When I was a kid, we had a plum orchard across the street and a big field in the back. We would sculpt dirt clods after the orchard had been plowed and make forts in the field. Daniel Boone was our hero and we'd find really long sticks to use as our rifles. You might say we were masters at repurposing!

I suppose the depression era folks were the true masters and many people still hang on to things-- just in case. As an organizer I'm not against saving things, as long as you know where to find them when you need them, and they're not getting in the way of what you currently need and use. Better yet, I'm all for reducing, reusing, and recycling.

Today's Timely Tips offer some help for those looking for responsible and productive ways to reduce, reuse, recycle and dispose. The links are for places in the Fresno area.

Timely Tips

1. Gently Used Items - If you do a little homework, you can find a place where your used items will not only become available to those in need at affordable prices, but will also provide funding for worthy causes like job programs, hospice, and family services. Here are just a few Fresno area thrift stores that also offer a tax donation receipt: Neighborhood Thrift, Hinds Hospice Thrift,Fresno Rescue Mission Thrift, and the Salvation Army.

2. Used Oil Drop-off - SpeeDee Oil Change (6504 N. Blackstone Ave, Fresno)

3. Hazardous Waste - Free drop-off for Fresno residents American Avenue Disposal Site (18950 W American Ave, Kerman, CA).

4. Eye Glass Donations - Contact a local Lions Club member or click on the link for a mailing address: Lions Club Eyeglass Recycling Program.

5. Cell Phones - Marjaree Mason Center (1600 "M" Street, Fresno) collects all cell phones, including non-working cell phones and those without chargers.

6. Electronics - Best Buy (7550 N Blackstone, Fresno) accepts TVs, computers, appliances, printer ink, DVDs, video games, cameras, and more.