Your wish list may not include dryer balls but if you don’t already have them it should. Find out why these spikey balls are the perfect gift. Note: Not all balls are created equal. I also share my favorite seasonal laundry soap along with this year’s pick for holiday reading. Click here to access Two Dryer Balls and A Partridge in a Pear Tree!
A Clear Place
Where Stuff Matters
I 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
Getting 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
According 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
This 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,
FREE Eco Cards with Purchase
NEW! Clear Place Greeting Cards to compliment the ACP Wisdom Card deck.- handmade using assorted images from the deck
- 100% recycled brown bag card stock
- matching heavy duty envelope
- 5.5 x 4 – blank inside to work for any occasion
Get TWO Clear Place Greeting Cards FREE with each deck of ACP Wisdom Cards. Give the deck that makes a difference!
Good To Know: It mattered to me that the printing process reflected the message of mindful living. Both the deck and the box are printed in the USA and with 100% wind power.What better way to showcase the natural beauty that I so loved capturing with the camera?
Purchase options: Paypal/Credit Cards or Local/Cash/Check.
Enjoy & thank you for your efforts in keeping the earth a clear place!
What If Disaster Strikes?
The media is especially full right now of disasters both man made and natural. As we head into Fall and the season of letting go; I like this reminder from Astrologer and teacher, David Pond:
Periodically the background buzz of Armageddon surfaces and these times are no exception with an inordinate number of people asking about their astrology and the coming collapse, disaster, “Armageddon”, they have been hearing about. A crisis of this magnitude is not anything I am picking up on my radar, but I would like to close with the story I remember of Ram Dass’s response to the question of did he see a coming Armageddon. The quote is from my memory of his reply:
“After giving this some thought, I asked myself what I would do if there were to be such a crisis? I would first center myself as best I could, and then look around and see where I could be helpful. And if there weren’t to be such a crisis, what would I do? I would first center myself as best I could and look around and see where I could be helpful. Realizing it is the same either way, the question becomes a non-issue.”
New Review for Wisdom Cards
This just in from a new customer in North Carolina. So lovely to know that the Wisdom Cards are shining their light near and far! “There are so many things to love about this deck. There is a combination of inspiration and practicality which I think is fantastic. I love that the cards are their own guidebook. One side displays a beautiful photograph, title and keyword, and then a detailed message appears on the back of the card. I am very happy that the production of the deck was environmentally friendly. Finally, it was a pleasure to do business with Jane. She is a very conscientious and gracious seller. I recommend these cards and her shop very highly.” Don’t have your deck yet? Order today and start living with a clear place!
Struck by Beauty
Trees take me to a whole other level. Inspired by their beauty and humbled by their majesty, trees connect heaven to earth in hundreds of ways. I haven’t met all of the 400 Billion trees on this planet but I take comfort in their presence on this journey. Find out more about trees and their connection to another favorite fascination of mine: lightning! Read the latest E-greeting from A Clear Place.
About this photo: Taken at Rood Bridge Nature Park, Washington County, OR. Spring 2015. Visit this or other nature reserves in WA County.
Say YES to Less!
You win on so many levels when you clear out your stuff.
This PDX homeowner saw firsthand the magic that can happen when you say YES to clearing out. Find out more and get FREE ACP Sorting Guide.
View “Say YES to Less” from A Clear Place.
HAPPY EARTH DAY … thanks for making it a clear one!
A Clear Place 