Delaware County's next Household Hazardous Waste Event will be Saturday, June 7, 2014 at Marple Transfer Station, Marpit Drive & Sussex Blvd., Broomall, PA, 19008. Only hazardous waste will be accepted at this event--no electronics.
For more information, see http://www.co.delaware.pa.us/recycle/hhw.html.
Showing posts with label spring cleaning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label spring cleaning. Show all posts
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Recycle Your Household Hazardous Waste on May 3
Delaware County will host the first Household Hazardous Waste Recycling Event on the spring on Saturday, May 3, 2014 at the Emergency Services Training Center, 1700 Calcon Hook Road, Darby, PA 19079.
Computers, portable TVs, and small electronics (excluding items containing Freon) will also be collected at this event.
For more information, see http://www.co.delaware.pa.us/recycle/hhw.html.
Computers, portable TVs, and small electronics (excluding items containing Freon) will also be collected at this event.
For more information, see http://www.co.delaware.pa.us/recycle/hhw.html.
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Shredding Events in Spring 2014
It’s that time again! Paper shredding event season has
begun. Here is a list of shredding events in the Delaware Valley this spring.
Please contact me
if you would like to add events or if you have corrections to these events. If
you are planning to attend an event, it’s wise to check the website or call or
e-mail to make sure the event isn’t canceled due to weather or other
circumstances.
If you can't wait for an event, try drop-off shredding services from Staples, Office Depot, Wiggins, or Mail Source (Springfield) for about $1 per pound. (Thanks for the tip, Donna!)
Happy shredding!
If you can't wait for an event, try drop-off shredding services from Staples, Office Depot, Wiggins, or Mail Source (Springfield) for about $1 per pound. (Thanks for the tip, Donna!)
Happy shredding!
MARCH
Saturday, March 22,
2014
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Whitemarsh Township
Whitemarsh Township
4021 Joshua Rd.
Miles Park - Lower Parking Lot
Lafayette Hill, PA 19444
APRIL
Friday, April 4, 2014
3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
West Chester Wiggins Auto Tags
1301 West Chester Pike
West Chester, PA 19380
West Chester, PA 19380
2 paper grocery bags are $10.00
Saturday, April 5,
2014
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Luther Woods Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
313 W. County Line Rd
Hatboro, PA 19040
Hatboro, PA 19040
http://www.shredone.com/community-shredding-events
Saturday, April 5, 2014
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Shred A Thon at United Savings Bank (Thanks, Jackie!)
301 E Baltimore Pike
Springfield, PA 19064
http://www.unitedsavingsbank.com/branches.aspx
Saturday, April 5, 2014
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Shred A Thon at United Savings Bank (Thanks, Jackie!)
301 E Baltimore Pike
Springfield, PA 19064
http://www.unitedsavingsbank.com/branches.aspx
Saturday, April 12,
2014
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Abington Township Public Works
2201 Florey Lane
Abington, PA 19001
(Residents Only)
Saturday, April 12,
2014
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
EZ Storage – Montgomeryville
289 Dekalb Pike
North Wales, PA 19454
Saturday, April 12,
2014
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Friends of Easttown Public Library
720 First Ave.
Berwyn, PA 19312
Saturday, April 12,
2014
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Montgomery Cty Comm
Perkiomen Valley Middle School East
100 Kagey Road, entrance on Campus Drive
Collegeville, PA 19426
(Residents Only)
Saturday, April 12,
2014
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Perkiomen Valley Middle School East
100 Kagey Road (enter on Campus Drive)
Collegeville, PA 19426
NBC's Great Shredder Event (Thanks, Dan!)
Wells Fargo Center
See http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/contact-us/community/ for updates.
Wells Fargo Center
See http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/contact-us/community/ for updates.
