April is Earth Month on Patch

April is here and that means Earth Day is right around the corner. At Patch, we think dedicating just one day to the environment isn't nearly enough. That's why we're declaring it Earth Month. Every weekday in the month of April, we'll feature a different aspect of going green. After all, green is our favorite color. 

Throughout the month, our daily Green Patch feature will highlight local environmental issues such as where our garbage goes. We'll also introduce you to green businesses in the area and share some conservational practices that will not only shrink your carbon footprint, but help you save some green as well. Plus, we'll have some great green giveaways where you'll have the opportunity to win some awesome Patch swag. 

Introducing Spring Clean Green

A key phrase in conservation is Reduce-Reuse-Recycle. That's why each Friday, we'll bring you Spring Clean Green—a room by room sweep of the house, aimed at de-cluttering the environmentally conscious way. And of course, we'll offer plenty of easy ways to be a little greener every day.  

When it comes to decluttering, there's really only three ways to get rid of stuff you don't want anymore: Sell it, give it away or throw it away. And since we all know, garbage isn't green, here are some better alternatives.

Sell It: In this economy, we could all use a little more cash. Here are some ways to turn your trash into cash:

• A garage sale is a great way to get rid of a lot of stuff. In Mahwah, according to Council President John Roth, "no permit is needed to hold a garage sale.  Residents are asked to contact the Property Maintenance Officer for information on where signs may be placed and that they need to be removed after the sale."
• Consignment shops, such as Trudie’s Treasures in Mahwah, Second Glance in Hawthorne, Then and Now Classics in Wyckoff, Savvy Chic in Ridgewood, Barbara Ann’s Consignment in Ramsey and Gingerbread Consignment in Midland Park, are great for clothes and other small items. These shops typically only accept in season merchandise. Call ahead to make an appointment.
• Selling online is another option. Instead of using eBay or Craigslist, stay local with the  Patch Marketplace. It's free and allows you to buy and sell nearby. After all, shopping local is the ultimate in green commerce — and with the price of gas these days, its also a great way to save green. 

Give It Away: There are plenty of local people who would love your unwanted stuff. Here are a few ways to pass things along:

• You've probably heard about the big charitable organizations like the Salvation Army and the Red Cross. There are also plenty of smaller, local donation places (like ditto, the resale shop of the Eastern Christian Schools association in North Haledon). We'll share more local places to donate in the coming weeks. And if you know of local organizations that are accepting donations, please let us know. 
• Freecycle  allows users to post items they want to get rid of and request things they want or need, is a great way to give new life to your old items.
• The Patch Marketplace: Our free classified section can be used just like Freecycle and, better yet, its tailored to a hyperlocal audience. Have a something to give away? Post it here with the heading FREE: the name of the item and your sure to get lots of eyes on it. (Likewise, if there is something you want, like a bicycle or backyard toys, post it with the heading WANTED: name of item).

Recycle: For items where a new life can't be found, recycling is the next best thing. the Bergen County Utility Authority is having a recycling collection event this Sunday for the following items: 

• tires
• computers and electronics
• personal papers, which will be shredded while you watch

The Recycling Collection will be held April 3 at Bergen County Community Services Bldg., 327 East Ridgewood Ave., Paramus, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., rain or shine.

If you have a suggestion for an environmental story, know of a place to donate things you no longer need or have a green practice in place, we'd love to hear about it.