What do I do with all this stuff?

[mommy13]

Now that I am going to no chemicals. I am wondering what I should do with this ton of stuff I am not using?

[lifeguard]

You could donate it to a women's shelter.

[rhiasmum]

I'm using mine up and replacing with natural stuff as I go. It's less daunting to me to add it in than replacing all at once.

[mommy13]

Originally Posted by lifeguard

You could donate it to a women's shelter.

I had thought about that but then I feel guilty giving them all my chemicals...

[mommy13]

Originally Posted by rhiasmum

I'm using mine up and replacing with natural stuff as I go. It's less daunting to me to add it in than replacing all at once.

I had thought about that but I have A LOT of baby stuff that I cannot bring myself to use on my baby.

[rhiasmum]

We attend a nursing support group. I brought all my stuff there. My 2nd dd has eczema so I wasn't going to be using all the stuff left over from dd#1 or given to me as gifts on her. I gave it to the women there. They were happy to have it. Some people don't care what's in stuff, they'll use it regardless.

[Ruthla]

I'd offer it on Freecycle, or donate it to a woman's shelter (if they'll take open bottles) or give it to a friend or relative who doesnt' mind using the chemical stuff.

As for donating "yucky chemicals to those in need"- really, anybody in a shelter situation has more immediate priorities. Getting their family's basic needs met are struggles, dealing with the emotional fallout of abuse is a HUGE challenge- it's just NOT the time to worry about parabens in your shampoo. You're just thankful to have a place to wash your hair and something to wash it with.

Commercial baby care products would be well appreciated in a shelter, and if you don't donate your stuff, part of the shelter budget will go towards purchasing similar items anyway.

[mommy13]

Originally Posted by Ruthla

I'd offer it on Freecycle, or donate it to a woman's shelter (if they'll take open bottles) or give it to a friend or relative who doesnt' mind using the chemical stuff.

As for donating "yucky chemicals to those in need"- really, anybody in a shelter situation has more immediate priorities. Getting their family's basic needs met are struggles, dealing with the emotional fallout of abuse is a HUGE challenge- it's just NOT the time to worry about parabens in your shampoo. You're just thankful to have a place to wash your hair and something to wash it with.

Commercial baby care products would be well appreciated in a shelter, and if you don't donate your stuff, part of the shelter budget will go towards purchasing similar items anyway.

Good Point!!!!

[EmilyS]

I threw out all the baby stuff but I slowly used up the other stuff. My hold out is bleach. I just can't seem to get the toilet clean without it.

[fanniefarkle]

I gave my old cleaners to my mom.

[lifeguard]

I don't worry about donating my chemicals - most people just don't care & are going to be using these types of chemicals anyway.

[wendinbill]

I gave some to my cousin, some to my mom...and I set some out at my yard sale!

[jenerationx]

Freecycle or give them to friends/family that will use them.

[brookie514]

I freecycle'd mine. The person who picked it up was very appreciative!

[Minerva]

I Freecyled mine. You wouldn't believe how many responses I got on it. I figure, if people are going to buy the stuff anyway, they might as well take the stuff I don't want instead of buying new. The woman who got it was grateful that she could stretch her budget by not buying detergent that month.

[Sandrine]

I'm finishing most of them and those that were for my kids are being used by dh. His choice as he didn't want to throw them out.

[eirual]

I put mine in a box at the sidewalk- gone within hours!

[rockportmama]

I dumped mine on my MIL! She seemed happy to get them.