Saturday, April 19,
2014
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Amity Township Crime Watch
Amity Township Crime Watch
Redner’s Market
Intersection of Rt. 422 and Rt. 662
Douglasville, PA 19518
Saturday, April 19,
2014
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
State Rep. Kevin J. Schreiber
State Rep. Kevin J. Schreiber
101 South George Street
York, PA 17401
Saturday, April 26,
2014
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
American Heritage FCU Main Office
2060 Red Lion Road
Philadelphia, PA 19115
Saturday, April 26,
2014
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
American Heritage FCU Rhawn Street Branch
430 Rhawn Street
Philadelphia, PA 19111
Saturday, April 26,
2014
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
American Heritage FCU Horsham/Maple Avenue Branch
339 Maple Avenue
Horsham, PA 19044
Saturday, April 26,
2014
9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Merck Sharp & Dohme Federal Credit Union Chalfont Branch
335 West Butler Avenue
Chalfont, PA 18914
Saturday, April 26,
2014
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Philadelphia Fed Credit Union Operations Center
12800 Townsend Road
Philadelphia, PA 19154
(Residents Only)
MAY
Friday, May 2, 2014
3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
West Chester Wiggins Auto Tags
1301 West Chester Pike
West Chester, PA 19380
West Chester, PA 19380
2 paper grocery bags are $10.00
Saturday, May 3, 2014
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Buckingham Township Public Works Building
4991 Upper Mountain Road
Buckingham, PA 18912
(Residents Only)
Saturday, May 3, 2014
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
First National Bank & Trust of Newtown
Bucks County Community College
272 Swamp Road
Newtown, PA 18940
Saturday, May 3, 2014
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Middletown Township
3 Municipal Way
Langhorne, PA 19047
(Residents only)
Saturday, May 3, 2014
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Rider University General Services Building
2083 Lawrenceville Road
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
(Rider University Faculty, Staff, Students & Alumni
only)
Saturday, May 3, 2014
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Schuykill Township
Schuykill Township
(CAT Pickering on Charlestown Road)
1580 Charlestown Road
Phoenixville, PA 19460
Saturday, May 3, 2014
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
State Rep. Nick Miccarelli
State Rep. Nick Miccarelli
605 E. Chester Pike
Ridley Park, PA 19078
Saturday, May 3, 2014
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
York Township
York Township
190 Oak Road
Dallastown, PA 17313
Saturday, May 10,
2014
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
State Rep Warren Kampf
State Rep Warren Kampf
422 Business Center
Mill Road
Oaks, PA 19456
Saturday, May 10,
2014
9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
State Rep. Mike McGeehan
Linden Avenue Boat Launch
Linden Ave. & Delaware Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19114
Saturday, May 10,
2014
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
State Senator Stack
Parkwood Shopping Center
12361 Academy Road
Philadelphia, PA 19114
Saturday, May 10,
2014
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
First Federal of Bucks County
Bucks County Community College – Lower Bucks
1304 Veterans Highway
Bristol, PA 19007
Saturday, May 17,
2014
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Borough of Media
Borough of Media
301 North Jackson Street
Media, PA 19063
Saturday, May 17,
2014
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Bucks First Federal Credit Union
Bucks County Tech. High School
610 Wistar Road
Fairless Hills, PA 19030
Saturday, May 17,
2014
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
West Chester Wiggins Auto Tags
1301 West Chester Pike
West Chester, PA 19380
West Chester, PA 19380
2 paper grocery bags are $10.00
Saturday, May 17,
2014
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Williams Township
Municipal Office
655 Cider Press Road
Easton, PA 18042
(Residents only)
Saturday, May 31, 2014
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
1400 East Passyunk Avenue & Reed
Philadelphia, PA 19147
JUNE
Friday, June 6, 2014
3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
West Chester Wiggins Auto Tags
1301 West Chester Pike
West Chester, PA 19380
West Chester, PA 19380
2 paper grocery bags are $10.00
Saturday, June 21,
2014
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Montgomery Cty Comm
Copper Beach Elementary School
825 North Easton Road
Glenside, PA 19038
(Residents Only)
Saturday, June 21,
2014
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
West Chester Wiggins Auto Tags
1301 West Chester Pike
West Chester, PA 19380
West Chester, PA 19380
2 paper grocery bags are $10.00
Saturday, June 28,
2014
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Doylestown EAC Central Park
Wells Road
Doylestown, PA 18901
JULY
Saturday, July 12,
2014
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Abington Township Public Works
2201 Florey Lane
Abington, PA 19001
(Residents Only)
Friday, May 10, 2013
NBC Shredding Event in Philadelphia
NBC Channel 10 Philadelphia will host a paper shredding event at the Navy Yard (4747 South Broad Street, Philadelphia) on May 18, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Volunteers from the National Association of Professionals-Greater Philadelphia Chapter (NAPO-GPC) will be there to help. Visit the NBC website for more information.
