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The Joy of Recycling

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My mother had an enormous pile of overalls which my father no longer used, but she didn't know anyone who needed them. One day she heard a woman on the radio say that she wanted to buy overalls because she used the bib tops to make jumpers which she sold to raise money for her favorite charity.

I have systematically been an partisan of recycling. Even though I am not all the time convinced of its financial viability, I am thoroughly convinced of its value as a means of increasing public sense perception of the cost of our consumerism. In the 20+ years I have been in the organizing profession, I have never heard anyone complain that their problem in getting organized was that they didn’t have enough “stuff.”

It doesn’t seem like getting rid of things should be such difficult issue, but in my own experience and in the lives of clients, it often is. I have spent countless hours listening to clients justify why they need to keep garb they haven’t worn in ten years, utensils they aren’t sure how to use, appliance that need repair, artwork they don’t even like -- and, of course, old magazines they’re sure to read some day!

If you have enough room and if you’re willing to pay the price in space and energy, it is possible to keep everything. But if you can’t find what you need today seeing that you’re tripping over what you might need tomorrow, the price may be more than you should be willing to pay. Recycling is often a great solution.

It’s surprising how many ways you can find to recycle the things you aren’t using. Towels and shelf are desperately needed by homeless shelters. Pre-school programs can use calendars with pretty pictures. Local schools are often delighted to have used computer equipment. The Lions Club collects eyeglasses for people who cannot invest to purchase them. (How many pairs do you have in your dresser drawer?)

My mother had an enormous pile of overalls which my father no longer used, but she didn’t know anyone who needed them. She just couldn’t unseat herself to toss them, so she put them in a box in the attic. One day she heard a woman on the radio say that she wanted to buy overalls insofar as she used the bib tops to make jumpers which she sold to raise money for her favorite charity. She didn’t even care if the overalls had holes in them, as she covered them up with decorations and trim. My mother was elated to find a home for the overalls -- and get a account for $10 besides! (One note of caution: Don’t fall in a trap of looking for the perfect recipient -- organizations such as Goodwill Industries can use just about anything, and will give you a receipt for a tax deduction!)

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