Save Your Green and the Planet by Swapping Your Unwanted Stuff

January 21 is World Swap Day. Join with people all around the world in the movement to reduce waste, recycle and save money by swapping reusable goods instead of trashing them and buying new stuff.

Money and stuff seem to have this in common: no matter how much you have, there always seems to be a need for more, contributing to the excessive consumption that is generally accepted as normal in society.

The problem, aside from the giant footprints we are leaving on our planet, is we accumulate a supply of nice, usable stuff that we no longer want or have outgrown and cash (even credit) is limited. Well guess what, someone wants your stuff - and it’s likely that a lot of the stuff you want or need is part of someone else’s unwanted stash.

Yes, you can sell your stuff on eBay, Craigslist, yard sales and at consignment stores and sales. I have found great deals there! Translation: sell your stuff for rock bottom prices if you really want to reclaim space in your closets or home but the $20 you get for your stuff isn’t going to get you much - even at the produce section in the grocery store.

If you want a great return on your old investment, try swapping. There are a number of swapping organizations and companies that can help you. Through Swap.com, you can swap anything from books, media, and video games to jogging strollers, musical instruments, bikes and even cars - yes, cars!

Even better is swapping in person. Swap.com can help you find local in-person swaps as well, such as peace.love.swap.’s maternity and kids clothing and gear swaps where participants are invited to bring all they want and take all they need. It's shopping without price tags! The rules for swapping vary as much as the swapping outlets, so be sure to read their guidelines, even if you are a seasoned swapper.

 Happy New Year and Happy Swapping!