Friday, April 26, 2013
Shredding Event and Electronics Collection on May 4
Representative Joe Hackett will host a shredding event on Saturday, May 4, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. In conjunction with this event, Covanta Energy Corporation will host a free electronics collection to help residents recycle electronics. Both events will take place at the Brookhaven Borough Building, 2 Cambridge Road in Brookhaven.If you have any questions on what can be shredded or recycled, call 610-461-5543.
Friday, April 5, 2013
Hazardous Waste Recycling Event May 4
Delaware County will host a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Recycling Event from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, 2013 at Marple Transfer Station at Marpit Drive & Sussex Boulevard, Broomall, PA 19008. Visit http://www.co.delaware.pa.us/recycle/hhw.html for more information.
Thursday, March 7, 2013
E-Waste Recycling and Hard Drive Shredding Event April 6
On April 6, 2013 the Mother of Providence Regional School Student Technology Club "The iSquad" under the direction of technology teacher, Preston Tyrrell, will be hosting an electronic recycling event at the school. This event will be open to anyone and everyone the community.
They are collecting:
On April 6th, from 8:00 to 1:00 during the event, they will also have a hard drive shredder on location to destroy any hard drive and its personal information.
The Electronic Recycling Event will be held at Mother of Providence School, 607 South Providence Road, Wallingford, PA 19086 next to St. John Chrysostom Church. For more information please visit the website at http://www.mpregional.org or contact Preston Tyrrell at ptyrrell@mpregional.org or 610-656-3859.
They are collecting:
- Computers
- Laptops
- Printers
- Cell Phone
- Scanners
- Photo Copiers
- Office Equipment
- Fax Machines
- Digital Camera
- Servers
- Car Batteries
- Networking Equipment
- Switches
- Routers
- And any old Chargers and Power Cords
On April 6th, from 8:00 to 1:00 during the event, they will also have a hard drive shredder on location to destroy any hard drive and its personal information.
The Electronic Recycling Event will be held at Mother of Providence School, 607 South Providence Road, Wallingford, PA 19086 next to St. John Chrysostom Church. For more information please visit the website at http://www.mpregional.org or contact Preston Tyrrell at ptyrrell@mpregional.org or 610-656-3859.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Hazardous Waste and E-Waste Recycling April 6
Delaware County will host a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Recycling Event from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at the Emergency Services Training Center at 1700 Calcon Hook Road, Sharon Hill, PA 19079.
Delaware County has expanded what can be accepted at this Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events to include most small E-Waste. Simply stated, if it has a cord, does not contain Freon (air conditioners, dehumidifiers, small refrigerators), and is not considered a large appliance, they will accept it. Visit http://www.co.delaware.pa.us/recycle/hhw.html for more information.
Delaware County has expanded what can be accepted at this Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events to include most small E-Waste. Simply stated, if it has a cord, does not contain Freon (air conditioners, dehumidifiers, small refrigerators), and is not considered a large appliance, they will accept it. Visit http://www.co.delaware.pa.us/recycle/hhw.html for more information.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Electronic Waste Recycling in Upper Chichester, PA
Electronic Friday Recycling Event
April 27, 2012
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Upper Chichester Municipal Building
8500 Furey Road
Upper Chichester, PA 19061
http://www.co.delaware.pa.us/recycle/ewasterecycle.html
Friday, April 6, 2012
Household Hazardous Waste Recycling Event in Broomall, PA
Saturday, April 21, 2012
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Marple Transfer Station
Marpit Drive & Sussex Blvd.
Broomall, PA 19008
*ONLY HAZARDOUS WASTE WILL BE ACCEPTED AT THIS EVENT
http://www.co.delaware.pa.us/recycle/hhw.html
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
When Can I Get These Chores Done!?!
Now that it’s spring, you many be tempted to do some much-needed spring cleaning. But how do you find the time with all of those regular chores to do? Here are some ideas on how to schedule your chores so you don’t feel like a maid and you have time to do the things you really want to do.
