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Don't throw THAT away
There's a place for everything if you're willing to take everything to its place.
By Becka Cremer bcremer@kansan.com
Does a mini-fridge take up more space than a bookshelf? Will a bike fit in the trunk? How many T-shirts worth of space does a CD collection take up?
When the thrill—and the parties—that mark the end of the school year wears off, you'll still be left to pack for the trip home, for your ever-approaching August move, or for that summer internship in the big city. Don't get stuck with a home full of stuff, a
tiny car and the urge to toss everything into a dumpster. Instead, plan ahead and donate your unwanted stuff.
"Students don't think about it, but the end of the semester can sneak up on us," says Jeff Severin, director of the Center for Sustainability.
Start thinking about what items you won't need in your next residence, and start donating now. Begin with the items you won't
need before you move, such as winter clothes. Severin says.
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"So when you move, it's not really a rush to dump everything in the trash and run. Plan ahead so you're disposing of those things responsibly," Severin says.
Lawrence has a wealth of donation opportunities, so if you spend a little time driving around town now, you can avoid the dumpsters come move-out day.
Lawrence Humane Society
1805 East 19th Street
785.843.6835
www.lawrencehumane.org
You might hate the pattern on your old sheets or crave new towels for your next place, but the animals at the Lawrence Humane Society would be happy with your old ones. Drop off any clean, unwanted bedding, blankets, towels and sheets at the Lawrence Humane Society or the drop box at PetCo, 3115 Iowa Street. The shelter gives the bedding to the animals to make their stays more comfortable, says Robin Evans, office manager of the humane society.
Planet Aid
816.472.1518
planetaid.org
It's no accident that the PlanetAid donation boxes look like dumpsters, says Amanda Irvin, area manager for Planet Aid.
"The people who make donations to Goodwill or The Salvation Army do that pretty consistently." Irvin says. "But then there are people who typically throw things away. We just give them an avenue for that stuff that isn't the garbage."
Planet Aid sells donated items to secondhand stores and textile recyclers or sends items directly to programs in Africa. Money from the sale of items goes to help the same programs.
Planet Aid boxes can be found in front of Yello Sub, 1814 West 23rd Street, and Office Depot, 2525 Iowa Street. All locations are listed with this story at Kansan.com/jayplay.