A Short Meditation on People I’ve Met Through What They Left Behind

July 31, 2024

June and July were unusually with one estate after another – and sometimes simultaneously. So I’m just now writing here, reflecting on what it’s like to empty a house whose owner has died. It’s by definition an intimate process, as you might imagine. Sometimes, you see the evolution of a woman’s hair through her numerous products. You picture the hands that made intricate beaded jewelry or threw pots. You get to know the engineer who patented products in the 50’s when few women were in science fields. And I get a feel for how each navigated their lives after losing life-long partners.

I often talk to the person who died. When adult children were fighting, I told Roz I hoped they were good to her. I told British Chauncy how much I appreciated all things British in his home, from his brand of tea to the pots he steeped it in. Chauncy had lost his wife suddenly in the early days of covid. Among items I found in his wood shop was a plaque I think he must have made, “All you need is love . . . and Marie.” He and Marie didn’t have children, or close family members. Marie’s plaque is on my bookshelf. At the risk of sounding –– hackneyed, I guess — it can feel like a sacred last rite of passage, finding homes to carry on using the things people used, and possibly even cherish items I can sometimes tell they cherished.

Peace, all.

Wait, What is Hazardous?

May 4, 2024

Since posting about hazardous waste, I’ve recently been asked what it is. Fair question!

In technical terms, waste is considered hazardous if it falls into 1 of these categories: ignitable, corrosive, reactive, and toxic.

This list may be easier:

• It says, “Keep out of reach of children.”
• It says, “Avoid contact with eyes.”
• It can explode.
• It can catch fire.
• It can harm the environment.

Oh, also, any container with a skull and crossbones. 

I know many of you stick to non-hazardous household cleansers. Either products you buy, or something like simple white vinegar. But you may still have waste that’s hazardous.. Think oil-based paint, motor oil, moth balls, and batteries (don’t touch corrosive ones).

For a complete list of items accepted in your area, search “hazardous waste” with your city, town, or zip code.

Stay safe, everyone.

It’s Spring, and Hazardous Waste Collection Returns!

April 2, 2024

April brings the return of hazardous waste collection events to the Philadelphia area. I’m guessing elsewhere, too. Google your neck of the woods. For Philly and 4 nearby counties’ dates and to register (required): click on Recycle Nearly Anything and scroll to Household Hazardous Waste Events. Note, residents of any of the 5 counties can bring hazardous waste to any event.

Enjoy a good tidy, all.

Warm Items for a Cold Night

March 4, 2024

Nights are still cold here in Philly, and elsewhere. Clutter Tonic carries warm winter clothing, food, and toiletries in our car for people on the street. Some don’t know about distribution sites or can’t get to them. They may be new here, disabled, or just a little out of it on a cold night.

Recently, we began coordinating with The Everywhere Project, which expands harm reduction resources on the street. “Harm reduction” doesn’t view drug use as a moral failing. It recognizes all people deserve safety and dignity. Studies show law enforcement approaches to drug use, or those requiring complete abstinence, don’t decrease use. Harm reduction saves lives, and it protects the health of people who use drugs and their communities. Tools include free sterile syringes and naloxone kits, among others. It can move people toward connection to their families, communities, and access to non-coercive services.

If you have any items below, contact us for pick up or drop off. Not in Philly? Search “harm reduction” and enter your nearest city, for a group that can use these.

• Coats and jackets.
• Warm sweaters, hoodies, sweat pants.
• Hats, mittens, scarves, warm socks.
• Blankets/sleeping bags.
• Totes, gym bags, backpacks, reusable bags.
• Body wash, lotion, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes.
• Food that doesn’t require a can opener or heating.

A lot of people need food. Non-perishable, opened items are ok. We’ll repackage.

Take good care everyone,