TIRED OF BEING A PACK RAT?
Make your spring cleaning simple and green

by Sharon Beaulaurier, contributing editor green*light magazine

I'm sick of living in clutter and chaos. How do I thin out all that has accumulated around my house - especially the stuff that is hard to get rid of and that we know is harmful to the environment?

hen cupid's arrow united me with someone who possessed the neat gene, I quickly learned the importance of my "get-to-it" cupboard. This was the place where I could stuff clutter so the house would appear to be neat. My get-to-it cupboard quickly burgeoned into closets and spread into the garage. Now every spring, to maintain a happy nest, my husband and I carry out our annual spring cleaning. We crank open the windows, let the sun shine in and get to it. The key to the daunting task of decluttering is to keep it simple. We do this by dividing our clutter into three piles: Donate, Recycle and Dispose of Hazardous Materials. You'll be surprised with how little is left for the trash can with this approach.

Donate
We donate most clothing and household items to a charity thrift shop. Fortunately, our local Goodwill accepts electronics, computers, phones, and small appliances in working order, so it's a handy all-in-one donation spot. You can also usually donate computers and peripherals to schools, nonprofits or organizations that refurbish them. Many cell phone stores and office supply mega-stores accept used cell phones or PDAs. Drop off wire hangers at a dry cleaner. Mail service stores, such as Mail Box Etc., accept clean shipping peanuts for reuse. Homeless shelters and half-way houses accept toiletries, lightly used bedding and towels, baby formula, cleaning supplies and other basics for reuse. Online community sites, like Craig's List, are an excellent way to sell or give away bulky items such as pool tables, baby joggers or lawn furniture.

Recycle
If you can't donate or sell an item, try to recycle it. Municipal recycling centers generally accept a slew of things including appliances, automotive fluids and parts, Styrofoam, electronics, batteries, fluorescent lights, wood, paints, yard scraps, and scrap metal. Many larger or toxic items require a drop-off fee; contact your local center for details. Many auto-parts stores, mechanics and gas stations accept used car batteries, tires and motor oil for recycling. For computers and household electronics, consult the manufacturer's web site for possible recycling initiatives. Recycle toner cartridges at an office supply mega-store or check the manufacturer's website for recycling information. Bring rechargeable batteries to an electronic or hardware store that offers recycling or drop-off programs.

For a Listing of Local Re-use and Recycling Services, Check with Earth 911.

Dispose of Hazardous Waste
Products with "warning," "danger," or "poison" labels are considered household hazardous waste (HHW) and should never be tossed in the garbage, down the sink or mixed together. - HHW includes items like paint, varnishes, stains, cleaning supplies, art supplies, pool chemicals, pesticides, herbicides and fungicides. Other hazardous items are rechargeable household batteries, mercury thermometers, propane tanks, fluorescent lamps and expired medications. Check with your hazardous waste drop-off center or recycling center for proper disposal options. Televisions and computer monitors contain high levels of lead and are also hazardous waste. Donate or recycle them. Automotive parts, filters and fluids, such as antifreeze or gasoline, are hazardous and should be properly disposed. Again, check with your local HHW or recycling program for options and more information.

For a Listing of Local Hazardous Waste Programs and Events, Check with Earth 911.

This year, after we made quick work of the clutter, I even had time to scrub and wash the windows, walls and cupboards. Now, not only do I get a fresh start for the next year with my "get-to-it" cupboard, but the house sparkles and so do our smiles, knowing that we're creating a healthier home and environment. Spring cleaning never felt so good.