Recycle and Reuse

We all have stuff we don't need or want anymore. Why throw it out when there are plenty of people out there that could use it. Just because something may be garbage to you doesn't mean it is to someone else. I always think of where my stuff is going. Besides recycling paper, plastic and aluminum everything else in your home has a place it belongs as well. Giving to charities and goodwill is a great way to add good karma to your belt but always ask your friends or family if they need anything you are getting rid of too. You never know, that plaid shirt you outgrew might look great on your little cousin!

Here are some places you can check out for all your "getting rid of" needs. Remember, there is always a place for your trash and it's not the garbage!

Clothes & Shoes

- If you have old work clothes you don't need anymore or outgrew some of your business gear donate them to people who don't have the money to buy them. Dress for Success helps women around the world look professional on job interviews and Clothes The Deal takes garments and gives them to individuals who can't afford them. Another good organization to look into is Career Gear. They help men look good on their interviews and hopefully get the job!

- For all you ladies out there that are planning on throwing out a dress you aren't into anymore, think again. Visit Donate My Dress and help other girls look beautiful. Whether its an old prom dress or just a simple summer dress all is welcome. Also, check out the Princess Project. Their website is so cute!

- We all grow out of sneakers and even though some may not be worn out we still get rid of them. If you are like me than you tend to buy shoes, never wear them and get rid of them when they are brand new! There are so many people out there who can use a pair of kicks so lend a hand and share the goods. Nike is doing a great thing with their Reuse-A-Shoe program. They take old sneakers and recycle them to help make playgrounds, basketball courts and other sport related surfaces. For more information go to Nike. One World Running and Soles 4 Souls give people in need something to wear on their feet. You can also purchase a pair of kicks at Tom's Shoes and they will donate a pair to children you don't have any.

- Everyone outgrows their coats. Just think of all the jackets your kids go through! The organization, One Warm Coat, is working hard to make sure that everyone has one. Go to their site and find a local coat drive so you can help. Now I hate fur coats for many reasons. The main one being a number of animals suffered for it. If you have one or inherited one donate it to the Humane Society. Their Coats for Cubs program helps orphaned and ingured animals in sanctuaries by giving them comfort. I would say burn it but if it will help animals than that is the better choice!

You can also go to Pick Up Please and they will come to your house and pick up clothes you want to donate for free. It can't be easier than that!

Electronics

- For all you photographers out there donate an old camera to the Kid Camera Project and they will help kids in New Orleans through art therapy. What a great idea! You can also give old cameras to Global Classroom Connection and they will donate them to schools all over the world. Just make sure it still works! If you include your email address they will even send you a photo of the children who received your gift. Now that is awesome. You can also check out Picture Tomorrow and Kids with Cameras.

- If you have an old computer you want to donate visit the World Computer Exchange and you can help developing countries become more educated about technology. Another company, NextStep, recycles old computers by reusing them. They have helped to recycle more than 6 million pounds of waste so far! Through the Recycling Network you can pick who you want to donate to which is pretty cool. Some companies offer free recycling as well. If you buy a computer from Apple, which I recommend that you do, they will recycle your old one at no charge whether its a PC or Mac. They will also do it for a $30 fee if you don't buy a computer. Dell will recycle any of their products for free and there are Sony drop off centers that you can leave your old large Sony electronics.

- Now that everyone has an IPod what do you do with all those cds? You can send them to Discs For Dogs who will resell them and give all profits to the SPCA and help toward the prevention of cruelty to animals. I like that idea! You can also send them to Green Disk, CD Recycling Center of America or make something cool out of them.

- Cell phones are always replaced so there is no excuse not to donate them or recycle them properly. If you go to Collective Good you can pick from a number of charities where you want it donated to. Also, go to Recycle My Cell Phone, Cell Phones for Soldiers and American Cell Phone Drive.

- If you have mp3 players to recycle send them to Recycle for Breast Cancer. They will take all kinds of electronics and they give ou prepaid shipping labels.

Also, check out Recycling for Charities and Gizmodo and to get cash for your electronics go to Gazelle, Youre New, Buy My Tronics and Next Worth. Keep an eye out for a new "Mail Back" program by the United Postal Service. They provide free envelopes for the item you are recycling and makes sure it goes to the right place. Although, it is only in 2 states right now there is word it will spread so cross your fingers!

Everything Else

- How many of you have an old bike just sitting in the garage or the shed out back? Well, the International Bike Fund is where you can find many places to recycle it. You can also visit Recycle a Bicycle.

- I have so many books that I haven't even read them all. Being a collector I will not give them up. But there are some that I just don't need. I am sure you all have some that you can give away too. If its children's books you are ready to donate than go to Book Ends. They accept kids books and give them to schools in Los Angeles. Books For Africa and The Global Book Exchange sends books worldwide. If you want to sell them you can try Amazon, Cash 4 Books, Textbook Wheel and Book Scouter.

- There are a number of charities that take cars as donations, even if they don't run anymore! I know selling your car is the first option, especially with this economy, but if you feel like doing some good than rethink your options. Try visiting Donate Car USA and you will find tons of charities in your area that you can donate to.

- For all you eye glass wearing men and women out there do not throw out your old specs! New Eyes for the Needy helps people in developing nations by giving them everything from glasses to hearing aids. If you go to OneSight you will find many drop-off locations to donate your vision ware as well.

So you see, there is a place for everything. Even things you don't want anymore. Be kind to the earth and recycle and share your goods with people in need. Not only do you make more space in your closet but you help fill someone else's.