1. Make a list of chores for your home. Brainstorm all of your chores, including spring cleaning chores. Write down every task that needs to be done in your house on a regular basis.
2. Mark how often you’d like to do each chore. On your list, estimate how often you’d like to accomplish each task: weekly, monthly, semi-annually, annually, etc.
3. Estimate how long it takes to do each chore. Based on your experience with these chores in the past, write down how long it takes to do each task on your list.
4. Assign chores to your schedule. Look at your weekly availability and determine when you can reasonably accomplish the weekly tasks. Do the same for monthly, etc. If you take an evening class or go to the gym on Tuesday nights, it may not be a good idea to schedule two hours of chores on that night.
5. Delegate. Try to reinforce the importance of these chores to your household. Give them each a chore that they can handle and that work with their schedules. Can one of your children be in charge of the trash and recycling? Can your spouse take care of loading the dishwasher and running it if you take care of emptying it? Can you hire someone to mow the lawn, clean the bathrooms, walk the dog, etc.?
6. It’s all too much! If your outcome still seems too overwhelming, it’s time to let some chores go. If your chore schedule shows that you are spending too many hours cleaning on one or two days, see if there’s anything you can make biweekly. Most likely, a room won’t fall apart if it has to wait an extra week. Prioritize your chores and stick to your schedule, and you will have more time to do other things.
For spring cleaning ideas and laundry ideas, please search this blog.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
The Great Closet Clean Out!
The Great Dames of Delaware are collecting clothing and shoes of all sizes for their Great Closet Clean-out on Friday, April 15. Here is their info:
THE 2011 GREAT CLOSET CLEAN OUT
A Career Clothing Drive sponsored by Great Dames Inc. & Pettinaro Relocation
FRIDAY, APRIL 15
9:00 am to 1:00 pm
The Towers at Greenville 210 Presidential Drive, Wilmington, DE
Additional drop-off locations online at www.great-dames.com/events
Who will benefit
The Clothing Bank of Delaware, Great Stuff (DE Breast Cancer Coalition) Shoes 2 Share
What we need
New or gently-used, clean business and dress attire for women and men in any size, shape or color
How to participate
Gather career clothing, preferably on hangers or in closed bags and bring your donations to The Towers at Greenville
For more information
Heather Hake at HeatherHake@Great-Dames.com or 610.389.4710
THE 2011 GREAT CLOSET CLEAN OUT
A Career Clothing Drive sponsored by Great Dames Inc. & Pettinaro Relocation
FRIDAY, APRIL 15
9:00 am to 1:00 pm
The Towers at Greenville 210 Presidential Drive, Wilmington, DE
Additional drop-off locations online at www.great-dames.com/events
Who will benefit
The Clothing Bank of Delaware, Great Stuff (DE Breast Cancer Coalition) Shoes 2 Share
What we need
New or gently-used, clean business and dress attire for women and men in any size, shape or color
How to participate
Gather career clothing, preferably on hangers or in closed bags and bring your donations to The Towers at Greenville
For more information
Heather Hake at HeatherHake@Great-Dames.com or 610.389.4710
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
What Do I Do With This Stuff?
I recently wrote a column on how getting organized and reducing your purchases also can help the environment. In celebration of Earth Day later this month, I want to share with you some ways to responsibly dispose of items that you are purging as you organize your home.
That box of wires
Everyone I run into seems to have a box of wires! This box can contain power cords, adapters, extension cords and power strips that may or may not work or fit anything that you own. The Delaware County Solid Waste Authority hosts regular electronics recycling events along with their household hazardous waste (HHW) recycling events. The next event is on April 9 in Darby, PA. See http://www.co.delaware.pa.us/recycle/hhw.html or call 610-892-9627 for details and future events. The Earth Care Council will collect electronics recycling at their Delaware County Environmental Fair on April 9, as well. See http://earthcarecouncil.org/index.htm. If you cannot make it to one of these events, consider donating items to Impact Thrift Stores (http://www.impactthrift.org) or call your local Staples or Best Buy store.
Cell phones
As well as bringing old cell phones to the above-listed electronics recycling events, you can donate old cell phones at many Delaware County municipal buildings and at every Delaware County Library System (DCLS) member library. Visit http://www.delcolibraries.org for a list of public libraries.
