|
Author: Barbara Hemphill Article source: http://www.kabish.com/. Used with author's permission.
I have always been an advocate of recycling. Even though I am not always convinced of its financial viability, I am thoroughly convinced of its value as a means of increasing public awareness of the cost of our consumerism. In the 20+ years I have been in the organizing profession, I have never heard anyone complain that their problem in getting organized was that they didn't have enough "stuff."
It doesn't seem like getting rid of things should be such difficult issue, but in my own experience and in the lives of clients, it often is. I have spent countless hours listening to clients justify why they need to keep clothes they haven't worn in ten years, utensils they aren't sure how to use, appliances that need repair, artwork they don't even like -- and, of course, old magazines they're sure to read some day!
If you have enough room and if you're willing to pay the price in space and energy, it is possible to keep everything. But if you can't find what you need today because you're tripping over what you might need tomorrow, the price may be more than you should be willing to pay. Recycling is often a great solution.
It's amazing how many ways you can find to recycle the things you aren't using. Towels and bedding are desperately needed by homeless shelters. Pre-school programs can use calendars with pretty pictures. Local schools are often delighted to have used computer equipment. The Lions Club collects eyeglasses for people who cannot afford to purchase them. (How many pairs do you have in your dresser drawer?)
My mother had an enormous pile of overalls which my father no longer used, but she didn't know anyone who needed them. She just couldn't bring herself to toss them, so she put them in a box in the attic. One day she heard a woman on the radio say that she wanted to buy overalls because she used the bib tops to make jumpers which she sold to raise money for her favorite charity. She didn't even care if the overalls had holes in them, because she covered them up with decorations and trim. My mother was elated to find a home for the overalls -- and get a check for $10 besides! (One note of caution: Don't fall in a trap of looking for the perfect recipient -- organizations such as Goodwill Industries can use almost anything, and will give you a receipt for a tax deduction!) © Barbara Hemphill is the author of Kiplinger's Taming the Paper Tiger at Work and Taming the Paper Tiger at Home and co-author of Love It or Lose It: Living Clutter-Free Forever. The mission of Hemphill Productivity Institute is to help individuals and organizations create and sustain a productive environment so they can accomplish their work and enjoy their lives. We do this by organizing space, information, and time. We can be reached at 800-427-0237 or at www.ProductiveEnvironment.com
Christmas Gift Ideas: Interior Décor Presents
Have you ever received a home décor present that didn't fit in your home? Choosing a gift for someone to display in their home can be frustrating. On the other ...
Building Your Site With Other Peoples Content--Part 2
In part 1 of this series, we discussed methods for leveraging other people's content in building the depth of your own site. Now, we add a few more methods to t...
Drinking Water for Weight Loss
There are many forms of metabolism going on in our body and one such is the metabolism of fat. The main function of the liver is to convert fat into energy. It ...
Is Your Life Ready For Groundhog Day?
A day lived well is worth living over and over - whereas a day allowed to lie fallow was barely worth it the first time around. Which day did you live today?
Senior Citizen’s Have Lost Their Life Savings Due to Their Inability To Stop Gambling
A senior citizen who worked for the past forty years lost everything she had saved in under twelve months. Seniors are the heart of our society and something ...
Home Remedy for Skin Cleansers
Take bath twice in a day if your routine permits you. (Oh… I hate bathing in a tub as you will have to immerse your body in that dirty water till you get out of...
Incentive Dilemma:
Manufacturers and distributors are rolling out more sales incentive programs for their channel partners than ever before. Some of these programs are not as succ...
Mineral Makeup a Natural Acne Cure?
Can mineral makeup cure acne? Read this article for details...
Type I Diabetes: Insulin-Dependent Diabetes
Type I diabetes is also known as insulin-dependent diabetes or juvenile diabetes. This form of diabetes is mainly found in children.
Salads Take Center Stage
The reason I remember the first time I was served a main-course salad, easily 15 years ago, is that it was such a revelation.
Finding The Perfect Diet for You
The perfect diet should be combined with a healthy weight management or activity program. Weight management may conjure up that dreaded "exercise" word. And exe...
You Will be It, when You See It!
Have you ever wondered how you are supposed to get the things you want out of life, well this short article will get you on the right path but what you do with ...
Why Didnt He Call?
Dating expert and columnist Lucia, replies to a reader as to why a guy she just started dating hasn't called.
Dont Die With Your Dreams Still Inside You
I write and talk a lot about dreams. Primarily because I know we serve an awesome and amazing God, who gave us dreams for an awesome and amazing purpose. We all...
Ten Questions About Pregnancy You Might Not Want To Ask Your Doctor
Written by a practising midwife, this article gives a taster for her comprehensive, yet easy-to-read ebook, 'Pregnancy for Beginners - The Complete Guide for th...
Essence of Self Certified Mortgages
The Article explains the pros and cons of self certified mortgages
Joining a Gang: How to Help Kids Prevent it, How to Tell if Theyve Joined One, How to Help Them Out
While youth gangs are nothing new -- they've been traced back to the early 19th century -- the demographic of a youth gang is something that is constantly chang...
Your Interview Secret Weapon
Most people find themselves spending time in interviews defending their resume. This a really bad sign and if you find it happening to you then you're probably ...
Planning the Music for Your Wedding Ceremony
Music will play a vital role in your wedding, particularly during the ceremony. Presented in a clear and simple way, this article will get you started on pickin...
Tips to Help Control Food Cravings
Learn simple steps to tackle food cravings so they don't sabotage your weight loss efforts.
The Innovative Ways To Use Your Autoresponder
If you have auto response system set up for following up your customers or prospects, you may just use one or two purpose. Here is a list of brainstorming ideas...
More Complete Arthritis Supplement
People accept arthritic disease as a 'natural part of the aging process', but sometimes the pain from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and over 100 other f...
Home Improvement – Dont Exceed Comps In Your Area
For most homeowners, the pride of ownership includes a consistent home improvement effort. While this makes sense, be careful you don't improve the property so ...
Reach Your Goals - A Higher Purpose
The "Reach Your Goals" series started out as a tip sheet that quickly grew out of control - what started out as a small collection of goal and success tips even...
|
Print this page