KEY POINTS:
I was rightly taken to task by a reader when I recommended in my column last month that you hire a skip to get rid of the accumulated clutter when you are getting ready to sell. What about recycling, she asked? So here is my un-shopping guide.
1. First reduce: Just don't buy stuff in the first place. Say no to friends and relations who dump their unwanted stuff on you and think carefully before you foist hand-me-downs or knick-knacks on others.
2. Ask before you give: Most charities don't take any old junk. Even if their labour is mostly volunteer, many have costs of collection, storage and distribution of donated goods. Call first and ask what they want - never dump boxes at their door. Many charities can no longer accept mattresses and electrical appliances. Dress for Success (www.dressforsuccess.org) takes only quality work clothing suitable for interviews, not every last thing from the wardrobe clean-out.
3. Computer graveyards: Electronic componentry is rapidly filling our landfill. But The Ark (www.the-ark.co.nz) refurbishes obsolete computer equipment. Call ahead to see if items are suitable.
4. Where mobile phones go to die: Telecom and Vodafone have programmes to recycle old phones. They are either shipped to charities, which distribute them in developing countries, or materials are recovered to make new phones (including recycling gold, silver, cadmium and lead). Stores have drop-off recycling bins (Telecom also takes fixed-line phones, modems and chargers and phones from other companies).
5. Easy find: Online charity DonateNZ (www.donatenz.com) is a portal to donate unwanted goods to community organisations who need them. The site connects donors and recipients, who arrange the transactions between themselves. Similarly, www.freecycle.org connects individuals who have stuff they no longer want with people who are looking for goods.
6. Book in: Service clubs such as Rotary or Lions run annual book fairs in most towns around New Zealand. It's a great way for print addicts to get their fix, the clubs raise money for charity and you clear your bookshelves.
7. Home sweet home: Habitat for Humanity provides low-cost housing for families in need. Their ReStore sells household goods, tools, building supplies and more to raise money or to equip their building programme. Call (09) 271 3358 to see what you can donate.
Do you know of a charity that needs specific goods? Email us and let us know: heraldhomes@nzherald.co.nz