Paper (that I don’t want anyone to get a hold of)
Shred it! The Delaware County Environmental Fair in April will offer free shredding. Also, the National Association of Professional Organizers-Greater Philadelphia Chapter (NAPO-GPC, http://www.napo-gpc.org) will host a free shredding event at IKEA Conshohocken on April 30. Many municipalities offer free shredding as well. If you need to get it shredded now, Wiggins Shredding in West Chester offers shredding services for a small fee.
Medications
The Drug Enforcement Administration is hosting a “Got Drugs? National Take Back Initiative” event on April 30 at many police departments. See http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/index.html or call 1-800-882-9539 to find a drop-off center near you.
Glasses
Lions Clubs accept used glasses for donation to people in third-world countries. The Aston Township Lions Club has a drop-box in Aston. You can find your local Lions Club by using the search on http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/our-work/sight-programs/eyeglass-recycling/how-you-can-help.php. Or mail your glasses to Lions Clubs International Headquarters, Attn: Receiving Department, 300 W. 22nd Street, Oak Brook, IL 60523.
For information about other regions’ recycling resources, visit my website at http://www.saralong.com and click on “Resources.”
That box of wires
Everyone I run into seems to have a box of wires! This box can contain power cords, adapters, extension cords and power strips that may or may not work or fit anything that you own. The Delaware County Solid Waste Authority hosts regular electronics recycling events along with their household hazardous waste (HHW) recycling events. The next event is on April 9 in Darby, PA. See http://www.co.delaware.pa.us/recycle/hhw.html or call 610-892-9627 for details and future events. The Earth Care Council will collect electronics recycling at their Delaware County Environmental Fair on April 9, as well. See http://earthcarecouncil.org/index.htm. If you cannot make it to one of these events, consider donating items to Impact Thrift Stores (http://www.impactthrift.org) or call your local Staples or Best Buy store.
Cell phones
As well as bringing old cell phones to the above-listed electronics recycling events, you can donate old cell phones at many Delaware County municipal buildings and at every Delaware County Library System (DCLS) member library. Visit http://www.delcolibraries.org for a list of public libraries.
Paper (that I don’t want anyone to get a hold of)
Shred it! The Delaware County Environmental Fair in April will offer free shredding. Also, the National Association of Professional Organizers-Greater Philadelphia Chapter (NAPO-GPC, http://www.napo-gpc.org) will host a free shredding event at IKEA Conshohocken on April 30. Many municipalities offer free shredding as well. If you need to get it shredded now, Wiggins Shredding in West Chester offers shredding services for a small fee.
Medications
The Drug Enforcement Administration is hosting a “Got Drugs? National Take Back Initiative” event on April 30 at many police departments. See http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/index.html or call 1-800-882-9539 to find a drop-off center near you.
Glasses
Lions Clubs accept used glasses for donation to people in third-world countries. The Aston Township Lions Club has a drop-box in Aston. You can find your local Lions Club by using the search on http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/our-work/sight-programs/eyeglass-recycling/how-you-can-help.php. Or mail your glasses to Lions Clubs International Headquarters, Attn: Receiving Department, 300 W. 22nd Street, Oak Brook, IL 60523.
For information about other regions’ recycling resources, visit my website at http://www.saralong.com and click on “Resources.”
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Free Shredding and Computer Recycling at Environmental Event
Free shredding at the Delco Environmental Fair on April 9!
Homeearthcarecouncil.org
Homeearthcarecouncil.org
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Going Green
Getting organized is a very green process, as you "reduce" the clutter you have and new clutter you’ll buy, "reuse" items you had forgotten about, and "recycle" items you give to others or dispose of properly. While it seems like you may be throwing away a bunch of stuff, getting organized often convinces you to consume less and to concentrate on the items that are really important to you. If you are having trouble deciding how to dispose of items in an eco-friendly manner, here are some ideas.
Limit Trash
As you sort, have bins for recyclable materials such as paper, plastic, glass, and aluminum. (Remember to shred anything that has personal information on it.) One of the hardest things to do as you organize is to decide what to do with items that are broken but that cannot be recycled. Be honest with yourself about when and if you will repair these items, and set deadlines for the items you keep. The items you don’t keep can be disposed of at a hazardous waste event in your community.
