Resource Links
Conscious consumption, donation, recycling, organizing
Resource Links
Conscious consumption, donation, recycling, organizing
We offer these donation and recycling links for professional home organizers and clients alike. Decluttering your life frees your spirit and creates freedom and ease in your living and working spaces.
It feels good to know that items you no longer love or need can be recycled responsibly or used to help to serve people in need. Don’t miss some of the quirky specialty links in our “donating specific and specialty items” section!
We offer these donation and recycling links for professional home organizers and clients alike. Decluttering your life frees your spirit and creates freedom and ease in your living and working spaces.
It feels good to know that items you no longer love or need can be recycled responsibly or used to help to serve people in need. Don’t miss some of the quirky specialty links in our “donating specific and specialty items” section!
Stop Scams and Unwanted Solicitations
Register your home and mobile phones to reduce telemarketing calls
Opt-out of credit card offers (Opt-Out Prescreen)
Manually enter information off of the catalog’s mailing label to remove yourself from a specific catalog’s list.
Reduce advertising mail and phone calls. (DMA Choice)
how to recognize phishing scams (from the Federal Trade Commission)
How to avoid and report scams (from the Federal Trade Commission)
This is an incredibly helpful article from Mint about understanding robocalls and unwanted texts and what you can do about them.
Information on eliminating unwanted calls, emails and texts (from the Federal Trade Commission)
Stop Scams and Unwanted Solicitations
Register your home and mobile phones to reduce telemarketing calls
Opt-out of credit card offers (Opt-Out Prescreen)
Manually enter information off of the catalog’s mailing label to remove yourself from a specific catalog’s list.
Reduce advertising mail and phone calls. (DMA Choice)
how to recognize phishing scams (from the Federal Trade Commission)
How to avoid and report scams (from the Federal Trade Commission)
This is an incredibly helpful article from Mint about understanding robocalls and unwanted texts and what you can do about them.
Information on eliminating unwanted calls, emails and texts (from the Federal Trade Commission)
General Recycling
This is the first place to start for all of your recycling needs! Find recycling for almost anything, no matter where you live.
(Legos and other plastic blocks) PassTheBricks repurposes used LEGO bricks into “new” sets for kids who wouldn’t normally have access to them. How great is that?
They donate as much as they can and are recommended by the National Association of Professional Organizers.
is also a good place to look for recycling needs of any sort. Simply enter your zip code and then choose from their wide variety of options.
Give Back Box® provides vendor services to retailers and charities, giving cardboard boxes a second life to help people in need. So it is also a ‘green’ solution! Reuse your online shipping boxes in which you received your purchases, or any other cardboard box you may have, to donate your unwanted household items: such as gently used clothing, shoes etc., to make a major difference in the life of another person.
This resource from YourBestDigs.com demystifies the codes and offers information about where your recycling ends up.
too many programs to list for responsible recycling of numerous containers, candy wrappers, Brita Filters, Febreeze bottles, etc. The list goes on and on and they add new opportunities frequently!
resource from Amanda and Meghan, two of our readers from Ms. Martin’s class at Learning Haven. Learn the ins and outs of recycling paper, plastic, metal, and electronics.
Are you ever confused about recycling codes? Grab this handy guide provided by 1-800-GOT-JUNK and wonder no more!
Did you know that there are bamboo toothbrushes and toilet paper?
Thanks to Trevor who found this resource when earning his Environmental Science badge in the Boy Scouts
Find recycling centers in your area with maps and driving directions
What to shred: from Identity Theft Protection
Take care of sensitive paper by choosing a shredding service that meets your needs. Or just take your shredding to your local Staples or Office Depot and pay by the pound.
This site offers facts about steel recycling as well as a search feature for finding places to donate steel.
This article on “Ways to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle your Plastic Containers” has many great suggestions on what to with plastic containers. Of course our best option is to use as little plastic as possible, but it often shows up in our lives without us asking, so it is helpful to know how to handle it responsibly. Special thanks to Kelly Garcia, who located & shared this resource from her research project about reducing her environmental footprint on the earth.
We all want to recycle more plastic. According to the EPA, recycling can help conserve natural resources, reduce waste, save energy and create jobs. But sometimes plastic recycling can be confusing. So, here are some tips to help you recycle more plastic.
General Recycling
This is the first place to start for all of your recycling needs! Find recycling for almost anything, no matter where you live.
(Legos and other plastic blocks) PassTheBricks repurposes used LEGO bricks into “new” sets for kids who wouldn’t normally have access to them. How great is that?
They donate as much as they can and are recommended by the National Association of Professional Organizers.
is also a good place to look for recycling needs of any sort. Simply enter your zip code and then choose from their wide variety of options.
