If you’re into green living, you’ve probably heard of Freegans, people who scour their communities in search of free household items like clothing, appliances, and even food that have been discarded by retailers and individuals.  Freegans reject consumerism, reduce waste, reuse, and recycle by creating a lifestyle that is entirely self-sustained by the hunting of free goods.  The act of sorting through discarded items in dumpsters or elsewhere is sometimes referred to as “urban foraging”.

Although it may be considered an extreme green lifestyle by some, I think there’s an important point to be raised by the Freegan philosophy.  Instead of throwing away your old clothes, appliances, books, or magazines, why not recycle them by giving them away? If you can’t find someone who needs your items, contact a local church, women’s shelter, or organizations such Goodwill and Salvation Army.  Not only will you be reusing and recycling, you’ll be helping those less fortunate.  Also, check out Freecycle, an organization of community groups for giving away useful items you no longer need. Photo:  Wikipedia.

Yesterday, I spoke with a friend who said she tries to recycle glass, plastic and newspaper, but she hates the unorganized mess it makes. The conversation inspired me to search for recycling organizers that might help her and the rest of us enjoy recycling as part of a green lifestyle.

Turns out, there are all sorts of products on the market for organizing recycling materials. My favorites are stacking recycling bins. This style allows you to save precious space, and still separate glass, plastic, aluminum, and paper.

Other green home ideas for recycling include buying a few stainless steel trash cans and dedicating each one to a particular recycling material, or installing an under-cabinet, slide out waste bin with two compartments- one for trash and one for recyclables.

Don’t forget, you can build or create you own customized recycling organizer with a few plastic organizer bins and a wooden rack or bookshelf.

The stacking recycle bins shown above are available at Brylane Home for $39.99.