Did you know that November 15th is America Recycles Day? It’s one more way to raise awareness about recycling and remind people to recycle every day of the year. And it’s the perfect time to expand your recycling consciousness.

Instead of just focusing on recycling aluminum cans, newspapers, junk mail, plastic bottles and other items that belong in the blue bin, think about other ways you can extend the life of items you don’t want anymore or can’t use.

For example, I love buying scented lotions, but nine times out of 10 the smell triggers allergies. Even though I can’t use it, I’m not going to throw away a perfectly good bottle of lotion, what a waste! Usually, I give the lotion away to female co-workers or I put it on the free table.

What’s the free table you say? It’s a table at a work place where people can place things they don’t want anymore and other people in the office can pick things up. I love free tables! It’s the best way to get rid of things that aren’t really proper items for donation centers.

Speaking of donations centers though, don’t forgot to donate used items in good condition to places like Goodwill or the Salvation Army. Clothes, toys, books, furniture and many other items can find a second life through donation centers. For example, children’s clothes and toys are great things to take to donation centers after your kids have moved on to the next size, toy or style. Remember, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure.

So keep recycling, start a free table at your office and drop off used items at a donation center in your neighborhood. Help take the concept of recycling to the next level!