Spring Cleaning Done Right! How to Properly Dispose of Unused Items in Texas
Discover > Texas Mom Blog > Spring Cleaning Done Right! How to Properly Dispose of Unused Items in Texas
Spring cleaning becomes more pressing as the weather turns warmer and the snow melts. Of course, putting your living space in order is always a great feeling, with all that unnecessary clutter finding its way out of our lives. But what then? To contribute to sustainability, we must consider where our trash goes and how to dispose of it properly.
Green options are available if we take the time to look into them — donating usable items to those in need and finding responsible ways to discard one-time-use things — these can help us create a healthier world for future generations. The decisions we make when it comes to spring cleaning can produce far-reaching effects, and we should take them seriously.
So follow these helpful guidelines to start your spring with ease! To help make things easier (and better for the environment!). Here are some sustainable, eco-friendly ways to dispose of the most common household items that need to be thrown away.
Clothing
Getting rid of old clothes and donating them can be tricky since only a tiny percentage of the items find a new home, and many organizations that manage donations end up with more than they need. Therefore, it's essential to think about how to responsibly discard clothing rather than just tossing it in a donation box.
Turn Used Clothes into Profit
Selling unwanted clothing is a great way to make extra money. Before selling the items. Through some research, you can find second-hand stores that accept used clothing, as they all have different requirements.
Once you know the store's requirements, go through your old clothes and separate those that fit the criteria. Most second-hand stores look for clothes in good condition, so it is essential to thoroughly check them before handing them over. While some items might be rejected due to minor defects or outdatedness, this could be a fantastic opportunity to make a few bucks from things lying untouched in your closet for ages.
So if you are looking for extra cash, remember to try out local second-hand stores!
Buffalo Exchange
Houston, TX
If you want a unique shopping experience, visit Buffalo Exchange in Houston, Texas. This hip chain has everything trendy or vintage-inspired fashion fans could hope for. Not only do they sell clothing and accessories for both men and women, but they also buy and trade pre-owned items. With an expansive selection of brands and styles, there's no doubt you'll discover something special at Buffalo Exchange in Houston.
Uptown Cheapskate
College Station, TX
Shopping at Uptown Cheapskate in College Station, TX, is the perfect way for young adults to enhance their wardrobe with designer apparel and accessories. Whether you're looking to upgrade your style, unload your current clothes that don't fit or add some thrifted pieces, Uptown Cheapskate has got you covered! With their simple and easy buying and selling process, it's no surprise why so many young adults choose them. Thanks to Uptown Cheapskate, freshening up your wardrobe with designer duds doesn't have to be expensive - now, how's that for a deal?
Host a Clothing Swap
With clothing swaps, it can feel like shopping for free. Every person brings clothing items they no longer wear or don't fit properly and switches them out with another person's thing they like. It's a great way to find a beloved t-shirt featuring your favorite band – and with any luck, you might even find a shirt with the same band as someone else's and could trade clothes that night!
Hosting a clothing swap is more eco-friendly than going out and buying pieces and helps reduce textile waste. In addition, it can be an eye-opening experience to finally see old clothes in somebody else's eyes. So next time you want to spruce up your wardrobe without breaking the bank, consider hosting one of these events – you never know what kind of finds (and memories!) you could discover.
Upcycle: Give Old Clothing New Purpose
Reusing old clothing is a great way to save money, reduce waste and be creative. There are lots of projects that don't require any special skills - or even needles and thread. For example, why not turn a t-shirt into stylish headbands or denim jeans into a rug? There have never been so many options for upcycling to create something original and eco-friendly. So next time you come across something worn-out. However, still, wearable squares of fabric, reconsider chucking them out - why not translate them into something unique instead?
Magpies & Peacocks
Houston, TX
Magpies & Peacocks in Houston, TX, provides a much-needed service to the fashion industry by diverting post-consumer clothing, scrap textiles, and accessories from landfills. They are dedicated to disrupting the waste cycle and mitigating fashion's immense effect on the environment and society. The mission of Magpies & Peacocks is not only noble but also essential in this day and age of increasing environmental concerns.
Books
Books offer us a wealth of knowledge that can last lifetimes. Unfortunately, it is easy to get attached to particular titles and eventually find yourself with too many books you do not intend to read again. In this situation, decluttering your shelves can be done simply and quickly.