Reuse Organizing Supplies
Repurpose boxes, baskets and bins from other places in your home for organizing projects in your office, closets, and kitchen. Not only does this reduce clutter, but it reduces how many new items you have to purchase.
Recycle Clothing
Recycle clothing by making old clothes into rags for cleaning or carwashes. Or, create a few "work clothes" outfits for gardening, car repair, etc. Remember to be realistic with yourself about how many rags and work clothes you really need to keep.
Donate Items
Donate any unwanted clothing to your local thrift shop, a clothing donation bin, or to programs such as "Operation Warm" or "Dress For Success." Books and magazines can go to libraries, thrift shops, community centers, retirement communities, churches, or prisons. Drop off old cell phones at libraries or government buildings to be refurbished and given to those in need. Donate old towels to veterinary offices and SPCAs who use them for the animals.
Reduce New Purchases
Completing organizing projects is a good way to assess how much clutter you have and to gain a new perspective on your purchasing practices. Use the pleasure you gain from your successful projects to resolve to buy fewer new items in the future. You’ll find that reducing your own consumerism will help the environment and add simplicity to your life.
Limit Trash
As you sort, have bins for recyclable materials such as paper, plastic, glass, and aluminum. (Remember to shred anything that has personal information on it.) One of the hardest things to do as you organize is to decide what to do with items that are broken but that cannot be recycled. Be honest with yourself about when and if you will repair these items, and set deadlines for the items you keep. The items you don’t keep can be disposed of at a hazardous waste event in your community.
Reuse Organizing Supplies
Repurpose boxes, baskets and bins from other places in your home for organizing projects in your office, closets, and kitchen. Not only does this reduce clutter, but it reduces how many new items you have to purchase.
Recycle Clothing
Recycle clothing by making old clothes into rags for cleaning or carwashes. Or, create a few "work clothes" outfits for gardening, car repair, etc. Remember to be realistic with yourself about how many rags and work clothes you really need to keep.
Donate Items
Donate any unwanted clothing to your local thrift shop, a clothing donation bin, or to programs such as "Operation Warm" or "Dress For Success." Books and magazines can go to libraries, thrift shops, community centers, retirement communities, churches, or prisons. Drop off old cell phones at libraries or government buildings to be refurbished and given to those in need. Donate old towels to veterinary offices and SPCAs who use them for the animals.
Reduce New Purchases
Completing organizing projects is a good way to assess how much clutter you have and to gain a new perspective on your purchasing practices. Use the pleasure you gain from your successful projects to resolve to buy fewer new items in the future. You’ll find that reducing your own consumerism will help the environment and add simplicity to your life.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Spring Cleaning
When this time of year rolls around, I always feel better when I finish a few key spring cleaning chores. It washes the winter out of my house, along with those stuffy, closed-up winter smells. If you don’t know where to start your spring cleaning ritual, here are some ideas.
1. Start at the top. This time of year is a great time to clean your ceiling fans and light fixtures. Most light fixtures will unscrew with a basic flathead or Phillips head screwdriver. I usually suggest cleaning from the top first because dust falls as you clean, so why try to fight gravity?
2. Launder everything. Have you ever asked yourself “when was the last time I washed that?” Include washing draperies, pillows, comforters, and dust ruffles in your spring cleaning ritual. Pet-owners and smokers: you will be amazed at how washing fabrics freshens the air in your house. It’s one of those old open house “staging” tricks. If you are lucky enough to get a particularly nice spring day, hang items on your clothesline. If it’s too overwhelming to wash them all at home, spend a few hours taking up four or five machines at a laundromat. Or, better yet, get them dry-cleaned. Just don’t forget to read the labels!
3. Shampoo the carpets. It’s worth it to call a professional shampooing service because they will move the furniture and do the legwork. If you want to do it yourself, though, you can rent a shampooing machine from many supermarkets, home repair stores, or department stores. If you have pets, have kids, or smoke, think about purchasing a shampooer and doing it more often, section by section.