Give Back Box® provides vendor services to retailers and charities, giving cardboard boxes a second life to help people in need. So it is also a ‘green’ solution! Reuse your online shipping boxes in which you received your purchases, or any other cardboard box you may have, to donate your unwanted household items: such as gently used clothing, shoes etc., to make a major difference in the life of another person.
This resource from YourBestDigs.com demystifies the codes and offers information about where your recycling ends up.
too many programs to list for responsible recycling of numerous containers, candy wrappers, Brita Filters, Febreeze bottles, etc. The list goes on and on and they add new opportunities frequently!
resource from Amanda and Meghan, two of our readers from Ms. Martin’s class at Learning Haven. Learn the ins and outs of recycling paper, plastic, metal, and electronics.
Are you ever confused about recycling codes? Grab this handy guide provided by 1-800-GOT-JUNK and wonder no more!
Did you know that there are bamboo toothbrushes and toilet paper?
Thanks to Trevor who found this resource when earning his Environmental Science badge in the Boy Scouts
Find recycling centers in your area with maps and driving directions
What to shred: from Identity Theft Protection
Take care of sensitive paper by choosing a shredding service that meets your needs. Or just take your shredding to your local Staples or Office Depot and pay by the pound.
This site offers facts about steel recycling as well as a search feature for finding places to donate steel.
This article on “Ways to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle your Plastic Containers” has many great suggestions on what to with plastic containers. Of course our best option is to use as little plastic as possible, but it often shows up in our lives without us asking, so it is helpful to know how to handle it responsibly. Special thanks to Kelly Garcia, who located & shared this resource from her research project about reducing her environmental footprint on the earth.
We all want to recycle more plastic. According to the EPA, recycling can help conserve natural resources, reduce waste, save energy and create jobs. But sometimes plastic recycling can be confusing. So, here are some tips to help you recycle more plastic.
General Donation & Giving Away
A Wider Circle in Silver Spring, Maryland aims to help children and adults lift themselves out of poverty
Sell or give away items by posting ads for free. Has sub-sites for most major cities and includes a section of ads for free items being given away.
“By giving freely with no strings attached, members of The Freecycle Network help instill a sense of generosity of spirit as they strengthen local community ties and promote environmental sustainability and reuse.”
An easy and free way to buy or sell just about any used item, organized by city. Great for when you’re moving and need to get rid of stuff OR looking to acquire some cheap or free used furniture! Accessible by anyone with a Facebook Account.
Buy Nothing Project rules are simple: Post anything you’d like to give away, lend, or share amongst neighbors. Ask for anything you’d like to receive for free or borrow. Keep it legal. No hate speech. No buying or selling, no trades or bartering, we’re strictly a gift economy. Find a group in your neighborhood here.
A mission driven junk removal service
Greendrop accepts household items less than 50 pounds, such as clothing, kitchenware, toys, books, sporting goods and small furniture. See a complete list of acceptable items here. You can schedule a home pickup or bring your items to a GreenDrop location.
This organization works with the government to develop programs and services for developmentally challenged people. Contact your local chapter to see if they accept donations and schedule a pickup or delivery.
This international organization helps families build and improve their homes. They accept furniture, appliances and building materials. Find a location near you or schedule a pick up here.
General Donation & Giving Away
A Wider Circle in Silver Spring, Maryland aims to help children and adults lift themselves out of poverty
Sell or give away items by posting ads for free. Has sub-sites for most major cities and includes a section of ads for free items being given away.
“By giving freely with no strings attached, members of The Freecycle Network help instill a sense of generosity of spirit as they strengthen local community ties and promote environmental sustainability and reuse.”
An easy and free way to buy or sell just about any used item, organized by city. Great for when you’re moving and need to get rid of stuff OR looking to acquire some cheap or free used furniture! Accessible by anyone with a Facebook Account.
Buy Nothing Project rules are simple: Post anything you’d like to give away, lend, or share amongst neighbors. Ask for anything you’d like to receive for free or borrow. Keep it legal. No hate speech. No buying or selling, no trades or bartering, we’re strictly a gift economy. Find a group in your neighborhood here.
A mission driven junk removal service
Greendrop accepts household items less than 50 pounds, such as clothing, kitchenware, toys, books, sporting goods and small furniture. See a complete list of acceptable items here. You can schedule a home pickup or bring your items to a GreenDrop location.
This organization works with the government to develop programs and services for developmentally challenged people. Contact your local chapter to see if they accept donations and schedule a pickup or delivery.
