Tamara Harbar
Going Green
In a “let’s-chat-while-doing-yardwork’” conversation with my neighbour last week, he mentioned he’d like to get new kitchen cabinets. But knowing the still-usable cabinets would just end up in the landfill has been holding him back.
My neighbour’s dilemma got me thinking. Instead of creating unnecessary and unwanted waste in the landfill, those old kitchen cupboards could find a new use elsewhere, as handy storage in a workshop, garage, basement or attic. If my neighbour can’t reuse them himself, he can donate them to a local organization that would welcome them with open arms.
Listed below are a few places that take those hard-to-get-rid-of items that overwhelm us sometimes. When you need a few things yourself, check out these places for treasures at well below full retail price or even for free. You’ll support local charitable organizations and, by keeping good stuff in use versus rotting in a landfill, help the environment, too.
It’s a good idea to call or email first to ask if your offering is definitely wanted. You can even take a digital photo of your item to show in person or send via email.
Be sure your donation is in saleable or reusable condition. Things like baby furniture or car seats may not meet current safety standards, while other items may be damaged beyond repair.
Don’t put the receiving organization in the position of paying to trash unusable waste.
As for my neighbour’s dilemma, I have the perfect solution. A certain environmentally-inclined neighbour of his has been looking for old cupboards to organize her basement. If he’s out doing some yard work, we can have another chat. Gotta go ...
Happy donating – and happy shopping!
Local Organizations
The Alley Thrift Store
Knox Presbyterian Church, 142 Ontario St., Stratford
Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Contact: 519-271-0373
Clothes, household items and books
Goodwill Retail Store & Donation Centre
1032 Ontario St., Stratford
Visit in person or shop online at shopGoodwill.com.
Contact: 519-273-1632
Web info: www.goodwill.org
Clothes, toys, sports equipment, household items, computer equipment, fabrics, rugs, giftware.
Habitat for Humanity
Stratford-Perth ReStore
245 Griffith Rd., Stratford
Contact: 519-273-7155 or info@habitatstratfordperth.ca
Web info: www.habitatstratfordperth.ca/Restore.php
New and used items, including lumber, doors, windows, kitchen and bathroom fixtures, flooring, pegboard, appliances, plumbing and electrical parts, siding, unused shingles, garden tools, patio furniture, tables, chairs, shelving units.
Salvation Army Thrift Store
615 Erie Street, Stratford
Contact: 519-271-2762
Web info:
www.salvationarmy.ca
Clothing, furniture, games, kitchenware, you name it – a friend of mine recently bought a like-new leather jacket for $25.
Stratford House of Blessing
423 Erie St, Stratford
Contact: 519-273-3433 or shob@wightman.ca
Web info: www.shob.org
Good quality, functioning appliances and furniture; gently-used clothing and household items.
Local online groups
Individuals and nonprofit organizations can post or find free items on-line with two groups in this area. Sign up, log in and start the sharing.
Stratford Freecycle
Begun in 2008, the Stratford Freecycle group now has 547 members. The Freecycle Network consists of 4,793 groups and over 7 million members in more than 85 countries. To subscribe, email: StratfordFreecycle-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Web info: www.freecycle.org. Also see FreeCycle@Work on Facebook for tips on starting a Freecycle group with co-workers.
Perth County ReUseIt Network
At 603 members, the ReUseIt Network offers another local online option.
To subscribe, email: PerthCountyReUseIt-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Web info: ww.reuseitnetwork.org