4. Get rid of expired items. Take time to look through your refrigerator, kitchen cabinets, and bathroom cabinets for expired items. You may be surprised at items that have expiration dates. For example, did you know that sun block expires? So does bottled water. Feeling guilty about all the garbage? Take preventative measures: make a list of new items to buy, but only include items you actually used in the past year. Any other items can be bought or borrowed in an emergency.
5. Sort and purge before buying anything. I know, I know, all of the stores are having sales on organizing supplies. Resist the urge to buy new bins, boxes, shelves, and hangers before you actually go through your stuff. Many people wind up buying eight bins at a sale, when they really need only four. Then extra supplies become part of the clutter. I know it’s tempting, but be strong!
1. Start at the top. This time of year is a great time to clean your ceiling fans and light fixtures. Most light fixtures will unscrew with a basic flathead or Phillips head screwdriver. I usually suggest cleaning from the top first because dust falls as you clean, so why try to fight gravity?
2. Launder everything. Have you ever asked yourself “when was the last time I washed that?” Include washing draperies, pillows, comforters, and dust ruffles in your spring cleaning ritual. Pet-owners and smokers: you will be amazed at how washing fabrics freshens the air in your house. It’s one of those old open house “staging” tricks. If you are lucky enough to get a particularly nice spring day, hang items on your clothesline. If it’s too overwhelming to wash them all at home, spend a few hours taking up four or five machines at a laundromat. Or, better yet, get them dry-cleaned. Just don’t forget to read the labels!
3. Shampoo the carpets. It’s worth it to call a professional shampooing service because they will move the furniture and do the legwork. If you want to do it yourself, though, you can rent a shampooing machine from many supermarkets, home repair stores, or department stores. If you have pets, have kids, or smoke, think about purchasing a shampooer and doing it more often, section by section.
4. Get rid of expired items. Take time to look through your refrigerator, kitchen cabinets, and bathroom cabinets for expired items. You may be surprised at items that have expiration dates. For example, did you know that sun block expires? So does bottled water. Feeling guilty about all the garbage? Take preventative measures: make a list of new items to buy, but only include items you actually used in the past year. Any other items can be bought or borrowed in an emergency.
5. Sort and purge before buying anything. I know, I know, all of the stores are having sales on organizing supplies. Resist the urge to buy new bins, boxes, shelves, and hangers before you actually go through your stuff. Many people wind up buying eight bins at a sale, when they really need only four. Then extra supplies become part of the clutter. I know it’s tempting, but be strong!
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Spring Into Cleaning
If you're like me, the last thing you want to do when the weather starts to get warm is to stay inside and clean, but I always feel better when I finish a few key spring cleaning chores. It washes the winter out of my house, along with those stuffy, closed-up winter smells. If you don't know where to start your spring cleaning ritual, here are some ideas.
1. Start at the top. This time of year is a great time to clean your ceiling fans and light fixtures. Most light fixtures will unscrew with a basic flathead or Phillips head screwdriver. I usually suggest cleaning from the top first because dust falls as you clean, so why try to fight gravity?
2. Launder everything. Have you ever asked yourself "when was the last time I washed that?" Include washing draperies, pillows, comforters, and dust ruffles in your spring cleaning ritual. Pet-owners and smokers: you will be amazed at how washing fabrics freshens the air in your house. It's one of those old open house "staging" tricks. If you are lucky enough to get a particularly nice spring day, hang items on your clothesline. If it's too overwhelming to wash them all at home, spend a few hours taking up four or five machines at a laundromat. Or, better yet, get them dry-cleaned. Just don't forget to read the labels!
4. Get rid of expired items. Take time to look through your refrigerator, kitchen cabinets, and bathroom cabinets for expired items. You may be surprised at items that have expiration dates. For example, did you know that sun block expires? So does bottled water. Feeling guilty about all the garbage? Take preventative measures: make a list of new items to buy, but only include items you actually used in the past year. Any other items can be bought or borrowed in an emergency.
5. Sort and purge before buying anything. I know, I know, all of the stores are having sales on organizing equipment. Resist the urge to buy new shelves, bins, boxes, and hangers before you actually go through your stuff. You will probably wind up buying eight bins in a sale, when you only really need four. Extra racks and bags become part of the clutter. I know it's tempting, but be
strong!
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