Eco-friendly Zen, declutter your space during America Recycles Day

November 10, 2009

November 15 is America Recycles Day. Though there are some pretty obvious ways to mark the occasion, they don't all have to involve sorting cardboard and plastic or a trip to your local bottle return site.

Consider all of the extra things that you own - are your closets brimming with unused coats, old jeans and too many extra shoes, sweatshirts or dresses to count? Use the day to purge your house of clutter and spread the wealth. Local organizations like Goodwill or the Salvation Army would love to have your discarded wardrobe items. (And wouldn't you be glad to get the extra closet space?)

This can apply to things other than clothing, too. Clutter can build up around us so that we don't even notice it. Stacks of old books, DVDs and VHS tapes can be dropped off at your local library.

Even that kitchen drawer full of plastic shopping bags can be cleaned out. Many supermarkets will take back their plastic bags and recycle them for you.

Before the chaos and excess of Thanksgiving, use America Recycles Day to organize your space and re-purpose the clutter in your life. Everyone wins - you, the environment and your community.