This international organization helps families build and improve their homes. They accept furniture, appliances and building materials. Find a location near you or schedule a pick up here.
Charity Navigators
Provides free financial evaluations of charities
Rates charities and provides articles about charitable giving
Reports on charities and other organizations that solicit nationwide
At Just Give, you can search for a charity using any keyword (children, animals, etc.) to find organizations that support your goals.
You can even support a charity with your insurance! Who knew?
Charity Navigators
Provides free financial evaluations of charities
Rates charities and provides articles about charitable giving
Reports on charities and other organizations that solicit nationwide
At Just Give, you can search for a charity using any keyword (children, animals, etc.) to find organizations that support your goals.
You can even support a charity with your insurance! Who knew?
Specialty items
Though this page focuses primarily on resources for donating, we also include some places where items can be sold.
American Girl Dolls
is a resale boutique for American Girl dolls, operated by Yes She Can Inc, a not-for-profit dedicated to developing job skills and employment opportunities for young women with autism. Accept donations of gently used American Girl dolls, clothes, furniture, accessories, original boxes, and books to resell after cleaning, cataloging, and tagging for our boutique.
Antiques
Sell any inherited china you no longer want
List and sell your antiques
Get cash for your old and vintage items – even if they are broken or damaged!
Appliances
This appliance recycling guide explains how from an environmental perspective, recycling old appliances can be very beneficial. Most appliances contain damaging chemicals, which can cause problems for groundwater or for animals.
Committed to energy efficiency, ARCA has been the pioneer in appliance recycling programs. Through partnerships with Energy Star®, the Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) program and industry affiliations, ARCA has helped promote and advance energy conservation programs and technology.
Arts & Crafts / Fabric
Accepts new or gently used artist’s materials and tools. They also accept odd packaging and waste materials through Terracycle.
Bicycles
Books (see also Textbooks below)
This map was created by Tom and Meegan Matthews to encourage people to donate their books locally and reduce their carbon footprint, as well as reuse and share books they no longer wish to hold on to
Schedule a pick up at your convenience
Donate used books to a Free Little Library in your community, or start one yourself!
is a one-stop e-commerce search engine that searches over 150 million books for sale—new, used, rare, out-of-print, and textbooks. They save you time and money by searching every major catalog online, and letting you know which booksellers are offering the best prices and selection. When you find a book you like, you can buy it directly from the original seller; they never charge a markup. The way that this site can be used for decluttering is that you can see whether a book you would like to sell actually has value.
The ALA has a wealth of other tips for where to donate used books
Bras
This guide by Tommy John includes statistics about the need for bra donations, 6 places to donate bras as well as a bra donation and re-use checklist.
The Bra Recyclers, LLC is a clothing recycling company specializing in recycling bras. Our mission is to ignite a ‘Bravolution’ to decrease the number of bras entering our landfills while providing substantial social benefits to women and girls escaping domestic violence, human trafficking or surviving breast cancer without the necessary insurance.
The mission of Free the Girls is to help women rescued from sex trafficking reintegrate into their communities. Survivors can earn a safe income selling bras in the second-hand marketplace. We journey with them on the path to restore who they were designed to be – whole, worthy, and powerfully FREE.
Building materials (new or gently used)
Cars
Towing of your vehicle is free for you and the IRS allows you to claim a car donation tax deduction.
Many NPR radio stations accept car donations to support their programming. Check with you local NPR station.
Pickup and towing is always FREE and your donation will transform the lives of our nation’s heroes
Cell (mobile) phones
Learn about how to recycle used cell phones, the benefits of recycling your phone, and the dangers of not doing so. Learn about 13 ways to repurpose your cell phone here.
Clothing
This non-profit empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Donate used professional clothing here.
In addition to donating clothes to a consignment store or thrift store in your area, you can also sell your clothes online using ThredUp, Poshmark, or ebay.
This green guide offers useful suggestions for how to get rid of old clothing responsibly. Special thanks to Kelly Garcia, who located & shared this resource from her research project about reducing her environmental footprint on the earth.
is an online consignment store that buys and sells name-brand maternity clothes. A portion of the sales price goes to a non-profit.
For more places to donate your used clothes, check out this guide on mymove.com which includes 10 charities that accept donations, what items they accept, and how to donate
Computer & Electronics recycling
DONATE computers to be refurbished for students in need at Computers With Causes!
Apple devices such as computers, phones, I-pads, etc can be recycled through Apple’s Giveback Program
In addition to donating clothes to a consignment store or thrift store in your area, you can also sell your clothes online using ThredUp, Poshmark, or ebay.
a organic grocery chain in the DC area, offers recycling for lots of items, including an annual “e-cycling” drive for recycling electronics (and year-round e-cycling at their Rockville location)
Provides a database of electronics recycling companies, categorized by activity type and geographical location
Stores will take just about anything electronic, including TVs, DVD players, computer monitors, audio and video cables, cell phones, and more. Most things are recycled absolutely free, with a few restrictions.
