Recycling and renewing

While Tatang is learning to say goodbye, there are ways to give your stuff a new life. Often I end up keeping stuff because I think I will use it again, but I never do. Do I seriously think I'm going to fit into a size 6 pair of jeans again? Or I think that the stuff is still in good condition and is usable, but the thing is I don't use it or need it anymore.

But rather than have it go straight to the junk yard there are a lot of venues to give your old stuff new life.

1. Have a garage sale - We've been having garage sales with a bunch of friends, which is a lot more fun and entertaining when you're sitting through the afternoon. It also gives more incentive to buyers because there's more stuff and variety. The $1 a bag during the last hour helps too. People can't resist something just being a dollar. We also found that often we would just trade stuff.
   
2. Salvation Army, Goodwill - They take just about anything, but you should call to make sure. Most nowadays don't take old computer equipment, but some of them may take appliances.
   
3. Give books to the library - Many libraries take donations of books which they sell at semi-annual book sales. It's also a good place to pick up books for 50 cents at these sales.
   
4. Computer recycling - I love this organization! There needs to be an Alameda County Computer Recycling Center in every county. There are a lot of toxic chemicals and metal elements in your electronics components which cannot just get dumped into the landfills. Organizations like ACCRC either fix the equipment so schools and community organizations can use them again, but they also recycle the equipment by taking out the toxic elements.
   
5. Craig's List - if you've got something, somebody wants it AND they might pick it up at your place.
   
6. Other resources - Many communities have places to recycle or dispose of just about anything and everything. From furniture to appliances to paint and chemicals.