D is for donate...

D  is for donate.... 

I've discussed donation in several of my blogs, and how donating usable items instead of adding to landfills makes sense because it not only helps others, but also helps the planet.  Items can be donated to family, friends, the library, schools, etc. 

http://peaceloveplanet.blogspot.com/2010/04/recycle-reuse-reshare-with-big-bro-big.html 
http://peaceloveplanet.blogspot.com/2010/03/spring-cleaning-day-23-24.html 
http://peaceloveplanet.blogspot.com/2010/03/spring-cleaning-day-17.html 
http://peaceloveplanet.blogspot.com/2010/05/closet-philanthropist.html
http://peaceloveplanet.blogspot.com/2010/02/books-day-6.html 

To locate donation sites in your community, you can google "where to donate used items" or check out some of the following sites and plug in your zipcode.  You can also join FreeCycle to donate many varied items that would otherwise end up in the landfill, you name it, and someone out there wants or needs it, from used doors, to grills, clothes, baby gear, vacuums, sewing machines, mattresses, furniture, etc.  www.freecycle.org You list your items on the site, and members will email you to arrange to pickup the item.   

There are several well known organizations that you can donate to as well: 

• Goodwill - http://locator.goodwill.org/?gclid=CIGzwYTTqKICFUFM5QodbEmuSA   
• Big Brothers Big Sisters (will pickup items at your home) - http://www.kintera.org/site/c.diJKKYPLJvH/b.1539755/k.323E/Donating__Donate_to_Charity_Donate_online_easily_to_Big_Brothers_Big_Sisters.htm
• Local churches often have donation bins outside of the church.    Catholic Charities is an example of churches helping those in need  http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=1724
• Planet Aid - http://blog.planetaid.org/  

 Other sites to check: 

• http://charityguide.org/volunteer/fifteen/clothesshoes.htm 
• To donate shoes, check out http://www.soles4souls.org/about/green.htm 
• You can even donate old keys instead of throwing them out, and Keys for Kindness benefits the MS Society, so the keys stay out of the landfill and the MS Society benefits as well.   http://www.keysforkindness.com/

Donating makes you feel good, keeps useful items out of landfills, and helps others.  It's a WIN-WIN!  Happy Donating!!