From Shelter to Stability
How Can Recycling Benefit CARITAS?
September 2011
By Lori Schmiege
A furniture bank is known for taking gently used furniture and giving it to the under-served population. At times this means throwing a slipcover over a sofa and making it new. We tighten a loose leg on a chair to make it less wobbly. We modify entertainment centers into wardrobes. In other words, we are great ambassadors to the planet by reusing, recycling and repurposing furniture. CARITAS has also made notable recycling efforts in other areas of the furniture bank.
In September 2010 when I started my AmeriCorps contract, I thought it was vital we also watch what goes into our trash. The staff and volunteers quickly learned to identify the recycling triangle for 1 and 2’s on plastic. A soda can was no longer looked at as a mere aluminum can, but as income, too. Plastic bottles were considered to have value as well. Hence our recycling program was under way.
I overheard clients in the computer lab remind each other to place their cans in the recycling bin. Volunteers placed scrap metal in gaylords. “Gaylord” is a new vocabulary word for all of us here at CARITAS: it’s a large cardboard box placed on a pallet for easy movement. And do they ever fill up quickly around here!
Enthusiasm grew for the recycling program and we have developed trade collaborations through other local charities. Donated books went to Books on Wheels; these books now have a new home so youngsters can read them over and over. Medical equipment is going to the Foundation for Rehabilitation Equipment Endowment. Toys are no longer being trashed because Goodwill exchanges toys for sofas and dressers.
We are seeing the rewards for all our good stewardship. In August we took the time to clear and organize our warehouse space. Aluminum and steel were recycled at Sims. Cardboard, photocopy paper and plastic bottles are being recycled through international paper. Copper wiring brings in a quite a bit of revenue for small amounts of out dated electronic cords. Scrap wood is turned into mulch. Over the course of the year we did the right thing for the earth and were rewarded with over $1000 in CASH!
CARITAS continues to implement earth friendly procedures. For a non-profit, it’s an extra honor to be rewarded financially.
Stay tuned to see if you can help CARITAS recycle cell phones and other electronics!