Donate Used Books
Not only will clearing out your bookcase or bookshelf feel satisfying, but doing so is an easy way to offer an excellent opportunity to someone who could not otherwise have it. Donations can go toward local library drives or initiatives that strive to bring stories into places worldwide - especially those who cannot access them in their communities. In addition, your donation could inspire someone else's imagination.
Inside Books
Austin, TX
Inside Books is the only books-to-prisoners program in Texas, where over 120,000 people are incarcerated. Inside Books Project promotes reading, literacy, and education among incarcerated individuals and educates the general public on incarceration issues.
Sell Used Books
A used-book retailer is a perfect place to sell books. Not only do they buy used books, but they also sell used books. This means that you can get rid of your old books and pick up some new ones simultaneously. It's a great way to clean your shelves and find new reading material.
Brazos Books
Waco, TX
Sell your lightly used books at Brazos Books, the best family-owned bookstore in Waco, Texas, buying low-priced books, gifts, and unique treasures.
Papers
It's important to remember that not all paper can be recycled. To ensure you're doing your part for the environment, knowing the proper disposal methods for everyday household paper items is essential.
Recycle Paper
If you want to do your part for the environment, start by recycling your paper! You can take all those old printer papers, newspapers, and magazines and send them off for recycling – an easy habit that helps our planet tremendously. Not only will you be contributing positively towards conservation efforts, but you'll also help reduce greenhouse gasses. Plenty of tips you can find online to ensure that when you recycle your paper products, they are done correctly. So don't hesitate – to start recycling today!
Texas Recycling
Dallas, TX
Texas Recycling is a top choice for commercial paper, newspaper, corrugated cardboard, and industrial metal recycling in Dallas. Their professional and experienced staff ensures that all recyclables are collected promptly and responsibly, from sorting to collection and processing. Texas Recycling puts sustainability first: they reclaim materials while saving energy, reducing emissions, conserving resources, and creating jobs in the local community. Dallas businesses that require comprehensive waste management solutions can strongly rely on their superior service and dependable recycling techniques. As a result, it's no surprise that Texas Recycling has been at the forefront of commercial paper, newspaper, corrugated cardboard, and industrial metal recycling in Dallas for many years.
Miscellaneous Household Items
When clearing out your household, it's not just the major furniture pieces, and everyday items that need to be gone through - all those miscellaneous items around the house can pile up quickly too! To make cleaning up as easy and efficient as possible, it's best to approach this step by rooms or categories.
Households with kids involved should pay particular attention to their bedroom and toy storage spaces - you'd be surprised how fast these collections tend to build up. Next, remember the home office, where odds and ends like cords, charging cables, paperwork, stationery supplies, or anything else will need sorting into keep or throw piles. It's also vital to remember the bathrooms and kitchen - wiping them out of any beauty products, old cleaning supplies, and unwanted kitchenware may seem tedious. Still, it is so worth it once it's done!
Finally, putting a good hour or two into the garage area will likely be your most significant task by far - but this laborious job will make room for some much-needed order in the clutter.
Austin Metal and Iron
Austin, TX
Austin Metal and Iron has been a family-owned business for many years and offers a wide range of new and used products for sale. They have everything from pipes to sheets of metals to recycled materials. Plus, their recycling services keep scrap metals off our streets, which benefits both the environment and the community as a whole. With top-notch products and services, Austin Metal & Iron is your go-to source for all your metal needs!
Additionally, you may go to TexasRecyclesComputers.org to learn how to recycle your computer for free.
There are many different ways to live a sustainable lifestyle. TexasRealFood's guide on How To Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle discusses the most critical aspects of learning waste management and achieving a zero or lesser waste lifestyle.
Summary
Purchasing fewer items not only has a positive effect on your space and the environment, but it can also positively impact your wallet. Cut down on items prone to collecting dust, such as toys, books, and souvenirs you rarely use, sell them, or donate them to a thrift store, then reinvest the money from these sales in experiences rather than things. Investing time and energy in creating meaningful experiences instead of acquiring material goods makes you more likely to appreciate what you have and avoid future clutter.
Spring evokes the image of freshly harvested food. It reminds us that it is the beginning of the fresh produce season. Buy farm-fresh spring mixes from local family farms and ranches in Texas.
