A lot of us have old stuff lying around the house. Some of us can't throw things out because we think they are still perfectly useful even if we're not using them. Some things can sold at garage sales, classified ads or Craigslist. However, some things, despite the value we think they have, are not worth much.
One of the number one things that people tend to hang on to but end up being almost worthless are books. I personally believe books are the most valuable but that's me. If you have old books and can't throw them out post them on BookMooch which is a book exchange program. You can post books you want and books you have and their is a point system where you earn points for books you post and books you give away. You then redeem points for the ones you want. I've linked to the about page for more details. There are multiple languages as well. You have to pay to mail the book to the moocher but you can get books for free so I figure you should break even.
Another way to get rid of stuff is Freecycle. It is basically a free classified where you give stuff away to people who are willing to come and get it. You can also post requests for items. The system is based on towns so you can find things in your local area and local people can come and get your stuff.
Two great ways to get rid of things we can't bear to toss away.
18 comments:
Great Blog! I started one dealing with some similar issues. www/gogreenforme.blogspot.com. Maybe we could do a link exchange? I hear ya with the book thing.
This is a great Blog, very nice. I have a blog.
http://escolalatinocoelho-escolasaudavel.blogspot.com/
Portugal
I try to go for reusing whenever I can - which means lending books to people who I think will benefit from them (even if only because they're fun) but you're right books are somehow far harder to get rid of emotionally.
I love that you are discussing important issues :) eventhough my blog might not state any of these topics. I am heavily into our environmental impacts and wanted to congratulate you on sharing this with the world :)
Swaptree.com is another nice exchange website. It's a great way to make use of all my ridiculous impulse buying...
Great Blog!!!!
I am just completed a posting on stuff how much it controls us. I am glad to read this! Good work. Buy second hand!
YAY! Good job. If we can help people get rid of stuff resposibly, that is great, now for the issue of addiction to stuff...check out my posting on this
http://marielondon.blogspot.com/2008/01/stuff-cant-live-with-it-cant-throw-it.html
Another great way to recycle used books is to donate them to local hospitals and nursing homes. A lot of the residents have no way to obtain them and really enjoy the distraction.
Good stuff! So true about the books. I have tons that I don't want to get rid of because I feel I will need to reference them one day. Thanks for the site.
Usually I turn my old stuff into art crafts and design concepts, I still may use freecycle though, specially when I can't find the thing I need in my stuff :] that's very useful, thanks ^^
but I emotionally bounded with my books, I even like it's paper smell! So, I don't think I'll exchange them with anyone^^;
Greta topic. I feel like I spend 1/2 my life looking for places to donate things. I second what About posted; nursing homes, senior centers, schools, libraries, etc. are great places for books. Toys can be donated to daycares, nursery schools, hospitals. Here in NYC there are some great organizations for giving larger items a second life. Just takes a little research to find them. A group called Baby Buggy takes old strollers, high chairs, cribs, clothes etc. off your hands. (Any moms out there know how hard it is to unload those little space piggies when you are down with them. I have even stopped pregnant women in my building I don't know to ask them what they needed.) They work with social services to place things directly into the hands of those who need them. Another idea for those who don't have such organizations is to host themed swaps- baby gear, books, even household junk. For the extra motivated- you could even create your own group.
WOW!!! I am so happy I stopped by, I will be passing this information on to all my friends. Where was this blog Saturday when I cleaned out my house of clutter? Well at least now I know.
Some Great Sites!!!!
Great post. I totally agree with you about the books.
Thanks for all the comments and sharing other ideas on how to keep our "stuff" alive and minimizing waste.
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I'm new to your blog and am finding it fascinating. I just started a blog to document a year without buying anything new--so this post is particularly helpful!
www.mysecond-handlife.blogspot.com
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