Reducing and Recycling

Reducing

I mentioned in yesterday's post that I had a bit of time to get rid of some stuff through the local Freecycle.  My efforts to get rid of things paid off and now I've cleared up some of my clutter.

I love pretty, fresh cut flowers.

Yesterday and today I gave away several items of clothing (mostly vests and sweaters) that I've had for a long time but never wear.Since I've purchased newer things in the last 2 years I must get rid of other things to make room. Sometimes you just have to admit that some of your purchases weren't quite right and let them go. But there are also things one has for such a long time that can be let go to make room for something new.  The things I recycled were in good or like new condition and went to a lady who was very much appreciative.  I also recycled a lot of other items such as: books, bread machine, coffee machine, fabric remnants and DVDs (music and movies).

I've got lots more to get rid of but I prefer to take my time to sort through things.  It also takes time to give things away because one has to write up the advertisements, take pictures of the items, post and then respond to queries before someone comes by to pick things up. If there is a lot of interest in something for giveaway it can be a bit tricky to coordinate and believe or not, some people can get nasty about it if they are not the ultimate recipient. That experience put  me off of giveaways for a time but I've since resumed the activity because I prefer to give things to someone who needs them rather than give them to the thrift store for sale.

"Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”  

Luke 6:38

My mother was the type that held on to things to be used "some day".  I've inherited her tendencies toward sentimentality and also keep a lot of  things for a rainy day.  However I am also much better at releasing things than she was.  I don't like having too many things stuffed in bags and boxes and stored somewhere to be used "some day".  One tends to forget what is stored away in bins and boxes. I also think that one cannot receive "good gifts" if you don't have room for them.

I took the above photos at the Yellowpoint Lodge, near Ladysmith on Vancouver Island a few years ago.  It was Fall and I really enjoyed walking on the property through the mist.
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I  know many of us tend to purchase more than we need. I'm conditioning myself to purchase only the things I want or really need and let go of other things that bog me down.  For quite some time I've felt like I have far too much stuff and have been looking for ways to find new homes for it all. It takes time.

My progress sometimes seems slow because at the same time I am getting rid of things I am also adding to them.  A lot of it is clutter caused  by my ever present sewing projects. I need fabrics on hand for future projects. Once I've made things there are always remnants of fabric left. I don't tend to use fabric remnants myself so then they need to be stored.  A fabric stash and fabric remnants take up a lot of space.  Yarns for knitting and crocheting also take up a lot of space.  I've had to give away so much and so I realize it is better not to buy more until I really want to use it. Adding to things that need to be stored are things I must bring back from my mother's room and closet. I am always editing her things as she has limited space.

These are some of the ways I add to household clutter not to mention digital and paper clutter.
 Even so, I like to think I am making progress with clearing some of it up.

At least one of my brothers assures me that I am not a hoarder, lol. 

He knows how much I've given away and gotten rid of over the past several years because from time to time I need his help to take items to the goodwill  which I tend to do if I have  put together many bags/boxes of things at one time.

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Recycling

The city where I live has recently started collecting compostable materials. I have a small compost pail for the kitchen (it has been sitting outside in the garden for the year, lol). I need to bring it indoors and get used to setting aside food scraps and taking it downstairs to the compost bin that is emptied every week.  Cardboard,plastic and glass containers also get recycled and there are appropriate bins in the garbage room for all of it.  Sometimes I save the glass jars and wash them before giving them away.  They make good containers for storing buttons and other odds and ends.

I already save all the refundable containers. Once I have a great big bag of them they are taken to the recycling facility to get the small refund. A large black garbage bag of bottles and cartons usually gets me a refund of $3.- $4. Canadian.

It seems so many of us recycle but sometimes one wonders if these efforts are helping when you see garbage everywhere. Moreover the rate of climate change is happening so fast. 

I shudder to think what would happen if no one tried to do their part to help the environment.

We all need to be vigilant in doing our part but some people still don't seem to be alert to the issues.

What about you dear reader? 

Do you give things away, donate them to goodwill or just throw them out? 

What things do you have trouble getting rid of?

Looking Ahead

Hi friends,


I've been sleeping more than usual. I feel I am fighting a cold but then again, it might be side effects from one of my newer medications. I've had 5-6 colds since the start of 2016 and that doesn't seem plausible though I do have friends who have had such a high number of colds.  It is just that I don't generally get colds.  I've also recently learned that one of my medications can cause upper respiratory tract infections. I will have to check into this in more detail with the doctor soon.

The colder weather is on the way I've been on the hunt for some stylish hats and vests that are a bit on the dressier side. I've heard that we can expect a  colder than usual winter season and I want to make sure I have the right attire that can also be worn for nights out to the symphony or concert.  I managed to find two hats and a nice cosy vest which I think will work nicely.

I got this cosy hat in gray faux fur to go with my black car coat.  I also got one in chocolate brown to go with my long faux beaver fur coat for those extra chilly days. I could not get a good photo of the faux fur vest I purchased in black but it is lovely and even better, it has pockets.

I've also purchased a comforter set, and sheets on clearance.  This will help keep me warm over the cold winter nights.  In my last frugal post, I mentioned that I'd purchased a comforter set and a set of sheets for a birthday gift.  The prices were so good that I decided to purchase some for myself.  The comforter was $43 and tax (marked down from $190 and tax).  I got the sheet set from a different designer line because I got a better prices that way.  Though the colour isn't exactly a match, it will do fine and coordinate with other comforters and blankets I already have.  The sheet set is 400 TC and  was $28.00 and tax (marked down from $120.00 and tax).

The weather has been sunny all week but the rain returned today.  Hopefully we get more sunshine in another few days. In the meantime I decided to delay my trip for laboratory tests due to the inclement weather.

View to the East

Once I made that decision, it freed me to gather together some unwanted or unused clothing, books and DVDs and a few kitchen items (coffee pot, bread machine and pots and pans). I've posted most of it for giveway and have had some good interest.  I was able to get rid of a lot of clothing and DVDs today and tomorrow others are coming for other things.  My decluttering is part of the Kon Marie process of tidying up even though I'm not exactly following her order of things. I am not following her order because at the moment, I'm trying to get rid of some of the more obvious stuff that needs to go. It will take me longer to sort through everything and that will still happen for later giveaways.

Truth be told, I haven't been very good about progressing on the Kon Marie method  since I began the effort a few months ago.  I've just been too busy with the garden, the summer guests, the task and errands and then my mother's hospitalization.. But little efforts here and there add up to larger efforts. Eventually it will all come together. I'm hoping this Fall and early Winter season I can make good progress in this area.  I certainly have enough projects to keep me busy.  I mentioned several of them in my last post but forgot to mention the "Kon Marie Project".

Since the sky is gloomy I've added a few flower photos here. These are from my archives.

Over the past few days I caught up to my reading goals and am now on the home stretch to finish the books for the year. I hope I can meet my reading goals and still manage the other projects.

Where I live the media from around the globe have descended.  The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their two children are in beautiful British Columbia for a quick royal visit. You may see some photos in the news where you live.

Photo credit:  The Mirror (UK, September 22, 2016)

Joining with Skywatch Friday

and 

Friday Foto Friends. 

Take care and have a wonderful weekend.