Resources
Here is a list of websites that I have used and found very helpful. I will continue to add to this list as I find useful resources.
Please look at each website before you load up your car and make the trip. Often, new restrictions on what you can donate or changes to opening hours are listed so make sure you check first.
Hazardous waste and Electronic Recycling
You just plug in your zip code or your city and state, what you need to recycle, and viola! you have a list of centers to choose from.
Voted greenest business in Oakland! One Oakland location (721 37th Ave.) which makes it the perfect resource IF you live close. Open 7 days/week 8am – 4 pm. The website lists everything you can bring. Specializes in electronic waste, metals and plastics.
Multiple Bay Area drop off locations including Berkeley and San Francisco. They recycle anything that plugs into the wall plus all the associated items that go along with electronics like VHS tapes, CD’s, remote controls and ink cartridges. There are small charges for some items and of course they have a list of non-acceptable items. Check the website!
Old paint, household chemicals and many more items! Limited days/hours.
Donate/Recycle
Similar to Goodwill but a smaller organization with various Bay Area locations. Great selection, huge store!
Art & craft materials, educational supplies, vintage furniture, home décor, paper goods, fabric, and much more.
You can post anything here! Broken or not. Each local group is moderated by local volunteers. You do need to create an account but membership is free.
Three Bay Area sites collect and redistribute donations of clean, gently used medical equipment and unused home health care supplies.
takes building materials, furniture and lots more. Always check the website first to get the most up to date requirements.
On-site or drop off locations for shredding sensitive paper documents as well as junk pick up for things like appliances, furniture, construction debris or yard waste.
Mail Reduction
A free online tool developed by the Direct Marketing Association to help you manage your mail.
Free service to stop delivery of catalogs, coupons, credit card offers, phone books, circulars and more.
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the Consumer Credit Reporting Companies are permitted to include your name on lists used by creditors or insurers to make firm offers of credit or insurance that are not initiated by you ("Firm Offers"). The FCRA also provides you the right to "Opt-Out", which prevents Consumer Credit Reporting Companies from providing your credit file information for Firm Offers.
Food
Answers all those hard questions you ask yourself… Are expiration dates set in stone? Will this spice still spice up my life…after 5 years? How do I ripen my watermelon? Can I freeze eggs? Any food question will be answered here!
Moving and Storage
a national site that provides cheap moving boxes that are delivered to your door. Love that!
Emergency Preparedness
This link goes directly to the page highlighting water because it is the most important item for one's survival after a disaster. Safety Kit Store sells the longest lasting water that I know about. This site has many other resources as well, but the water stands out.
Everything emergency related. Kits, ala carte items, food and water.
Keep your documents in one discreet, easy to grab place.
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