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Often
when we are tired of an item and
want to replace it, we send the
old item to the landfill. Many of
these items still have some life
left in them and can be reused,
sometimes with a little work. Then
there are items that can be used
for a completely different purpose
than originally intended. It’s
time to think about items before
we send them off to the landfills.
Do they have reuse potential?
After
my article on recycling a few
months ago, the owner of
Serendipity called me to tell me
that she always sees furniture
along the sidewalks on garbage
pickup day. Her business takes
furniture even if it needs
repairs. Also, there are
charities, such as St Vincent
DePaul, that will take many items.
So don’t throw furniture away,
let someone else use it.
Are
you getting ready to remodel?
Don’t send those old countertops
or cabinets to the landfill. There
are several organizations that
will pick up those items from you
and resell them to the public. One
of them is Building Value, a
wholly owned subsidiary of
Easter
Seals
Work
Resource
Center
. This organization provides job
training to some wonderful
individuals, and you get a tax
deduction. For additional
information, check out their
website at www.buildingvalue-cincy.org
or contact them at 513-475-6783.
Do
you order products on-line? Are
you spending your tax refund or
tax stimulus on boxed items? The
Mailroom on Alexandria Pike will
accept cardboard boxes and packing
materials, such as peanuts and
bubble wrap. They will also take
Styrofoam packing material and
shred it for packing. Don’t
throw these items away; take them
to the Mailroom where they will be
reused.
Do
you pitch magazines after reading
them? Are hardback and paperback
books cluttering up your house?
Instead of recycling them, put
them to better use by donating
them. The libraries will accept
magazines and books and will sell
those items that don’t get
placed into circulation. Check
with nursing homes and retirement
centers to see if they may be
interested in these items for
their residents.
Have
you finished painting your bedroom
and have lots of paint left over?
Check with your local churches and
other charitable organizations to
see if they are interested. They
may not want the bright fuchsia
used in your daughter’s bedroom;
however, neutral colors are always
welcomed.
There
are many items that can be reused.
Even though we may not be
interested in them; others may be
thrilled to get them. And anything
that we can keep out of the
landfill is a plus. So consider
every item before throwing it away
for its reuse potential.
Sharon
Tepe is the founder of Go Green.
If you would like more
information, contact
Sharon
at sharon.tepe@fuse.net
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