Find responsible recyclers to dispose of anything with a cord or battery that you no longer use
Use this websites search tool to find a certified recycling facility near you
A re-commerce company that accepts trade-ins of old electronics (for cash!)
Diapers
1 out of 3 families in the US experiences diaper need. Use this directory to donate leftover diapers in your area. You can also learn how to host a diaper drive here.
Food
Find a local food bank to donate non perishable items
Fabric and textiles recycling and downcycling
Secondary Materials and Recovered Textiles Association (SMART) reports that about 45 percent of discarded clothing is reusable. Of the remaining 55 percent, most of it can be recycled: 30 percent is downcycled into industrial rags and 20 percent is processed into fiber that can be used in products like carpet or insulation. The remaining five percent is unusable because of contamination, and will end up in a landfill.
Glasses/Contacts
Search for a center near you to recycle used eyeglasses
Bausch & Lomb
which sells contact lenses, partnered with TerraCycle, which recycles unusual items, to launch the ONE by ONE program. The recycling initiative accepts used lenses from any brand. It also accepts empty blister packs and foils, which most curbside recycling programs are not equipped to process.
Hazardous waste disposal
Simply enter your zip code to find locations near you.
by Earth911
Enter your zip code to find places near you that accept used batteries and cellphones.
Holiday String Lights
Legos
Donate your bricks with LEGO® Replay! Play has the power to change children’s lives. When children play, they learn how to problem solve, collaborate, and think creatively. By donating your used bricks, you can help share the power of play with children who need it most.
Mattresses
This helpful mattress disposal guide will support you in learning about your options to donate your mattress or recycle it depending on its condition.
Medical supplies
Once you’ve recovered from your injury or surgery, learn where you can donate your used hospital bed or other medical supplies
Consider donating your used crutches or other mobility aid once you’re finished with it.
Miles
yep thats right! You can donate unused miles!
Donate unused credit card rewards and miles
Miscellaneous recycling opportunities
Recycling stations at the front of each store offer a convenient way to recycle aluminum, glass and plastic beverage containers, plastic bags, MP3 players, cell phones and ink cartridges.
Musical Instruments
Accepts donations of musical instruments and uses them to teach underserved children to play music
Donate your instrument here to be distributed to classrooms across the country
Paint
is a 501C3 whose mission is to make it easy to recycle leftover, unwanted paint. They operate paint stewardship programs on behalf of paint manufacturers in states that have passed paint stewardship laws.
STOP mail!!!
Learn how to stop junk mail at the FTC Consumer Advice website.
Shoes
Donate a pair of gently worn shoes (shipping is FREE via Zappos for Good), host a shoe drive, or make a monetary donation. For more information, visit the Soles4Souls NAPO Fundraising page.
Donate HERE.
Nike Shoe recycling program
Learn more HERE.
Textbooks
It’s just what it sounds like!
helps you sell textbooks and used books for the most money by comparing offers from over 30 book buyback vendors with a single search.
Toys
Visit ToysForTots.org to find drop-off spots to donate new and gently used toys.
Trophies
Total Awards and Promotions runs a program that will recycle your trophies and donate rebuilt trophies to non-profits nationwide. Any 501(c)(3) can apply.
Wedding dresses & formal dresses:
Brides Across America (BAA) is a non-profit committed to loving one another by gifting weddings and wedding gowns to our military & first responders.
Kindly donated wedding dresses are made affordable for others and help fund Breast Cancer Causes. Read the guidelines carefully to make sure that your donation meets their criteria.
The Glass Slipper Project is a non-profit organization that collects new and almost-new formal dresses and accessories and provides them, free of charge, to high school juniors and seniors who are unable to purchase their own Prom attire.
West Coast Angel Gowns is a project of the Phoenix Leadership Center, a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization that transforms gently used donated wedding dresses into beautiful infant burial garments called “Angel Gowns.” If you add a $20 contribution with your donated dress, you will receive in the mail a 10″ x 10″ hemmed piece of your wedding dress as a precious keepsake.
Donate gently used prom, cocktail, and bridesmaid frocks to this charity that gives party wear to economically disadvantaged high school girls.
Organizing Resources:
Cool infographic on garage organization
Specialty items
Though this page focuses primarily on resources for donating, we also include some places where items can be sold.
