Are those magazines piling up? Gaylene of Conroe, TX has a tip for extending the use of magazines before you recycle them.

Glossy magazines and mailers from stores can first be "reused" before being recycled. Consider encouraging your child (age appropriate of course) to cut out pictures from ads to make their own collage or a picture of their "new room". Once they’re done with the cut outs, recycle everything. You get double duty out of a recyclable material and have an entertaining activity for your child.

Schools or other organizations such as scout troops or churches may have similar projects in mind for their young participants.

Other places that might benefit from your magazines include health clinics or libraries. Many large doctors offices or hospitals have the budgets for magazine subscriptions to keep waiting rooms full of reading material. However, some smaller locations or non-profits may welcome your magazines including health clinics or the veterinarian’s office. Even places such as hair salons or laundromats might need a little more variety on their magazine racks.

Libraries subscribe to many magazine titles for archival purposes. However, the prices are much higher for institution subscribers than it is for the average reader. Your public library, community college or university library, or the libraries at high schools and middle schools in your area may also benefit from magazine donations.

Before you donate, tear off your name and address from the covers of the magazines if you’re a subscriber. And encourage the person you’re giving the magazines to to recycle. Most curbside recycling services accept magaiznes. If you’re unsure about yours,
check with your local recycling center or find out at Earth 911.

Of course you can always bypass the print edition and read your favorite magazine online. Many publications offer the same info online to print subscribers.

Amy says: I currently subscribe to five print editions of magazines, and I usually buy a few from the newsstands each month. Some issues I save, the rest go into the recycling bin. Although if I happen to finish reading an issue en route (usually at a cafe), I’ll leave it for someone else to enjoy.

For suggesting today’s tip, Gaylene will recieve Wind Power Cards from Renewable Choice Energy. Do you have a tip you’d like to share? Send it to us.