trash talk

Shannon Thompson

Last weekend Black Friday opened the annual shopping season. As you shop this year take time to make environmentally friendly choices.

The first thing to think about is if an item is needed. It is tempting to buy things because they are such a good deal or because you need to have a gift for someone. Slow down to consider if it is a necessary purchase. Spending money on things we don’t need is never a good deal. Buying things for others they don’t want, or need is not a good deal either. Consider giving experiences instead of things. A trip to the sledding hill or the movies with you could become the highlight of a child’s holiday season.

When shopping, consider second hand. There are many reuse shopping options out there. Thrift stores, Craig’s list, Facebook, pawn shops, and consignment stores can all be reuse shopping options. Reusing saves money and keeps waste from the landfill.

When clearing out the old to make room for the new, consider passing down or donating items. Donating them is a great way to make sure they get reused. Relatives and friends are often glad to accept clothes, toys, and other items second hand. Thrifts stores are always looking for new inventory. The thrift stores also support many good causes in our communities.

Heartland Industries and Clay County are teaming up again this year for Holiday Light Recycling.  Residents can drop-off their unwanted holiday light strands at the Moorhead Transfer Station and ACE Hardware in Moorhead during business hours. Lights will be accepted at the Clay County Electronics Collections at 1300 15th Ave north every Tuesday from 4:00 to 6:00. There are also bins for lights at the recycling centers in Glyndon, Barnesville, Hawley, and Hitterdal. The collection bins will be available through December.

If you have questions about solid waste disposal issues in Clay County, please call or email me at Shannon Thompson at 218 299-7329 or Shannon.thompson@co.clay.mn.us.