Lift that Violin, Tote that Music, Open that Door

The project:
Help carry music lesson materials in on a rainy day.

Time:
Minutes.

Why bother?
At long last, we have a blustery, rainy, wet day here on California's Central Coast. It's exciting for someone who loves weather, but a challenge for those going about their daily lives, particularly if their hands are full, the doors are closed and all your music is getting wet.

Worth it?
Yes.

Photo courtesy Alex Crigger under Creative Commons License.

Donate Clothes to Shelter Store

The project:
Clean out my closet and donate clothes to the thrift store that benefits local shelters.

Time:
An hour including clean out, drive time and drop off.

Why bother?
We go through the girls' closets each quarter or so as they grow out of and wear out their clothes. But grown ups' clothes last longer...usually. If we take care of ourselves, we don't tend to grow out of them, and sometimes we don't even notice they're wearing. They go out of style in some of our closets (mine) or we put up with annoyances (sleeves too short, in my case) for years before finally letting go.

Today, I let go.

Worth it?
ABsolutely. My closet has more space, and someone else will have a new sweater with sleeves JUST RIGHT for them. It was silly to hold on to the things thinking, "I'll wear them SOMEday."

Photo courtesy sra_nelson under Creative Commons license.

Recycle Plastic Bags

The project:
Deliver our plastic bag collection to the recycling spot.

Time:
Moments.

Why bother?
I've been trying to use LESS plastic, but it still mounts up. I'd rather see it chopped up and used for decking or park benches than have it turn into an ocean-going plastic land mass. (Read more here and here.)

Worth it?
Absolutely