American Girl Dolls
is a resale boutique for American Girl dolls, operated by Yes She Can Inc, a not-for-profit dedicated to developing job skills and employment opportunities for young women with autism. Accept donations of gently used American Girl dolls, clothes, furniture, accessories, original boxes, and books to resell after cleaning, cataloging, and tagging for our boutique.
Antiques
Sell any inherited china you no longer want
List and sell your antiques
Get cash for your old and vintage items – even if they are broken or damaged!
Appliances
This appliance recycling guide explains how from an environmental perspective, recycling old appliances can be very beneficial. Most appliances contain damaging chemicals, which can cause problems for groundwater or for animals.
Committed to energy efficiency, ARCA has been the pioneer in appliance recycling programs. Through partnerships with Energy Star®, the Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) program and industry affiliations, ARCA has helped promote and advance energy conservation programs and technology.
Arts & Crafts / Fabric
Accepts new or gently used artist’s materials and tools. They also accept odd packaging and waste materials through Terracycle.
Bicycles
Books (see also Textbooks below)
This map was created by Tom and Meegan Matthews to encourage people to donate their books locally and reduce their carbon footprint, as well as reuse and share books they no longer wish to hold on to
Schedule a pick up at your convenience
Donate used books to a Free Little Library in your community, or start one yourself!
is a one-stop e-commerce search engine that searches over 150 million books for sale—new, used, rare, out-of-print, and textbooks. They save you time and money by searching every major catalog online, and letting you know which booksellers are offering the best prices and selection. When you find a book you like, you can buy it directly from the original seller; they never charge a markup. The way that this site can be used for decluttering is that you can see whether a book you would like to sell actually has value.
The ALA has a wealth of other tips for where to donate used books
Bras
This guide by Tommy John includes statistics about the need for bra donations, 6 places to donate bras as well as a bra donation and re-use checklist.
The Bra Recyclers, LLC is a clothing recycling company specializing in recycling bras. Our mission is to ignite a ‘Bravolution’ to decrease the number of bras entering our landfills while providing substantial social benefits to women and girls escaping domestic violence, human trafficking or surviving breast cancer without the necessary insurance.
The mission of Free the Girls is to help women rescued from sex trafficking reintegrate into their communities. Survivors can earn a safe income selling bras in the second-hand marketplace. We journey with them on the path to restore who they were designed to be – whole, worthy, and powerfully FREE.
Building materials (new or gently used)
Cars
Towing of your vehicle is free for you and the IRS allows you to claim a car donation tax deduction.
Many NPR radio stations accept car donations to support their programming. Check with you local NPR station.
Pickup and towing is always FREE and your donation will transform the lives of our nation’s heroes
Cell (mobile) phones
Learn about how to recycle used cell phones, the benefits of recycling your phone, and the dangers of not doing so. Learn about 13 ways to repurpose your cell phone here.
Clothing
This non-profit empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Donate used professional clothing here.
In addition to donating clothes to a consignment store or thrift store in your area, you can also sell your clothes online using ThredUp, Poshmark, or ebay.
This green guide offers useful suggestions for how to get rid of old clothing responsibly. Special thanks to Kelly Garcia, who located & shared this resource from her research project about reducing her environmental footprint on the earth.
is an online consignment store that buys and sells name-brand maternity clothes. A portion of the sales price goes to a non-profit.
For more places to donate your used clothes, check out this guide on mymove.com which includes 10 charities that accept donations, what items they accept, and how to donate
Computer & Electronics recycling
DONATE computers to be refurbished for students in need at Computers With Causes!
Apple devices such as computers, phones, I-pads, etc can be recycled through Apple’s Giveback Program
In addition to donating clothes to a consignment store or thrift store in your area, you can also sell your clothes online using ThredUp, Poshmark, or ebay.
a organic grocery chain in the DC area, offers recycling for lots of items, including an annual “e-cycling” drive for recycling electronics (and year-round e-cycling at their Rockville location)
Provides a database of electronics recycling companies, categorized by activity type and geographical location
Stores will take just about anything electronic, including TVs, DVD players, computer monitors, audio and video cables, cell phones, and more. Most things are recycled absolutely free, with a few restrictions.
Find responsible recyclers to dispose of anything with a cord or battery that you no longer use
Use this websites search tool to find a certified recycling facility near you
A re-commerce company that accepts trade-ins of old electronics (for cash!)
Diapers
1 out of 3 families in the US experiences diaper need. Use this directory to donate leftover diapers in your area. You can also learn how to host a diaper drive here.
