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Let's Talk Trash: Letting it all go

Fall is a time of letting go. We can take our lead from the trees that are dropping their leaves and the once flourishing gardens that are going to sleep. It’s fitting for us to follow nature’s way of preparing for hibernation.
Let’s Talk Trash Powell River
qathet Regional District’s Let’s Talk Trash team suggests leaving the leaves on the ground to free up time for other endeavours, like climbing trees. Ingalisa Burns photo

Fall is a time of letting go. We can take our lead from the trees that are dropping their leaves and the once flourishing gardens that are going to sleep.

It’s fitting for us to follow nature’s way of preparing for hibernation. As the light changes, we find ourselves cozying inside and contemplating indoor projects that have hidden from notice.

Many of us take advantage of these longer nights to comb through our closets and basements to clean and clear. Purging our excess can be incredibly rewarding on many levels. For one, freeing space and decluttering seems to do the same for our mental state as well.

We also find tools, crafting supplies, clothes and sports equipment we no longer use, but that could be a treat for someone else. Sharing our excess with friends and family builds community and may even get you a dinner or another gift in exchange.

Generosity seems to beget itself. That is, if you are careful to avoid the zucchini on the doorstep phenomenon popular at the height of summer. You know, when we gift others with what they already have too much of themselves.

Fortunately, doorsteps are not the only place to drop off what we are ready to let go of. Thrift stores, consignment shops, online free classified forums, garage sales and clothing swaps are all great options.

After all the purging, you can indulge in some zero waste entertainment, such as an audiobook, lake walk or clear night stargazing. Post-deep cleaning is also a great time to commit to bringing in less and living more simply in the Powell River area.

We all know that the thrill of something new often fades quickly and we’re soon left with another box to store in the attic. When bringing something new into your life, think quality over quantity. Items made to last are worth the extra investment in the long run. If possible, opt for renting or borrowing what you are seeking in order to free you from the burden of upkeep and storage.

Letting go sometimes means doing less and it actually being a good thing. More and more of us are leaving the leaves where they lie. Much like leaving grass clippings in place, leaves offer a natural mulch to the soil, and eventually break down into nutrients for all manner of life, including the trees themselves. This is a natural part of the circle of life, and it can add hours back to your weekend so you can rake through your basement instead.

The less stuff we have, often, the more time we have. Enjoy the freedom of being responsible for less this fall. Happy purging!

Let’s Talk Trash is qathet Regional District’s waste-reduction education program.