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What do you do with products you're not going to use?

437 views 3 replies 3 participants last post by  hrsmom  
#1 ·
I have some baby products and shampoos and lotions and things like that that have been given to me as gifts or that I bought before I started paying attention to what is in things, stuff I won't be using because of what's in it... anyway, I can't decide what to do with this stuff. If it magically disappeared when I put it in the trash can, I would just throw it away! If I give it to someone, I feel like I would be saying "here, I want you to have this, I know it's bad for me, but since you don't worry about these things, you can use these products." On the other hand, if I know they are going to use it anyway, I might as well give them this stuff I already have. Has anyone else wrestled with this and come up with a solution they have peace about?

Also, what to do with things that I've already opened but am not going to use anymore? I was super ultra conscious about harmful chemicals in anything when I was pregnant, and now when I use certain things (like perfume I used to like or carpet deodorizer) I can't even stand the smell.
 
#2 ·
freecycle things that have already been open.

As hard as it is to imagine someone wanting to use the things you no longer approve of, there are millions of people who would. Charities are ALWAYS looking for those basic "normal" baby care items. Donate. But, they can only use unopened hygiene items.
 
#3 ·
Donate them to a women's shelter! In fact, when you go to a hotel, ask for extra little soaps, shampoos+conditioners. You can do that with the free samples you get in the mail too. My parents who traveled a lot did that, and it was a huge help to women who may not have had time to pack anything at all.