With the Green Movement going on, we as consumers need to be more aware of ways to help the environment. Recycling and donating is such an easy way to help out. I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve seen people throwing out old monitors, radios, VCRs, cell phones and other electronic devices. They usually still work, but the people have upgraded to newer equipment and throw out the older stuff for garbage. These things add to dumps and landfills when they could be reused.
I started checking into this because my cousin really needed a computer for college and her parents couldn’t afford one. They could barely afford to help her get her books she needed. I posted for help for a cheaper computer and someone stepped up offering me a free computer that they had laying around after upgrading. How awesome is that? I wanted to provide you all with information to help others if you wanted to get rid of anything.
There are so many ways you can donate or give away your functioning equipment. There are many schools, churches, and thrift stores that would be more than happy to accept anything you give them. Women’s shelters accept cell phones for women in abusive relationships that need to be able to call for help in a moment’s notice.
You could always take things to The Salvation Army or Goodwill. I, personally, don’t like taking things to them because then people have to actually pay for them when they don’t pay anyone for anything they receive. If you are just going to trash something out, this is still a good idea so it doesn’t add to landfills and dumps.
The easiest way to get rid of anything you have is to advertise that you have something for free. Craigslist is an awesome way to do this and usually gives you fast results. I’ve posted toys on there for free pick up, posting my address and what I had. I didn’t want to toss them out because my daughter just had too many for her toy box, but they were still good for another child to use. They were gone within an hour. You could just have them reply to your ad and you could ask them to meet you somewhere if you’re worried about posting your address.
The EPA has a page set up of companies that accept your used electronics. Please check this out for a long list of participating businesses. Don’t forget to donate toys, clothing, and other household items that you just want rid of. There are so many ways that you can help, not only the environment, but the hundreds of thousands of people that could really use a break right now.