Food
Find a local food bank to donate non perishable items
Fabric and textiles recycling and downcycling
Secondary Materials and Recovered Textiles Association (SMART) reports that about 45 percent of discarded clothing is reusable. Of the remaining 55 percent, most of it can be recycled: 30 percent is downcycled into industrial rags and 20 percent is processed into fiber that can be used in products like carpet or insulation. The remaining five percent is unusable because of contamination, and will end up in a landfill.
Glasses/Contacts
Search for a center near you to recycle used eyeglasses
Bausch & Lomb
which sells contact lenses, partnered with TerraCycle, which recycles unusual items, to launch the ONE by ONE program. The recycling initiative accepts used lenses from any brand. It also accepts empty blister packs and foils, which most curbside recycling programs are not equipped to process.
Hazardous waste disposal
Simply enter your zip code to find locations near you.
by Earth911
Enter your zip code to find places near you that accept used batteries and cellphones.
Holiday String Lights
Legos
Donate your bricks with LEGO® Replay! Play has the power to change children’s lives. When children play, they learn how to problem solve, collaborate, and think creatively. By donating your used bricks, you can help share the power of play with children who need it most.
Mattresses
This helpful mattress disposal guide will support you in learning about your options to donate your mattress or recycle it depending on its condition.
Medical supplies
Once you’ve recovered from your injury or surgery, learn where you can donate your used hospital bed or other medical supplies
Consider donating your used crutches or other mobility aid once you’re finished with it.
Miles
yep thats right! You can donate unused miles!
Donate unused credit card rewards and miles
Miscellaneous recycling opportunities
Recycling stations at the front of each store offer a convenient way to recycle aluminum, glass and plastic beverage containers, plastic bags, MP3 players, cell phones and ink cartridges.
Musical Instruments
Accepts donations of musical instruments and uses them to teach underserved children to play music
Donate your instrument here to be distributed to classrooms across the country
Paint
is a 501C3 whose mission is to make it easy to recycle leftover, unwanted paint. They operate paint stewardship programs on behalf of paint manufacturers in states that have passed paint stewardship laws.
STOP mail!!!
Learn how to stop junk mail at the FTC Consumer Advice website.
Shoes
Donate a pair of gently worn shoes (shipping is FREE via Zappos for Good), host a shoe drive, or make a monetary donation. For more information, visit the Soles4Souls NAPO Fundraising page.
Donate HERE.
Nike Shoe recycling program
Learn more HERE.
Textbooks
It’s just what it sounds like!
helps you sell textbooks and used books for the most money by comparing offers from over 30 book buyback vendors with a single search.
Toys
Visit ToysForTots.org to find drop-off spots to donate new and gently used toys.
Trophies
Total Awards and Promotions runs a program that will recycle your trophies and donate rebuilt trophies to non-profits nationwide. Any 501(c)(3) can apply.
Wedding dresses & formal dresses:
Brides Across America (BAA) is a non-profit committed to loving one another by gifting weddings and wedding gowns to our military & first responders.
Kindly donated wedding dresses are made affordable for others and help fund Breast Cancer Causes. Read the guidelines carefully to make sure that your donation meets their criteria.
The Glass Slipper Project is a non-profit organization that collects new and almost-new formal dresses and accessories and provides them, free of charge, to high school juniors and seniors who are unable to purchase their own Prom attire.
West Coast Angel Gowns is a project of the Phoenix Leadership Center, a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization that transforms gently used donated wedding dresses into beautiful infant burial garments called “Angel Gowns.” If you add a $20 contribution with your donated dress, you will receive in the mail a 10″ x 10″ hemmed piece of your wedding dress as a precious keepsake.
Donate gently used prom, cocktail, and bridesmaid frocks to this charity that gives party wear to economically disadvantaged high school girls.
Organizing Resources:
Cool infographic on garage organization
Green Links
Wondering what to do to help our planet? This FREE Climate Action course from Pachamama Alliance offers ways to learn and help.
This guide defines what sustainable business is and how responsible practices and profits can go hand-in-hand
One way to make a concrete individual step toward sustainability is by rejecting consumerism and focusing more on what you truly need. This article offers practical, straightforward advice for anyone looking to reduce their carbon footprint by downsizing their house
With residential solar power rising in popularity, many homeowners are interested in installing solar panels. The article explains how solar panels convert sunlight into usable energy.
TerraCycle is an innovative recycling company that has become a global leader in recycling hard-to-recycle waste. Recycle Britta filters, candy wrappers, Febreze containers and much, much more!
Whether you live in Montgomery County or not, you can benefit from the energy saving tips on this website.
It is tough to know what to do with old CD’s. We were pleased to find this resource from Turning The Clock Back that offers lots of useful info and some ideas about up-cycling your old CDs.
