Greener cleaner
There is no 'away'
Check your personal (chemical) exposure
Individuals making a difference
Some things you can do right now
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Now that you’ve cleaned you house, basement, garage and attic, what are you going to do with all the stuff you want to get rid of?

For a lot of us, out of sight is out of mind. If we can’t see something, it doesn’t exist – a particular problem when it comes to waste.  Don’t want something? Throw it away. Pour it down the drain. Presto, it’s all gone. More and more, people realize there is no ‘away’ or ‘gone’. Stuff we chuck simply piles up in the landfills, leaches into the ground, poisons the water table. What’s the solution?

One person’s trash is another’s treasure. Donate what’s useful to a worthy cause. Faith groups and hospitals run thrift shops. The Canadian Diabetes Association will pick up certain items (check their lists!) right at your door.

Hold a garage or rummage sale. Even better, pool your resources with your neighbors and do a big splashy weekend community sale (a great way to celebrate Earth Day - you can even list your event here.) Got older kids and don’t know what to do with your infant and toddler toys and equipment? Gather ‘em up, make sure there are no pieces missing and organize a fund raiser for a local school or day care. One Parent Advisory Committee we know raised $1200 in one day at their event.

Ever heard of freecycling or free sharing? It’s a way to find someone to treasure your too-good-for-the-trash trash. Stuff must be free, legal and appropriate for all ages. Simply join a group near you and post your listing. Persons picking up agree to do so at no cost. There’s even a ‘free’ category on Craigslist.

Humans keep making molecules nature has never had to deal with before. If your leftovers include hazardous wastes (paint, pesticides, flammable liquids, etc) look here for tips on safe disposal. Keep your used computers and other electronics out of our landfills (and those of other countries, where they often end up...) by contacting the manufacturer or from groups such as the Electronics Recycling Association Use this tool for recycling rechargeable batteries and cell phones.

You’ve green cleaned your home and garden. What about your bod?

Next >> Check your personal (chemical) exposure

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