The waste industry has made major strides in coming up with ways to recycle our refuse. Everything that is except those ginormous blocks of Styrofoam. You know the ones – hermetically sealing everything from flat screen TV’s to furniture and glassware. Even if you break them down into tiny pieces, the choice for disposal is still an ugly one: landfill. UPS takes peanuts but not blocks. The only recycling center in Portland that took Styrofoam stopped accepting it in March. Now what? Enter Agilyx – an energy alternative company located in Tigard, OR. Implementing new technology in renewable energy and chemical recycling with a focus on environmental impact; the company broke ground this year on a facility that will convert polystyrene foam (foam cups, packaging materials) into styrene monomer. Reducing to the monomer form allows for global reuse in tons of ways. Fuel, helmets, housing … sky’s the limit. Best part for Portlanders? Consumers can drop off their Styrofoam for free. YAY! I spoke with the folks at Agilyx to confirm the free part and they shared that there are bins available 24/7 at their facility. Make sure your foam has the “6” on it and that it is clean and dry. If you are a business or have more than a truck load, contact Agilyx at 503-217-3160 to schedule a drop off time. Click here for map and more info. Not in the PDX area? Visit Home for Foam to find recycling near you. Until manufacturers are mandated to use earth friendly packaging, let’s do our best to dispose of stuff mindfully. Here’s to creative solutions and making Earth a clearer home for everyone.
Photo courtesy of NRWS, Paradise, CA.
You’re looking at what I found behind the dryer in my new apartment. Yep. A collection from the former tenant of stuff that went astray. At least nothing had legs. (I’ve heard some pretty scary stories involving bones and antennas.) Keeping it clear around appliances is an often overlooked task. Do your space – and your energy bill – a favor. Put time on your calendar to check and clean these hidden areas at least twice a year. Use a vacuum nozzle or microfiber brush to remove dust and lint build-up behind and under your washer/dryer. And, of course, empty the lint tray after every use. Clean ducts annually. In the kitchen, pull that fridge out and vacuum the coils. Wash the floor and wall before sliding back in place. If you can’t move the stove, at least pull out the bottom storage drawer (if your model has one) and clean the newly exposed area that way. It’s a hassle well worth the effort. And who knows? You might unearth a long lost treasure. Ready to clean some more? Here are some easy tips on cleaning the inside of appliances (including the garbage disposal) worth a look: 
Highly recommend you read Time’s April 10th issue featuring articles on fixing our infrastructure. Informative, concise and constructive. The writers cover all aspects of our mass connections – everything from flight technology to bridges (614k of them), from power grids to the snarled Chicago train yards. Whether it’s the energy in our bodies, our homes or our highways; maintaining a clear flow is essential to our well being. Awareness is always the first step. Action is next – followed by maintenance. Let’s see what the response will be.
Staying in balance is something we all strive for but it can seem a difficult and elusive task. It’s especially tough when weighed down by physical, emotional and mental STUFF! The latest ACP Enews shares some favorite ideas on how to get back to center. You’ll get a great breathing tool for releasing stress, read about a win/win “letting go of stuff” story and learn my top item to eliminate in your home in order to maintain balance. PLUS enter to win a deck of 
Appraising fine art is not for amateurs. Whether you are considering donating, consigning or bequeathing that Koenig, knowing its value is the first step to take. Unless you live in Europe or on the East Coast, qualified art appraisers are a rare breed these days. That’s why I am especially delighted to introduce Chelsea Dacres-Andrews, Certified Fine Arts Appraiser and owner of 
It’s here! 
Matt Damon, Socks for Water, IKEA, and Earth Hour are all part of this month’s Clear News. Find out how you can help support Water.org in their global game changing programs. It’s tax time so I’ve included a reminder on what you do or don’t need to hang on to and tips on how to finally get on top of that paper clutter mountain. Plus, get some help with keeping your brain clear … something we can all use! 
Prompted by next week’s workshop, 
A Clear Place 