Throwing away household stuff is a norm in our society; those things we slightly used before and some old stuff we’ve kept for years now we want to get rid of are usually found in garbage dumping areas or thrown in the streets.
In North America, people sometimes keep buying goods at whims, and later, they replace them with new ones. Then, eventually, all these items end up in the garbage bins bound in the landfill.
Driven by consumerism, most people earn enough, so it’s within their means to buy those things.
In their garage backyards, we often see consumers’ products littering there; with that condition, there is no way they could park their vehicles inside their garage, either they park them in the street or the little space fronting their homes.
In big apartments and condominium dumpsites, we can find some pieces of furniture, steel cabinets, household items, and even sets of plates, cups, and tableware. Some of them are still in good condition.
While walking through the garbage area, some people pick one or two items to take home.
Usually, when people walk around their neighbourhood, they find antique chairs and household items with some tags “free,” so in short, they can be taken home by others.
Why did these items find their way into the dumpsite? One reason could be the owner has died, has decided to simplify his life and transferred to a smaller apartment.
Or, in the case of older people, they may have decided to transfer to retirement or nursing homes, so they have no option but to get rid of their belongings.
Whatever the reason why these slightly used stuffs found their way into the garbage bin, it’s still a good idea to dump these items in the crates for reuse by other people.
Or better still, donate these used items to Goodwill and Value Village to help create jobs for people.
Giving these “ garbage stuff” a new lease of life is commendable instead of sending them to the city’s landfill.
Some homeowners could not find the heart to eliminate their personal effects. For some sentimental reasons, they want others to continue taking care of their former possessions, giving them the same kind of treatment of “polishing and cleaning them” as they had done before.
I know it’s hard to get rid of some possessions which have been part of my life; a few years ago, when I decided to simplify my life, from living in a three-bedroom condo to renting a one-bedroom apartment, I had to throw away some stuff.
Here’s what my journal says:
“It breaks my heart merely the thought of leaving my former home, but I have no choice; I have been sorting things out, packing stuff, and giving away used items to friends and relatives these past few days.
We have been so busy for the past two weeks packing, giving away some surplus stuff to my children and grandchildren, sending some to relatives back home in the Philippines, and donating to Value Village. I am throwing away kinds of stuff. My grandchildren had to join us, helping us pack and unload heavy things into the garbage.”
Usually, when people walk around their neighbourhood, they find antique chairs and household items with some tags “free,” so in short, they can be taken home by others.
This practice of throwing away household items and other personal items will continue because it’s human nature to keep acquiring new things and models and adapt to modern lifestyles.
In the coming years, more and more used stuff will find its way into some garbage bins when we consider the millions of people, the so-called Baby Boomers, whose belongings and most of their possessions will eventually end up somewhere.