Patch Blog: Back Away From That Trash Can!

New Year’s Day, a time for starting over, and frequently a time when many of us purge the old to make room for new.

Trash cans fill as do landfills. Conversely, a number of nonprofits have narrowed their list of acceptable in-kind donations making it harder to get rid of things you do not want without trashing them. Not to worry! There are some great ways to protect the environment and, at the same time, help those in need! Remember your grandmother’s adage, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”?

If you have remodeled and have leftover materials to dispose of, consider the benefits of contributing them to one of the Habitat Restores in our area  (http://www.habitat.org/restores/).

Habitat Restores support the works of Habitat for Humanity (http://www.habitat.org/), a “nonprofit, nondenominational Christian housing ministry” which helps “to build and repair simple, decent, affordable houses with those who lack adequate shelter.”

In 2010, Monrovia benefited when a team of Habitat for Humanity Volunteers worked together to build homes here in town. (http://www.gemcityimages.com/2010/03/monrovia-habitat-for-humanity-homes.html).

The Restore sells “reusable and surplus building materials to the public,” thereby helping to protect the environment, and is a great place to find knobs, fixtures, and other household items at a much-reduced cost. A couple of years ago, after searching far and wide, I was able to replace the porcelain lid to my toilet that had shattered for only $5. 

The two closest Restores to Monrovia are in Azusa, on Irwindale Avenue, and in Pasadena, on North Fair Oaks Avenue. Both are open Monday-Saturday from 9-5. See the San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity website for more info (http://www.sgvhabitat.org/restore/location). 

Do you have items on a lesser scale of which you need to dispose? Clothing you no longer wear or have outgrown? Appliances in working and/or nonworking order? Toys and games the kids don’t use? Art supplies? Plants or landscaping items? Moving boxes? Consider Freecycling them! (http://www.freecycle.org/)

Freecycle is a “worldwide gifting movement that reduces waste, saves precious resources & eases the burden on our landfills while enabling our members to benefit from the strength of a larger community." There are several chapters close to Monrovia: Arcadia, Glendora, South Pasadena, Baldwin Park, San Gabriel Valley.(http://www.freecycle.org/group/US/California). Volunteers administer the lists and, though most enjoy common rules, each has its own unique guidelines, so read its FAQ carefully. 

So how does it work? Find a group near you and subscribe through their Yahoogroups site. The first thing you must post is something you have to give away. It can be in working or nonworking order, but you must be specific. You may have several people respond, and it is up to you to choose the person to whom you want to gift your materials.

You then make arrangements with them when and where they can pick them up. Often materials are left in a bag on someone’s front porch or on the curb, though you can meet in a public place if you are less than comfortable with providing your address. 

After that, you can ask for what you need. Be reasonable and humble in that which you request. Clothing or shoes of a specific size, a musical instrument for a child just starting out, books and toys for the grandkids to play with at your home would be “reasonable” requests.

Diamond rings, new cars, and other expensive items are frowned upon as request items. By the same token, you may respond to items posted by other Freecyclers. Remember each request may have multiple responders, so you will not always receive the things you ask for. It is important to remember to be a good Freecycler. Don’t just be a taker, be a giver as well! 

My family has enjoyed tremendous success with Freecyling. My daughter-in-law has outfitted my 5-year old granddaughter in some darling clothing she got from Freecycle,and she always Freecycles it and other items that are purchased for the child when she grows to the next level. My sister was able to outfit a spare bedroom for her grandson to use when he came to visit. I recently picked up crafting supplies for my granddaughter’s Daisy Scout Troop. 

The key to Freecycling is to be generous, courteous, and honest. Follow through on commitments made. There is one cardinal rule to Freecycle: No money can change hands in the process. Trading and bartering are also forbidden. 

Reducing clutter, protecting the environment, and benefitting charities and neighbors in need. Sparkly ideas for a brand new year!