Do Just One Thing

A great way to donate and have your books reused and read is to give them to prisoners who are behind bars. The website PrisonBookProgram.org can connect you with local organizations that help provide books to prisons they serve in the U.S. and Canada. Some common tips when donating books for prisons: Give paperbacks only, since most prisons will not accept hardcover books. And the types of books in demand range from vocational (plumbing, welding, house framing) to yoga, business books, equipment-free exercise, and novels from popular authors.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

A new company called Helpsy is aiming to radically change the way we recycle our old clothes. Nearly 85% of old clothing ends up in landfills, which accounts for around 100 pounds per person, per year. Helpsy says when you donate clothes, you should donate the old and dirty items (think old socks and ripped T-shirts) with the lightly used ones. That way, textiles that can't be resold can be recycled (which costs more) and items that can be resold (sneakers, jeans and items with tags still on) make the whole textile recycling process worth a recycler's effort.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Did you know that cardboard and paperboard boxes are the No. 1 component of solid waste generated by households, according to the Environmental Protection Agency? Even more staggering, that waste increases by 25% during the holiday season (think of all those gifts!). While cardboard and paperboard are recyclable, it’s essential to flatten them when putting them out for recycling. When left intact, boxes take up extra room, leading to more pickups, more wasted fuel and higher costs.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION