April 6, 2010

Spring Cleaning

It's that time of year again,
The sun is here to stay.
So clean out your closets
And reduce your "stuff",
But try not to throw it away.

Spring is the perfect time of year to open the windows, let in some fresh air and find some space in your closets. But rather than filling several garbage bags with your household rejects, go through the spring cleaning process with a green frame of mind.

• You've just filed your taxes, so now's the time to sift through your old bills, pay stubs and paperwork and decide what you really need to keep. Shredding insignificant documents such as ancient credit card statements is a fabulous way to create eco-friendly packing materials for care packages you send throughout the year.
• Last year's clothing trends out of style? If you're creative, take a pair of scissors and a sewing machine and rejuvenate your fashion or make something new out of an old dress or t-shirt, like a pillow, cloth belt, or scarf. Or, donate your clothes and shoes to a place like Goodwill where someone else can give them a new life.
• If you scrounge up some raggedy blankets and flattened pillows, set them aside to take to an animal shelter or rescue group in need. These items may not be suitable for you anymore, but the thousands of orphaned animals seeking homes will find great comfort in your old bedding, whereas they'd simply take up space in a landfill otherwise.

Old clothing, bedding, personal care items and canned goods can also be donated to a homeless shelter in your area.

Before you throw away your stuff, whether it's electronics, old paint or Tupperware®, check to make sure it can't be recycled first.