I’ve moved a few times over the years, and with each move I try to trim the stuff I own (though I am nowhere close to being a minimalist). I hate the idea of accumulating items, but I also don’t like sending things straight to the landfill. Unfortunately, majority of our things will end up in landfill, but a few might find a new home with a little bit more intention. Some are obvious ones, while others not so. Let’s start with the not so obvious ones while I still have your attention!.
Eyeglasses 
I can’t remember why I looked this up online, but it is probably because I did not feel good just throwing away eyeglasses my husband has accumulated over the last 10+ years. Luckily (and to my surprise) those did not have to be thrown away! A lot of eyewear shops actually take them back and donate them to those in need.
Textbooks & Books 
While I was in university, a group of students founded “Textbook for Change”, an organization that saw an opportunity in used textbooks as a sustainable force for good. Collected textbooks are either donated, sold at lower cost, or recycled if unusable. They have many drop-off boxes across Canada, check them out on their website here! As for books, many libraries and charities will accept them so I recommend a quick google search to find some local options.
Clothing 
A lot of people donate a lot of clothes but the sheer volume of donations overwhelm local charities, overflow textile markets in Africa and likely do not avoid landfills. But a few tips, some patience and a tad of intention can increase the effectiveness of your donation.
Tip 1
Align your donation with the season – so if it’s almost winter, donate winter clothing, etc
Tip 2
The more specific the merrier, like a collection box / charity just for shoes, bras or new moms
Tip 3
Separate the good from the bad. Donate / sell what’s good, use textile recycling programs for the worn out
Here are a few ideas about what to do with clothes you no longer use:
Support Non Profits
There are many non-profits that will accept your gently used clothing. If you’re looking to support members of our society in need, try New Circles (they also donate to Mount Sinai Hospital), Jessie’s Centre (focused on very young mothers or mothers to be, they also accept baby clothing – email them here to get started!), and Cornerstone to Recovery (in support of they have bins around Toronto / GTA) – to name a few!
Support Medical Research
If you are looking to support medical research, Diabetes Canada is a very well-known organization that collects your clothing (as well as household items and electronics though not in their donation bins, but at drop-off locations). You can also donate to the Kidney Clothes program, run by the Kidney Foundation and supports kidney disease research.
Sell
Have some casual (aka H&Ms, AE, Zara) clothes you no longer use? Try Plato’s Closet! All you need to do is show up to a store and they will pay you upfront for items they like! Other popular options include ThredUp, Poshmark, depop and TheRealReal (for luxury items) where you can mail your items in. There’s a lot of options out there!
Thrift Stores
This is your typical Value Village and Salvation Army Thrift Store but there are tons of local ones (one just opened up in my neighborhood!). Those stores are very flexible in what they accept but do keep in mind tip #1 and tip #3 before you head over there!
Recycle with Big Retailers
Other niche ideas
Bras La Vie en Rose have collection box for bras all year round. And, if it’s May, they also donate a $1 for each bra dropped off in support of Breast Cancer research.
Shoes I typically donate shoes to consignment stores, but if you are looking for a more niche organization, Soles4Souls specifically collect and donate shoes.
That’s all for today folks, thanks for taking the time to declutter responsibly!
Kalia Akkad 