Are you unsure whether your community recycles cartons such as milk and juice cartons? Enter your zip code to find out at Carton Recycling. You can even learn how they do it (hint: with a hydra-pulper.)
Browse sustainable household products
Learn about food sustainability and why it is important. Thanks to our follower, Kaleigh Docherty for bringing this resource to our attention!
Get the best price for recycling your iPhone, iPad, and other products. Freedom Mobiles compares the leading online mobile recyclers so you can get the most cash for your mobile trade-in.
Useful information on light bulb recycling + tips on how to set up a recycling drive.
Helpful tips for composting, recycling, donating and reusing yard waste
Learn about the carbon footprint and waste generated by weddings, how to plan a sustainable wedding, and other green wedding resources, organizations, and zero waste tips.
This guide by FindLaw includes crucial information for entrepreneurs who want to start an earth-friendly business or simply improve the environmental status of their existing business
This article covers why it is important to teach kids about their environmental impact, strategies to help reduce their tech burden on the planet, and ways we can all use technology to our environmental benefit
This guide provides insights on green mortgages, smart technology insights, and other ways to work towards sustainability as a homeowner. NOTE: this guide was written with UK readers in mind. For more information on green mortgages specific to homeowners in the US, click here
Ultimate Guide to Downsizing
Moving? Check out this Ultimate Guide to Downsizing for tips on moving and downsizing, dealing with the emotional toll of downsizing, and a printable decision tree. For information on how to reduce the carbon footprint of your move, check out this Eco-Friendly Moving Guide from Bellhop. The guide covers the largest contributing factors to environmental damage during the moving process, eco-friendly and biodegradable packing materials, donating or selling unneeded items, as well as cleaning and landscaping substances, transportation and travel options, and further eco-friendly moving tips! For more info on moving sustainably, click here.
Complete guide to green and eco friendly renovations for homeowners
Renovating your home? This complete guide to green and eco friendly renovations for homeowners covers the value of home improvement; sustainable renovation options, including solar and insulation; and practical considerations, like living arrangements. Click here for room by room tips for eco-friendly home modifications and renovations.
Decorate and furnish your home with zero waste in mind.
This guide covers the impact of wastewater on the environment, global water waste statistics, the most common water-wasting habits, and how individuals and families can reduce water waste.
Tourism generates 8% of global green house gas emissions. This article contains tips for planning your net trip with the environment in mind, from lodgings to food and transportation.
this collection of eight books can help kick start an environmental interest for kids (or people of all ages!)
This guide provides 10 ways small business owners can implement sustainable practices.
This guide offers better packing alternatives for businesses. Thanks to Amelia Clarke a grad student at Stanford for this handy resource!
Do you or your employees work from home? Check out this sustainability guide for working at home for tips on sustainable WFH practices from going paperless to implementing green initiatives in your company work ethic.
this guide for students provides tips to reduce your carbon footprint while you’re in college.
This guide contains valuable information on best practices for sustainable shopping, common sustainability issues within the fashion industry, fast fashion, identifying eco-friendly brands, sustainable clothing production and distribution, greenwashing and other ethical issues, as well as terminology and other resources
This article provides practical tips on reducing the carbon footprint in the shipping industry, covering sustainable packaging, alternative fuels, and optimizing transportation routes
In the effort to decarbonize, alternative fuels are rising in popularity. This resource breaks down the six alternative fuels for vehicles to determine the best options for the environment. For more information on renewable energy sources, check out the pros and cons of nuclear and wind energy.
Forms Pal is a dedicated organization that helps communities become more eco-conscious and reduce paper use by providing free high-quality legal templates, software, and information online. Their goal is to help Americans save 1 billions in legal fees every year.
This guide covers the differences between natural and synthetic cleaners, the negative impacts of using plastic, sustainable cleaning tools and ways to make natural cleaning products
Did you know you can build a website on a green website hosting service? Turns out there are several to choose from! This article reviews 6 eco friendly website hosting services.
Want even more? Purdue University complied this guide of 45 sustainability resources broken down into the following categories: Green Living, Climate Change & Environmental Protection News, Energy and Technology, Sustainability in Business and Government, Sustainability Careers, Sustainability and the Arts, and Ecotourism
Conscious Consumption
despite being an essential measure to protect us all from COVID-19, the widespread use and disposal of PPE has created enormous environmental issues. This guide covers the effects of PPE damage, how to reduce and safely dispose of PPE waste.
This article contains valuable information on five different ways to live in a home that is healthier for the environment, such as installing solar panels, using an intelligent thermostat, and switching to LED lights.
resources and information about sustainable jerseys and other sportswear for athletes and enthusiasts.
