Those two words can only mean one thing. Spring cleaning!! Yes, it’s that time of year again. Time to do a whirlwind cleaning of the house, and to discard the many things that one no longer uses.

The past few weeks have certainly been one of chaos. It was only yesterday that I finally reclaimed my dining room from the mountain of various computer paraphernalia used by my own computer, to repair a computer, or to build a new computer for my niece’s birthday gift. It was no small feat indeed, but I can once again, see, and use, my dining room table. I can’t say how long it will remain that way, but I’ll enjoy the moment for as long as I can. *chuckle*

Do you have something that you no longer want, but think that someone else might be able to use? Don’t just toss it away. By just tossing it away, you contribute to the pollution of our Earth either through incineration, or landfill. Click your way on over to www.freecycle.org There are groups in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, and other spots around the globe.

During last years spring cleaning, I created a lot of space by using FreeCycle. Last year alone, others were able to enjoy a basketball hoop, a large picture window, formal dinnerware that had only been used once, cookware, a PlayStation for a woman’s grandson, and other things. Through collaboration with another FreeCycler, we were able to put together a computer system for a woman whose daughter needed one to be able to run educational software for her son. Recycling doesn’t just involve glass, plastic, and paper, but many of the products that we use in everyday life.

So as you go about your spring cleaning this year, don’t just toss it to the curb. Take a moment to wonder if it can be used by someone else. Not only does it help you create more room in your own life, but it helps to put a smile on the face of someone else who will be happy to use what you longer do. And sometimes, a simple smile of appreciation is far more satisfying than a few extra dollars in your pocket.