Larger garage equipment.
- Hazardous waste for recycling
- Potting soil
- Flower pots
Or…without the lid/cover: In the garage:
- Sports equipment: balls, bats, tennis rackets, etc.
- Gardening supplies: rakes, hoe, shovel, broom, etc.
Well, that should get you started on recycling, reusing and repurposing on your road to “Going Green”.
© Going Green Ann Gambrell Feb/July 2009
Editor's Note: Ann Gambrell is an organizational consultant and speaker available to inform and entertain audiences. She facilitates weekday and Saturday Clutter Support Groups and teaches organizing classes through the Torrance Adult School. To learn more, phone Ann at 310-212-0917 or request her for FREE monthly email tips email gambrellann@aol.com. You will be glad you did!
Recycle Your Clutter…For A Good Cause
Friday, August 13th 2010 @ 12:29 AM
Recycle Your Clutter…For A Good Cause by Ann Gambrell
Recycle your stuff?? What a great idea. Unfortunately, we all have too much stuff and saving the earth is all about recycling anyway. So why not serve two purposes at one time? Why do it? Because so much of what we own we do not use and someone else doesn’t just want it, but needs it. What a boon this would be for our landfills, our personal environment as well as serving our communities.
Here are a few ways to help turn the earth a bit greener and your environment a bit less cluttered.
Cell phones & more: Did you know that most phone companies would recycle your old phones? Some are donated to homeless shelters to be given to those in need, programmed with one emergency number and the 911 emergency line. Office supply and electronic stores will accept phones, electronics and office equipment to recycle. Some items are donated to charities. These services are so helpful as electronic waste items (computers, monitors, phone equipment, copiers, printers, fax machines, etc) cannot be dumped into curbside recycle or trash containers. Contact stores for further information and products accepted.
Large appliances: Need to get rid of a washer or dryer or refrigerator or furniture? Charities will accept them if they are in working condition. Recently, I donated a working refrigerator to a women’s shelter and they were delighted, as theirs was in need of expensive repairs. Contact the Goodwill or Salvation Army locations for drop off sites or for home or office site pick up. Many cities provide a service to residents whereby they will pick up large items once a year at your home location. Phone your city hall for information.
Clothing: Most charities and churches and Synagogues accept clothing and household items to provide to those in need. Local theater groups and schools with drama departments are looking for clothing and accessories for their theatrical closets. Elementary schools frequently are in need of childrens’ clothing for students and families in need, as well as school supplies, backpacks and more. Check with your local schools or your child’s teachers.
Building materials: Community charities and Habitat for Humanity are always looking for supplies to use in their projects. Look for local drop off sites at www.habitat.org or contact your city hall for local needs.
So much of our excesses can make a dramatic difference in the life of another. Consider purging your closets, cupboards, garage and office for just such recycling items. Everyone benefits.
© Ann Gambrell updated July/2010
Editor's Note: Ann Gambrell is an organizational consultant and speaker available to inform and entertain audiences. She facilitates weekday and Saturday Clutter Support Groups and teaches organizing classes through the Torrance Adult School. To learn more, phone Ann at 310-212-0917 or request her for FREE monthly email tips email gambrellann@aol.com. You will be glad you did!
