Repurpose

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

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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!

Tis the Season for Trash – or Not

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dump giftAccording to the EPA, Americans generate 25% more trash than usual between Thanksgiving and New Years. That’s about an additional 25 million tons.* We’re talking a LOT of empty containers of eggnog and canned yams! Not to mention all the cards, paper and gift boxes that still get thrown in the garbage instead of the recycle bin. This season, make a promise and an effort to gift Mother Earth. Here are a few ways to start: Read more.

*EPA Source – Consumer Reports December 2015

Repurpose Your Wine Tote – Tip #2

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ACP postThis would seem like a no brainer but if you haven’t thought of it, wine totes make nifty carriers for cleaning supplies. Whether you’re moving from room to room or house to house, these divided bags make sense. There’s even room left for a sponge or two on top. Stores easily under the kitchen sink or tucked alongside the fridge. Miss Tip #1? Catch it here.

You meet the nicest people! Always a treat to hear from earth friendly folks. Blogger and Bay area resident, Danielle, wrote in response to Tip #1 and we had a nice exchange of repurposing ideas. Check out her lively and fun posts and all that she’s doing to spread the word on sustainability. Danielle@NoNeedForMars,

Repurpose Your Wine Tote – Tip #1

Jane Green4 Comments

toteYou don’t have to be a wine drinker to appreciate those cute tote bags. Everyone from Trader Joe’s to Fred Meyer offers bottle carrier bags in a variety of materials and patterns. I find the pocketed totes perfect for storing/transporting any number of things. First tip: shoes. These make for great portable shoe bags. Holds three pairs with each shoe getting its own pocket. For optimum protection, place clean shoe heel in first with sole facing out. Works best with low heels/flats/sandals. Tote fits easily into a closet for storage or in the back seat of your car for travel. Eco note: Whether they are poly or jute, reusable bags only help the environment if they are reUSED a lot. Be sure you get the most mileage from yours by thinking creatively and acting resourcefully. Thank you for helping to make the earth a clearer place.

Before and After – Bedroom Bliss

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oct cottage 006How do you create tranquil bedroom space? How about if there IS no bedroom? Why is the bedroom THE most important area of  your place? Click here to view the answers and learn more in Part Two of my cottage transformation. Sweet dreams!

Before and After – Light Matters

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before and after Light Matters Taking a space from dreary to dynamite requires effort but maybe not as much time or money as you might think. Click here to read Part One of the before and after on this garage/cottage redo: Light Matters!

No Blame, No Shame HOUSE CALL

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Introducing House Call options from A CLEAR PLACE! No blame, no shame one-on-one private consultation by Jane Green, author, teacher and creator of A CLEAR PLACE and STUFFication© workshops. Expert advice in using what you have in a better way and letting go of what isn’t working for you. Lighthearted, tough love for you and your space. The doctor is in!

Choose from 60 minute or 30 minute phone consultation OR email photos of your challenge for a focused quick fix. You can also combine the options.

I designed the House Call to give people a fresh pair of eyes and expert insight while maintaining their privacy.  This can eliminate the guilt trip, the excuses and putting off what needs to get done.  It’s surprising how much comfort and reassurance can be shared with just one phone call. Wheels start turning, challenges dissolve and rooms come into focus once the “Green” light is on.

House Calls make great gifts, too.  Ideal for weddings, holidays, birthdays or new home. View consultation options and purchase on Etsy.

Finding BALANCE with Your Space

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Balance cardBalance can seem to most as an illusive art form. We know it when we see it but achieving it is often a challenge. The good news is that balance and harmony (two sides of the same coin) can be realized and maintained with some simple steps and a little practice.

Our home tells us when things are out of balance. Something feels off in the room. The energy is too heavy in one corner. The space feels cramped. Pay attention to these clues and take action to correct the imbalance. Move or remove furniture, soften the color scheme, change a lampshade … small things that make a big difference. Simplicity is key.  Clearing clutter is the most effective change agent for your space … creating balance starts there. A favorite quote from Albert Einstein reminds us to: “Out of clutter, find simplicity.”

About this photo: These twin birch trees were each coated in a sheet of ice. Such stark simplicity was stunning. Even in their frozen state, I could feel their harmony with each other and the sky surrounding them. Taken on New Year’s Day in Bend, OR.

CLICK HERE for more inspirational tips from the ACP Wisdom Card deck!

 

Gifting Green

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Wisdom Cards by Jane GreenTop 5 Reasons for Gifting A Clear Place WISDOM CARDS by Jane Green:

  • printed in the USA using 100% wind power and non-toxic soy based inks
  • original scenes of nature inspire year round beauty and balance
  • provides simple tips on getting clear and living green
  • supports small business
  • fits nicely in a stocking

This “beauty in a bag” is great for homeowners, renters, newlyweds, home-sharers, empty-nesters and nature lovers. And it’s perfect for those who are downsizing or dealing with clutter control … or anyone wanting to simply love their space! The cards are gracing homes throughout the Northwest as well as FL, WI, PA and CO. Where will you send yours?

“Oh my! I am just opening the package and looking at the cards. I do love them and can’t wait to give my friend hers. Your cards are just what I needed.  They will help me put more of my spirit into the house. Thank you SO much!” 

Click the Contact page to order Or click here for more details on this unique living green gift.