The Posh Blog

It’s good to be green, but sometimes being green can pose a few challenges.  One question I have received many times is “what do I do with my old Compact Florescent light bulbs?”  Don’t let your old CF light bulbs clutter up your space simply take them to Home Depot where they have these mini-recycling centers set up (as pictured left).  I was in Home Depot with my family last weekend looking for a new tree for our backyard when I snapped this picture with my cell phone.  Sorry it’s not the best quality.  You can also take your old batteries from power tool, like drills, screwdrivers, etc. to Home Depot for recycling. 

So gather up those recyclables and take them to the Home Depot.   Just in time to clean out the garage for the summer! 

Go green!

Copyright (C) 2010 Angela Ploetz, POSH Space  www.theposhspace.com.

Batteries are one of the most common things I see in people’s homes as we are getting their spaces organized.  In many cases we will fill up a small zip top baggie full of old batteries.  So here is where the debate begins.  Are you supposed to recycle old batteries or can you simply toss them in the trash?  I have always just tossed old batteries in the trash but about two years ago another Professional Organizer told me you were supposed to recycle them.  I felt so guilty for all those years I had been polluting our environment!  But I keep hearing different things from different people, so it’s time to get to the bottom of this!

According to Duracell Battery “It is important not to dispose of large amounts of alkaline batteries in a group. Used batteries are often not completely “dead.” Grouping used batteries together can bring these “live” batteries into contact with one another, creating safety risks. “

So if you are just tossing out one or two batteries it’s technically safe to throw them in the trash, but if you are tossing out large quantities you should recycle them. 

Many battery stores like Batteries Plus  offer battery recycling for many different types of batteries including cell phones, laptops, cordless tools, and more.  There is also a company called Battery Solutions  that sells boxes that you can fill with all different types of batteries.  Once the box is full you ship it to the company at no additional cost to you.  This is perfect for a corporate environment or a place that is using a high volume of batteries per year.

Be sure to designate a specific container for collecting the batteries that way they do not end up scattered around the house or even worse mixed with the good batteries.  Keep the container in your laundry room, utility room, or garage. 

Do you recycle your batteries or toss them out?

Happy recycling!
Angela

Copyright (C) 2010 Angela Ploetz, POSH Space  www.theposhspace.com.

Yogi’s rejoice!  If your old mat has become less than Zen you can feel at peace with letting it go.  Send your old mat to Recycle Your Mat  which recycles worn out mats, donates mats still in good condition, and upcycles mats.  Upcycling means giving the old mat a new life, typically turning something old into something new and completely different.  For example, I have seen old yoga mats turned into water resistant zipper pouches at my local Container Store click here to see them .

Just another way you can reduce your clutter and be environmentally friendly!

Angela

Copyright (C) 2010 Angela Ploetz, POSH Space  www.theposhspace.com.

Remember how important prom was?  Just think if you didn’t have a dress to wear.  Now you can donate your old prom dress or bridesmaids dresses to Donate My Dress.  Donated dresses are given to teenage girls who cannot afford one and are looking for a picture perfect prom. 

Visit Donate My Dress to find dress drop off center near you!

Help clear some clutter and help to make a girls dream day extra special. 

Happy Earth Day!
Angela
 
Copyright (C) 2010 Angela Ploetz, POSH Space  www.theposhspace.com.

If your budding musician has tested more instruments than you have room for you can donate the retired melody makers to Roots of Music (ROM).  This non-profit after school program is based out of New Orleans and teaches children ages 9-14 how to read and play music.  After hurricane Katrina many schools in New Orleans were unable to continue to offer music programs.  ROM currently serves nearly 100 students making up a full fledged marching band. 

Click here  to see what types of instruments and supplies Roots of Music is looking for.

Please be sure instruments are in working order.  If you don’t have a musical instrument but think this is a really cool organization like I do you can also make monetary donations or sponsor a child.  This is such a cool program once you read about everything they do in providing music education, hot meals, transportation, and community for these children you will be hooked.  If you can’t donate spread the word about this unique organization.

Making a difference by clearing your clutter, I love it!

Angela

Copyright (C) 2010 Angela Ploetz, POSH Space  www.theposhspace.com.

If you have been wanting to clear out some closet clutter there is no better time then now.  Bring in your old Jeans to the Gap and they will give you 30% off a new pair.  The Gap has partnered with CottonFromBlueToGreen.org to recycle the jeans and create home insulation. 

This is the perfect time to let go of some of the clothes that no longer represent who you are today while being environmentally conscious.  Then you can buy a new pair of jeans at a great price to go in your beautiful cleaned out closet. 

Don’t delay, this offer ends March 14th!  Click here to see the offer. 

Yet another benefit to cleaning out your closet!

Enjoy!

Angela

Copyright (C) 2010 Angela Ploetz, POSH Space  www.theposhspace.com.