By Mary Lynne Murray
Reprinted from Contra Costa Times, October 12, 2002
THIS WEEK is Get Organized Week, as designated by the National
Association of Professional Organizers. In honor of it, here are
some resources to help you toward that end.
A big obstacle to getting organized is knowing where to unload
the excess. You've sorted and purged, kept like things with like,
and you're left with a mountain of things in good condition, but
of no use to you -- things that can be reused.
Before you donate these things, target the charities with meaning
to you. Most of us know someone who has been affected by heart
disease, Alzheimer's, cancer or another health problem. There
are associated charities that raise money for research by selling
donated items through thrift stores. It can be very satisfying
to put your old things back into circulation for a good cause.
But there are other reasons to "reuse" like this.
"Reuse saves natural resources and reduces the amount of
waste sent to landfills," the Contra Costa Solid Waste Authority
states in its Recycle and Reuse Directory. "Reuse is better
for the environment than recycling, because recycling requires
resources, time and money to process materials into new useable
items. Many forms of reuse also help those in need."
For a free directory, call 800-750-4096 or visit www.wastediversion.org.
The Alameda County Waste Management Authority has equivalent
guides. For copies of the Alameda County Resource Catalogue or
Alameda County Recycling Guide 2002, call 877-786-7927 or visit
www.stopwaste.org.
- The Wireless Foundation, which collects wireless phones to
benefit victims of domestic violence. Visit www.wirelessfoundation.org
for drop-off locations.
- Wardrobe for Opportunity provides professional clothing for
low-income women. For East Bay drop-off locations, see www.wardrobe.org
or call 925-935-2146.
- The Bay Area Crisis Nursery (925-685-8052, www.bacn.jkmas.com)
provides temporary housing for children up to 5 years of age
whose parents are in crisis, to prevent child neglect and abuse.
All children's clothing, toys and other items are welcome.
- Contra Costa Times and affiliated newspapers: Freebies can
be advertised free for seven days in the papers' classified
ad section.
- Clean-up days: Your trash-disposal company likely
offers two extra pickups per year at no extra cost. Call to
arrange the date and verify what items can be left on the curb.
- Garage sales: Get neighbors to join you in a blockwide
garage sale. One day -- from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. -- is sufficient.
Let the kids sell drinks and snacks, as well as their own used
items. Call ahead to have a charity pick up useful leftovers
the next week.
With the clutter gone, you'll have not only more room, but more
energy to move forward with your life.
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