Repurpose

Do Good Update

Jane Green

My Feb Enews featured a shout out to Do Good shelters. The Portland agency continues to serve as a major source of housing and resources for the community. Here’s an update of their specific needs. Those of you in the PDX area, please keep them in mind as you clear out stuff or help friends/family clear theirs. Contact me with any questions and/or delivery help. Click here to read more features from the latest Enews.
Men’s clothes:
Pants sizes 30 through 40
Shirts all sizes
Coats all sizes
Men’s shoes
Belts
Backpacks/duffel bags
Used cell phones – working order, factory reset so all prior data is erased and no lock codes on them.
Home goods and furniture at limited capacity – lamps, artwork type of wall hangings for folks who are moving into permanent housing, things to make the transition cozier!

What’s Love Got To Do With It?

Jane Green

IMG_20200118_151538Plenty! In the practice of clearing within and around you, love gives you the boost to persevere, remain open and reap the benefits of your efforts on multiple levels. Whether it’s self-care, the love from others, the love of life and being – or a combination of all of these – the energy of love is a super conductor when you are connected to it. Here’s the illustrated sequel to my broken cup story. A first hand example of how love can beautify the space in and around us. Take a look.

Magic Wands

Jane Green

wp-1551716742158.jpgHere’s a repurpose opportunity that you’ll want to know about. Mother Nature Network shared an article a few days ago about the amazing results being achieved by Wands for Wildlife. Since first putting out the ask in 2017, thousands of folks around the globe have donated used mascara wands so they can be repurposed and used at the Appalachian Wildlife Refuge. How cool is that?! In addition to receiving used wands from individuals, the program has also gotten donations from TV show make-up departments and new, discontinued wands from cosmetic companies. That’s clear, community spirit at work!

Photo Credit:  Baby Opossum gets a cleaning. Appalachian Wildlife Refuge.

Solution for Styrofoam Scourge

Jane Green

Styrofoam (1)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.

The Energy of Passion

Jane Green

light-brain_132796_4Find out why passion matters and view examples of two gals on opposite corners of the country who prove it’s never too late to explore your own. Also, get a neat repurposing packing tip and learn about a nonprofit whose mission combines education, recycling and art around the globe. View A Clear News November and Happy Thanksgiving!

Clear News from La Conner!

Jane Green

cable boxCelebrating my first issue from my new apartment above (as in 19 steps up) and right in the heart of La Conner, WA. Get some fun tips on dealing with small space challenges (including a lead pipe in the floor) and be inspired to find thrifty ways to arrive at your own clear place. Enjoy latest issue now.

 

New Format for ACP Clear News

Jane Green

UntitledChallenge: Find a better way to present multiple topics, links and graphics on one page that all open easily with mobile devices. It needs to look good and inspire action. Oh … it should also have a personal vibe and consistent quality. Something that’s professional yet warm and, of course, always clear in voice and message.  Result: Today I launch my latest Clear News format … thanks to MailChimp and lots of pots of jasmine tea. Hope you enjoy it!

Not on the ACP mail list? Send me your email address to get the monthly ACP Clear News delivered directly to your inbox. Addresses are never shared or used for promotion.

House Call for Ailing Space

Jane GreenLeave a comment

gift acp“No blame, no shame” guidance for whatever is ailing your space.

Clutter issues?   Sharing space?
Downsizing?      Stuffed rooms?
Out of ideas?

House Call to the rescue! Perfect for figuring out where to start and for getting a fresh perspective on your space. No nonsense, practical steps. The perfect gift for you or anyone on your list. Options include onsite or online consultations. Contact me or view packages and purchase at the ACP Etsy shop. Make it a happy green holiday!

Where Stuff Matters

Jane Green3 Comments

a clear placeI just couldn’t share enough about this wonderful organization, so here’s a follow up to last week’s feature. Community Warehouse Communications Director,  Rena Satre Meloy, took time from her busy schedule yesterday to give me the inside view of this bustling nonprofit.  The warehouse was buzzing during my entire visit – a continual stream of donations coming in and going out. And just like their Tualatin location, everything was done with efficiency and a smile. Adjacent to the warehouse, we toured the Estate Store and as at their SW branch, I was impressed with the organization and clean and attractive displays. And such diverse items! Everything from a Murano glass chandelier to a nautical folding screen to a vintage doll complete with clothes and trunk. All at bargain prices with proceeds supporting the CW programs. Rena shared that an average of 40 families a week are outfitted with everything they need to set up house. An additional 20 families are serviced weekly at the Tualatin location. It’s amazing how much work can be accomplished by so few when the hearts are dedicated. Thank you, Rena, for being such a warm ambassador for a worthy and much needed cause. You guys are the real deal.

DONATE, SHOP & SUPPORT – Be mindful of stuff  and get it/bring it where it matters. CW Estate Stores are open 7 days a week. Click here for address and hours. Watch here for more updates and ideas on helping our community by helping Community Warehouse. Don’t live in the PDX area? Visit the ACP Resources page or Contact me with your location and I’ll find an organization that can use your stuff. As always, thanks for making it a brighter world!

Furniture Bank Creates Win-Win

Jane Green4 Comments

p2Getting rid of stuff is just one piece of the downsizing puzzle. There are many other components including where, how, what and who gets the items you are letting go of. Community Warehouse has been on my Resources Page for years as one of the best places to donate household goods and there are lots of reasons why. Their mission of “redistributing donated furniture and household goods to neighbors in need” continues to grow in demand along with the number of working class poor. The nonprofit is one of the few places that accepts mattress donations (no kings/always in need of twins), drop off is open 7 days a week AND they offer pick up service ($30 nominal fee).

I recently toured their newer Tualatin location and was impressed by its organized and efficient operation as well as the welcoming staff. Like its parent location in NE Portland, the warehouse is divided into two sections. The largest area contains about 90% of the donations and it’s where clients are outfitted with everything from linens and a set of cookware to dining chairs and a sofa. Their Estate Store sells select items at great prices to benefit the mission. It’s open to the public 7 days a week. CW networks with over 200 agencies between Portland and Corvalis and in 2014 helped over 7,000 neighbors in need. AND kept 550+ tons of stuff out of landfills. Now that’s a WIN-WIN!

Visit Community Warehouse to learn more about scheduling a pick up, location hours and items most needed. How you let go of your stuff matters. Contact me if you need guidance. As always, thanks for being mindful of where things go … and for doing your part in making our Earth a lighter place!

TIP: Not in the PDX corridor? Use the nationwide donate/recycle guide at Earth 911 (another favorite from my Resources Page). Just put in your zip code and up pops a list of who in your area accepts what you what to donate. Easy!