Cars and the Environment
This guide includes an overview of electric vehicles, the environmental and economic benefits of driving an electric car, advice for owning an electric car, and future technological developments.
This guide provides an overview of sustainability within the car industry, the importance and impact of electric cars, and guidance on responsible electric car ownership.
Reducing your carbon footprint and becoming more eco-friendly in regards to your vehicle consists of a variety of choices that range from economic investments to everyday behaviors. This handy guide will show you how!
An in-depth guide to understanding electric cars (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs); how they benefit our environment, the incentives of owning one, and how this technology can play a key role in transitioning to a more sustainable future. Learn even more about EVs and their safety ratings here.
if you’re considering going electric this guide contains helpful information from EV safety ratings to how to charge a battery safely and drive your EV efficiently.
This comprehensive guide covers how to scrap a car, how to transfer your registration, what happens when a scrapped car is recycled and how recycled car parts are used. How are cars recycled?
Digital Carbon Footprint
Did you know watching 30 minutes of your favorite Netflix show releases the same amount of C02 as driving 4 miles? Featuring the latest facts and figures around our online consumption and the Internet’s ever-growing carbon footprint, this Guide to Global Internet Energy Usage aims to raise awareness so people can make more energy-conscious consumer choices.
this article shares some interesting details about digital carbon emissions along with statistics, cool visuals, and tips to help readers reduce their digital carbon footprints.
Food
In the US we waste 30-40% of our national food supply. Read about the food waste problem and ways to combat it here
Choosing Safer Food Storage Containers from Earth911.com
Conscious Gift Giving
It helps the planet and the people who live on it to make more conscious choices about the gifts we buy.
FairTrade America’s gift guide is a great place to start!
Clutter-free gifts are also great choices!
Sustainable Toilet Paper & Paper Towels
Who Gives a Crap donates 50% of their profits to provide sanitation and toilets in the developing world
Black women owned, lor tush sells toilet paper made from bamboo.
Other conscious choices!
Why buy a brand new engagement ring when you can save money and help the planet by choosing a pre-loved ring?
Conscious Consumption
despite being an essential measure to protect us all from COVID-19, the widespread use and disposal of PPE has created enormous environmental issues. This guide covers the effects of PPE damage, how to reduce and safely dispose of PPE waste.
This article contains valuable information on five different ways to live in a home that is healthier for the environment, such as installing solar panels, using an intelligent thermostat, and switching to LED lights.
resources and information about sustainable jerseys and other sportswear for athletes and enthusiasts.
Cars and the Environment
This guide includes an overview of electric vehicles, the environmental and economic benefits of driving an electric car, advice for owning an electric car, and future technological developments.
This guide provides an overview of sustainability within the car industry, the importance and impact of electric cars, and guidance on responsible electric car ownership.
Reducing your carbon footprint and becoming more eco-friendly in regards to your vehicle consists of a variety of choices that range from economic investments to everyday behaviors. This handy guide will show you how!
An in-depth guide to understanding electric cars (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs); how they benefit our environment, the incentives of owning one, and how this technology can play a key role in transitioning to a more sustainable future. Learn even more about EVs and their safety ratings here.
if you’re considering going electric this guide contains helpful information from EV safety ratings to how to charge a battery safely and drive your EV efficiently.
This comprehensive guide covers how to scrap a car, how to transfer your registration, what happens when a scrapped car is recycled and how recycled car parts are used. How are cars recycled?
Digital Carbon Footprint
Did you know watching 30 minutes of your favorite Netflix show releases the same amount of C02 as driving 4 miles? Featuring the latest facts and figures around our online consumption and the Internet’s ever-growing carbon footprint, this Guide to Global Internet Energy Usage aims to raise awareness so people can make more energy-conscious consumer choices.
this article shares some interesting details about digital carbon emissions along with statistics, cool visuals, and tips to help readers reduce their digital carbon footprints.
Food
In the US we waste 30-40% of our national food supply. Read about the food waste problem and ways to combat it here
Choosing Safer Food Storage Containers from Earth911.com
Conscious Gift Giving
It helps the planet and the people who live on it to make more conscious choices about the gifts we buy.
FairTrade America’s gift guide is a great place to start!
Clutter-free gifts are also great choices!
Sustainable Toilet Paper & Paper Towels
Who Gives a Crap donates 50% of their profits to provide sanitation and toilets in the developing world
Black women owned, lor tush sells toilet paper made from bamboo.
Other conscious choices!
Why buy a brand new engagement ring when you can save money and help the planet by choosing a pre-loved ring?
Join our community!
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