Summer presents the perfect opportunity to go through your junk drawers, closets and attics to get rid of things you know you won’t use and clothes you know you won’t wear. As Stacy from What Not To Wear says, if you haven’t worn it in the past year, you’re most likely never to wear it again!
Consider donating things you no longer want or need to someone who does. Donating old stuff is not only great for folks in need; it is also great for the environment, as it reduces waste and the consumption of new resources.
Here’s a list of places you can donate your items to:
Books: Contact your local library to find out their policy on donations. Most will accept virtually any book or magazine. Other options include women’s shelters, hospitals, or your local thrift store.
Appliances: Most thrift stores, including Goodwill and the Salvation Army accept small appliances for donation. If you’re in Ontario, check out the The Great Refrgierator Round Up Program.
Cell Phones: Donate old cell phones directly to your local women’s shelter. Even if cell phones are deactivated, they can still be used to call 911. You could also take it back to your cell phone providers, such as Rogers or Bell.
Clothes: Many organizations will pick up clothes from your home for free (i.e. Canadian Diabetes Association). You could also drop it off at Goodwill and the Salvation Army.
Computers: Check with your local schools, libraries, or charity organizations to see if they could use your old computer.
Eyeglasses: Don’t toss your old frames, donate them instead. Check out The Lions Club’s eyeglass recycling program or New Eyes For The Needy, an organization that distributes glasses, sunglasses, and hearing to those who need them.
Furniture: Contact your local thrift store to see if they will accept it and/or pick it up.
Toys: Clean out those overflowing toy bins and pass along those old toys to your local thrift store, hospital, children’s museum, women’s shelter, or library.
Make a difference − share this environmental tip with your friends.
