Ipods: If a friend or loved one doesn't want your hand-me-down, and if selling your iPod on eBay isn't your thing, then take your unwanted iPod, iPod mini or iPod photo to any Apple store. Your oldie will be processed domestically, and you'll get a 10 percent price break on any new iPod you buy that day.
Medications: Flushing or pouring meds down the sink sends them into the water supply, harming fish and the environment. Instead, put meds in a plastic bag (crush pills, add water to dissolve them), and add kitty litter, coffee grinds or potting soil to make them less appealing to the animals. Seal the bag and put it in the trash. OR - ask your pharmacy if they have a take-back program for unused meds. Musical Instruments: Former band geeks can donate instruments to The Roots of Music, an afterschool program in New Orleans, that teaches children 9 to 14 how to read and play music. Instruments must be in working order. www.therootsofmusic.com Old Sheets and Towels: Most shelters will accept old blankets, bath towels, hand towels, sheets, bathroom rugs and t-shirts. Shelters use them for lining pet cages, providing warm beddng and drying off wet dogs. Smoke Detectors: They last only 10 years and contain radioactive Americium 241, so send dead ones back to the manufacturer. Send First Alert, BRK and Family Guard Smoke Detectors to: BRK Brands, 25 Spur Drive, El Paso, TX 79906, (800)323-9005; On the front of the package, write "For Disposal." Up to five smoke alarms are accepted for free.
Sports Equipment: Your gently used athletic equipment can
help underprivileged children enjoy the fun of sports. Send Frisbees, baseballs, cleats, etc. to Sports Gift. They'll refurbish the items and distribute them to needy children in the U.S. and abroad. www.sportsgift.org
Styrofoam Peanuts: These ubiquitous petroleum-based packing materials are nonbiodegradable and contain toxic chemicals that can pose serious health risks. YOU CAN HELP REDUCE DEMAND for them by dropping off your used packing peanuts at a local business for reuse.
Most pack-and-ship stores such as Mailboxes, etc and UPS will accept clean Styrofoam peanuts.
Tools: Habitat for Humanity needs tools in new or good condition, such as tape measures, screwdrivers, and hammers. Larger items, such as saws or tile cutters, may be used in the office workroom or at the sites. Call (212) 991-4000 ext. 332 to discuss your donation. Video Games: Donate Games accepts used games and then posts them for sale at a discounted price. Proceeds fund medical research to help fight rare, life-threatening, or debilitating diseases.
Yoga Mat(s): Wipe it down, roll it up and send it to Recycle Your Mat, which recycles worn out mats or donates those in good condition to local community programs. www.recycleyourmat.com
As Gretchen Rubin says in her book "The Happiness Project", "Do good, feel good". So "pay it forward", Dear Readers, and see if the universe doesn't reward you for your kindness. As always, Be well, be safe, be organized! Xxx's, Nancy P.S. I LOVE HEARING FROM READERS, so please tell me what topics you'd like me to write about, your own personal organizational challenges (I won't use your name unless you want me to!), and any other thoughts about organizing or my newsletters. |
