Behold! A packed trunk with recyclables and items to donate. Photo: Tasha "Clean Queen" Tsiaperas/Axios
Hi! Tasha here.
My organizing and downsizing journey isn't finished, but here's how I broke up the first round of my journey:
๐ I donated clothing at Genesis and sold a few items at Buffalo Exchange for store credit.
๐ I dropped unused medications at my CVS Pharmacy.
๐ Food waste, including too many uneaten bananas, is accepted at Recycle Revolution for composting. I also took styrofoam and electronic cords to the community drop-off center.
๐ Ulta accepts empty mascara tubes and other cleaned cosmetic containers.
๐งพ Old payment stubs and other sensitive documents landed in a locked box for shredding at Staples, which also accepts electronics to be recycled in exchange for rewards.
Pro tip: Map out your journey first. It's easier to make all the stops at once, so figure out the best route and load up your car with everything you want to donate or recycle.
The bottom line: It's time consuming, but it was gratifying to take the extra step to keep waste and unwanted items out of the landfill.
Reply to this email if you have more suggestions or are part of a swap group.