Recycling with style

For many, spring triggers a paradox within us – while we yearn to purge the clutter that has slowly crept into our closets and taken over our countertops during the dismally dark days of winter, we cannot resist snagging our neighbor’s somehow more useful-looking discard pile in the name of a good bargain. This spring, Huckleberry’s Natural Market will continue its popular community-wide recycling drive with Goodwill, with support from KREM 2 TV and DowntoEarthNW.com. On Saturday, May 21, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. representatives from Goodwill will accept gently used household goods in the parking lot of Huckleberry’s at 926 S. Monroe. Donations are tax-deductible, with receipts available, and donors with large or cumbersome items can fill out a voucher for a later home pick-up. KISC 98 FM radio will broadcast live between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., and will award Huckleberry’s gift certificates to donors who bring in items from various categories. Representatives from DowntoEarthNW.com will also be there part of the day handing out prizes. In particularly high demand for donations are housewares, small appliances, sporting goods, decorator items, and small furniture pieces. Donors are also encouraged to bring in used electronics, which Goodwill will collect, weigh, sort, shrink-wrap and transport for recycling as a part of the state’s E-Cycle program. Acceptable electronics for recycling include televisions, computers, monitors, and laptops. Diane Galloway, deputy director of corporate communications for Goodwill of the Inland Northwest, said our region kept 1.6 million pounds of electronics out of the waste stream in 2010 by donating them to Goodwill. The E-Cycle program is funded by electronics manufacturers through a mandatory fee imposed on them for doing business in the state. The result is that taxpayers can recycle their used electronics at no cost. All items collected on May 21 that are re-sold in Goodwill stores will generate 85 cents on the dollar toward the nonprofit agency’s training and job placement programs. Last year, Goodwill of the Inland Northwest helped 5,471 individuals become more independent, and focused on those with physical and developmental disabilities, a lack of work experience, a record of previous incarceration or homelessness and on people transitioning from public assistance to self-sufficiency. The previous year 5,164 people were helped. Goodwill employs about 600 people in this area, operates 12 retail stores and offers workforce development and social service programs in 20 locations. Huckleberry’s Manager Monica Hampton says the partnership with Goodwill is a natural. “Our mission includes a commitment to social and environmental responsibility, as well as to healthy lifestyles,” she said. “Teaming up with Goodwill in a project to recycle reusable goods is a great fit.” For more details or to arrange a pick-up call (509) 838-4246.