[sexygretch]

I was in the recycling buisness before moving here,andwe had many proactive programs. they benifited everyone from abused women to handycaped and low income faimlys. We saved all sorts of household goods, from silverware,to furniture artwork and clothing to furnish new apts. and homes for women in transition. Quite often they ended up in a bare apt. We'd get togeather and show up with truck loads, when we left,( quite often a tearfull parting) their was dishes in the cupboard, linnens on beds, even artwork on what was bare walls.

[horselover]

That's an amazing story. It's just too bad that there aren't too many programs like that out there.

When I left transitional housing a few years ago all I got was 50 bucks from the staff there.

[Raptor235]

what was the business called sexygretch?

[Tree]

I don't know if this counts for anyone out there, but using the resources available to us, and our "callings" (workwise) my BF and I use old computer parts from clients that he sells new systems to, and rebuild systems for underpriviledged people. So far, we're working with a woman's shelter, a kid who's part of the make-a-wish foundation and next I want to help a single mom who's just getting divorced and seems to not know much about computers, though now she has to learn some skills and find a job. Hopefully we can make a difference to some people and keep some older computer parts out of the dump for awhile - parts that more priviledged people would consider obsolete and useless, but might still have some value left in them.

[horselover]

I think it counts. It's good for you to help the shelter. Shelters lack the resources to get such things like computers. I know, I've been in shelters on and off for years.

Helping people in need is very important.

[Aalaia]

That's wonderful. It is such a great way to use recycling and your life.

[green_price]

Great to hear these stories!

[Redofthelost]

Wow thats pretty amazing. Volunteering jobs sure are rewarding to your heart =)

[reviewer]

One great way to encourage reuse, not just recycling: freecycle! You can join freecycle groups which offer up-for-grabs free items. You can also use Craigslist too. I think it's great to pass on things that would be thrown away.

[Stepper]

Excellent suggestions, reviewer!