It’s really the order that’s important here. Reduce the amount of stuff, reuse it as much as you can, and when you’re done, recycle it rather than throwing it out. Reusing one awesome water bottle trumps recycling 100 plastic ones any day.
Realistically though, if you’re in the middle of moving, the three R’s are probably pretty low down on the priorities totem pole. Fortunately, FrogBox has the solution down pat. Reducing waste by using plastic instead of cardboard boxes and reusing those boxes over and over helps to keep a heck of a lot of trees in the forest instead of the landfill.
But what about when you’re not moving? Once you’ve settled into your new neighborhood, it can sometimes be tricky to meet new people, make friends and determine the great neighbors from the crazy ones. Below are ten ways to make the transition a little easier and do a little more good in the process. They can be done wherever you are, whenever you like. It might even lead to new friends and/or babysitters.
1. Bring Your Old Toys and Books to a Shelter
Your basement. Your closet. Where is your old stuff hiding when it could be in the hands of someone who actually wants it? Nothing forces a stuff purge like moving does, so drop off all your gently used and outgrown toys and books to a shelter and relax knowing how much less you have to bring with you.
2. Bring Cookies to Work
Chances are that your new place comes with a new job as well. Avoid the pet name “new guy” by introducing yourself with treats. Just think what you could achieve if everyone you worked with was united by baked goods.
3. Car Pool
Not only do you cut down on emissions, you save money on gas. This is also a great way to get to know the people you work with that also live close to you.
4. Do Something Active
Sitting all day results in hunch-backed, emotionally drained, boring people. Go for a walk, play a sport, or take a time out for fun and exercise. Office dance party anyone?
5. Eat Local
Think about how far your food has travelled to get to your table. Chances are it has more airmiles than you do. Gross. Buying local means you can usually meet the person who produced it. Look for the honest looking person with impressive hygiene and good manners.
6. Help Someone Cross the Street
If someone is perilously clinging to nine different things in the middle of the road, help them get across without dropping anything. If someone looks a little nervous beside you at a cross walk, bolster their confidence by walking with them. This is the easiest way to be the highlight of someone’s day.
7. Leave Quarters in the Laundry Room for Someone Else
You pull your clothes out of the dryer and they are still damp. You only had enough change for the first cycle. Do you wear damp clothes or the dirty ones you haven’t washed yet? Help others avoid this conundrum by leaving a couple quarters on the dryer. Feel free to leave a note to say who they are from and that you are new but not a weirdo.
8. Say Hello to Strangers
If you just moved, chances are you’ll be saying hi to everyone. You have the A Little More Good triple platinum guarantee that the other person will acknowledge you. Worst case scenario, you get a head nod. Best case, you get a high five! Don’t be shy, say hi!
9. Send Someone a Postcard
The only real mail anyone ever gets anymore is a combination of flyers and bills. Send someone a little note to let them know you are thinking about them. Bonus points for recycled paper and pretty stamps. This is also a great way to let people know that you’ve moved.
10. Volunteer with a Cause You Are Passionate About
You can volunteer anywhere. Choose to do it with something that you love. You’ll be great at it, make new friends and have a lot more fun.
