the replacements

One of the ways I want to make our budget stretch a little further this year is to try only to purchase replacements. Some replacements are not really fun purchases, so I put them off. At the same time, I begin to realize that this procrastination takes up brain space. Each time I pull out of the garage after dark, I think, "Gotta remember to replace that lightbulb." Same with the lightbulb over our bathroom sink. I need to replace that bulb before the other bulb in the bathroom goes out and I have to resort of unscrewing a lightbulb from the basement or something (although, that would work).  :)

So last week I listed all the little things and scheduled an afternoon to check a few of them off my list. My  wallet took a hit (lightbulbs are expensive!), but it feels good not to have to think about all of these little things anymore. Here's what I tackled this time:

Lightbulbs :: I was thrilled to find these energy efficient bulbs in a cardboard box! No plastic packaging to wrestle. I didn't realize until I was home, however, that the bulbs themselves are partly made of plastic.  :(

Batteries :: I missed my watch. It saves me from digging my phone out of my bag every ten minutes, when I'm keeping track of pick-up times. And I like to be able to start the car. The car let me know that I needed to replace the battery in my electronic key. A tiny battery can be awfully important (especially when the car only came with one key). 

Mailbox :: The garbage man mangled our deluxe, locking mailbox with his truck...and I was too nice (or chicken) to call and complain. Almost a year later and I'm finally tired enough of soggy mail to do something about it. The new, not-so-deluxe model will encourage more frequent trips for collection. It was found locally, came in a cardboard box, is made of steel, + was made in the USA! 

Disposal of the replaced items is as much of a chore as the purchasing, but I'm happy to put each of these items in the right place.

Lightbulbs :: Compact fluorescent lightbulbs (the newer energy efficient bulbs) need to be disposed of properly, since they contain small amounts of mercury. Many home improvement stores offer free recycling bins. I'm glad that Ikea does too, because they also have cake on plates.  :)

Batteries :: I've been holding onto these used up batteries for years. I asked the battery shop guy if they would take them, but he said to throw them in the trash. It is not good for battery acid to leach out into the soil, so I don't want to do that. There are many places (like home improvement stores + office supply stores) to recycle cell phone batteries + rechargeable batteries (so it would be smart to switch to rechargeables for items that can use them)...but they don't take button or alkaline batteries. I've taken leftover paint (from the previous owners of our house) to our county's hazardous waste facility...but they did not list batteries on their list of accepted items. I was able to search Earth911 and find another facility nearby that will accept them! Yay!

​Mailbox :: Our old mailbox is a big mangled pile of plastic. Sadly, I think it has to go in the trash. Boo.

​Love,
Jane