Ideas to Celebrate Earth Day

God has blessed me with so many resources and I think the best way to show my gratitude is to hold those things with an open hand. Rather gripping them selfishly and hoarding certain things such as clothes, jewelry, furniture or make up, I can use them wisely not wastefully, with joyfulness that I have them and could afford them and then, when it's time, pass along.

That's why I recognize and celebrate Recycling Week (April 18-24) as well as Earth Day (April 22). It's a great reminder that the things that God has given us -- be it money, household appliances or even lovely greenspaces and oceans -- are gifts that can help and enrich others. It's also a great way to use our creativity and teach others and ourselves how live economically.

Here are some many ways to make recycling a lifestyle.

1. Donate to your local Goodwill. It's a great way to declutter and places like Goodwill and the Salvation Army use the sale of those items help others. It's way better than throwing perfectly ....


good things in the dumpster. Remember, one man's junk is another man's treasure.

2. Shop at your local thrift and vintage stores. You can truly find some amazing things for your closet and home there for really cheap.

Also many thrift stores provide employment and small business opportunities for disadvantaged individuals in our communities.

3.  Repurpose common items. In others DIY! Take those glass tomato sauce jars, paint them with chalkboard paint and use them to store cotton balls and Q-tips.

Turn used K-Cups into a pod for herb and plant seedlings to grow.

Turn a shoe box into a storage bin with some burlap and a staple machine. It is creative and shows just how far you can stretch a dollar.


4. Reuse old under-utilized goods. If you have a dresser that is barely used in one room, add new knobs or fixtures and a fresh coat of paint and use it in a part of your house.

Take clothes you love but never wear to the tailor. He or she can replace old or missing buttons, take it in or let it out at the seams for a better fit or even alter the clothing's style to reflect current trends.

Getting a tailor may be a bit pricey, but it is so much cheaper than buying a whole new outfit. Speaking of which...

5. Make a habit of shopping your closet first. I've been guilty of breaking this rule more than once. You have a special event coming up so you go to the store to get something fancy. Why not look through your closet first. A lot of times, you have something that you can jazz up with some fancy shoes or pretty accessories. It's better than buying more clothes you don't need, won't wear again, and can't afford.

If you really don't have something,  rewind to Tip 2. There plenty of gowns at your local thrift/ vintage store.




I hope these tips and tricks inspire you this Recycle Week and Earth Day (April 22)! Share your recycling tips and tricks in comment section below.