Reply #80: Recycle Recycle Recycle

[Skidmore]

We do tons of it for ourselves and others. My husband's hobby is electronics and people in this area have a penchant for putting lots of TVs, VCRs, DVDs, stereo components, DVDs, vacuum cleaners, lamps, endless list of stuff curbside when they buy a newer model or change their decor. My husband picks these items up and services them. Some he takes to a consignment store to sell to cover the costs of his "hobby", others he donates to Goodwill or the SA (we can claim a tax credit), some he passes on to friends or relatives. All items get a new life and don't end up in the landfill quite as fast. Sometimes he'll bring home tables, chairs, or computer stuff. He recently scored a Canon copier (which we'll keep). Small shelves and decorative items are cleaned up and restored by me and these get donated as well.

We compost. We grow our own veggies and some fruit. These are put away for the winter. This year I couldn't seem to get Bell peppers started, so I bought a bunch at the farmers' market, cleaned, and chopped them and froze them in gallon bags. I did the same thing with all the tomatoes we couldn't consume. Did this with zucchini, green beans, peas, raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries. We'll use them in soups and stews in the winter. I grow my own herbs and dried a huge amount of dill, oregono, parsley, and garlic chives. This not only saves huge amounts of money, but I know that these are chemical free. If you live in town use containers to grow veggies or herbs in. If you have flower beds, read up on companion planting and you'd be surprised how attractive some of these herbs and veggie plants can be in a border.