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Pack away all screens and the like are a bit like those
appliances that you condiments in the fridge – remnants left at
seldom use in easily- the bottom of bottles, pushed to the back
accessible places of the shelves and forgotten are merely
under the counters. collecting dust. Throw out the contents and
Re-evaluate whether recycle the containers.
your pots, pans,
trays, crockery and By the way, old medicines should never
glasses are stored in be flushed down the toilet or down the
the right cupboards drain – or thrown into the municipal refuse
– and don’t forget to bin. Most pharmacies will accept expired
clear out, clean and medicines and have arrangements to
re-pack your cutlery dispose of them responsibly.
drawers.
E-WASTE
IN THE BEDROOM The next area that you should tackle is
A lot of people who your store of old cell phones, laptops,
live in colder climates tablets, chargers and cables. Cell
actually pack away phones that are positively pre-historic
homes are the kitchen and the wardrobes. their winter clothes in summer and swop are not worth keeping as most often their
If you have the time and you’re not their clothes over when the days get colder technology is obsolete and if the hardware
concerned about flagging energy levels, again. One should never have too much breaks, it can’t be repaired. Find an
planning two hours sorting through one of clothing jammed in the cupboards, as this e-waste disposal depot and clear away
your wardrobes and two hours in a specific will lead to unnecessary creasing. anything that you can’t use anymore.
area of your kitchen could be a good way
to vary your activities. The experts advise Recycling of clothing is also a good way The same goes for old appliances that
you to start small, tackle the tasks in bite- to reduce your carbon footprint, so decide you may have replaced. There are service
sized chunks and finish them before you on a charity or find a charity shop near you providers who are willing to collect old
move on to the next area. where you can drop off all your unwanted appliances if you need to dispose of them,
clothes. Knowing that you will be so keep their numbers handy and give
IN THE KITCHEN benefitting someone else will help to make them a call. Remember, too, that older
The first task would be to unpack that the decision of what to keep and what to models of appliances are most likely
grocery cupboard and throw out all food discard easier – and the rule here is, if it also energy-guzzlers, so replacing them
items that are beyond their best before/ doesn’t fit you and/or you haven’t worn it with newer, more eco-friendly models, if
expiry dates. Then repack your cupboard for six months or more, throw it out! your budget will allow it, could save your
with similar ingredients grouped together electricity consumption in the long run.
– after you’ve wiped the dust off all the THE BATHROOM
shelves, of course. Medicines are another area where With the fast pace of life that we find
checking the expiry dates is very ourselves leading, time is of the essence –
Spices and herbs would be your next stop important. It’s amazing how quickly time why not take the ‘do it now’ approach and
– and keep a pen and paper handy to note flies – and how often the anti-inflammatory get started today? You’ll be glad that you
down any essentials that you’ve had to capsules, pain tablets and cough mixtures took the plunge when you’re done.
throw out, that will need replacing. Then are way past their expiry dates at the
move on to your refrigerator – condiments, very time that you need them the most. Some useful contacts:
mayonnaise, salad dressing are the main When it comes to generic, off the counter SoSorted by Kirsten Jensen –
culprits here. The remnants of almost medicines, it’s best to buy smaller packs www.sosorted.co.za
finished bottles often lurk at the back of the more often rather than go for a bulk buy or www.electronicrecycling.co.za
shelves – be kind to them, wash out the three-for-two special offer. www.computerscraprecycling.co.za
contents and add the containers to your www.erecycling.co.za
recycling. Shampoos, conditioners, creams, sun www.africaewaste.co.za

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