Editor’s Notes: Gadgets and gizmos a-plenty
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Since mid-spring, brightly colored, hand-written signs have popped up all over the Mid-Ohio Valley to promote sales in which one person's trash becomes another's treasure. Whether you call them yard sales, garage sales or "Huge, multi-family, can't miss!" sales, they are a sign not only of the season, but of many people's desire to declutter responsibly.
What has become a weekend tradition for families and friend groups is also an opportunity for people who are cleaning out their homes to get rid of the excess without throwing it away. It's the top tier of the sell, donate, recycle or throw away ladder.
One local family caught my eye when I drove past their sign, which included a clever use of a snippet from one of Disney's hits that had me singing all day. (I would have loved to see another sign a few feet down the road that said "You want thingamabobs? We've got 20!!" But I can't complain about the effort - I'll be stopping by.)
I know it's the practice for a lot of people to regularly clear their homes of stuff that is just taking up space. I'm not one of those people, though every year I think of the mega-sale I could hold if I'd just let go of a few things.
I was told I could start with my books, by a person who knew exactly what kind of reaction he would get from me. I will not be starting with my books. In fact, I might acquire a few more this weekend.
But for those who are able to regularly let it go (more Disney!) it is encouraging to think about the options. Very little of it has to be thrown away.
If you aren't up for a sale, there are plenty of local organizations that will put your donated items to good use -- though it's a good idea to call ahead if you've got a lot. And please, don't donate items that are not in good condition. You are not helping anyone if you pass along damaged junk.
The Salvation Army, ARC of the Mid-Ohio Valley, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Goodwill and even (especially if you ARE someone who can let go of books) local churches will gladly accept items that can actually be resold or help a client.
There are plenty of local (public and private) recycling centers and companies that can help with anything from cardboard to scrap metal. Heck, if you fill the entire back of your SUV with plastic detergent and cat litter jugs that have accumulated over six months (I blame the addition of another cat), and drive them to the Wood County Recycling Center to toss into one of the well-labeled bins, no one will bat an eye.
Think of the process in terms of whether the items your family has grown out of will be perfect for an individual or family just reaching that phase. And, whether you would not be embarrassed to acknowledge that YOU were the person who donated the item.
If you cringe at the thought of someone else picking up your stained, torn and too-small t-shirt for consideration, move on to the recycle or throw away options.
Don't throw away until you have considered recycling. (Clothes can be recycled, too.)
And then, if there is no other option, be sure to dispose of the item properly. If that means calling your sanitation company to find out how, do it.
If you can't tell, I'm giving myself a little pep talk here. I'm going to make a dent in the mess this year. Really. Probably ...
If my progress stalls, it's because I've found a long lost book and am tucked away in a corner surrounded by the other piles. But I'll get there, eventually. That stuff won't always be ... part of my world. (Sorry, couldn't resist.)
Christina Myer is executive editor of The Parkersburg News and Sentinel. She can be reached via e-mail at cmyer@newsandsentinel.com