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Packaging materials of consumer items – When you shop for anything these days, we ask you to keep the sustainability of the packaging in the forefront (or at least the back) of your mind. Is the item packaged in a glass, a numbered plastic container or bottle, a cardboard box – preferably a thin one, a steel or aluminum can – all of these items can be recycled curbside.  Conversely, does it come plastic wrapped, blister-packed, surrounded in Styrofoam, packaged in a metallic shiny coated cardboard – all of these items end up in the landfill for future generations to enjoy.

If you are a restaurateur and want to be environmentally responsible about your take out containers - try Enviroware products from dispoz-o. They are durable and 100% biodegradable. They have plates, bowls, hinged containers, and utensils. They cost a little more than styrofoam but won't be on the planet for 1 million years at earth's expense.

Do you pay attention to the source of your food? Most food items list their country of origin and often the state if they are from the United States. If you live in the Northeast, think about the environmental impact of eating a Pineapple.  Although they are tasty – that fruit was harvested from a tree in Costa Rica (that was likely planted in a field which natural tropical forest was destroyed), trucked from the field to the port, shipped from the port to Florida, trucked or sent via train to a local distribution center, then re-trucked to your store…How about choosing some blueberries or many varieties of apples which are grown relatively locally. Farmers markets are often chock full of locally grown produce. Check the label on your orange juice too – are they using Florida oranges or are they from another country.

Thinking more about the choices we make in the store can add up to a big change. You’re essentially sending a message to the stores and manufacturers that you want to buy items that are packaged in a more responsible way and originate from a more local source.

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If you have anything that you can sell from the “before” picture, take four quality of the item and write an accurate description, and get that item on Craigslist pronto (photos of it installed and after it was removed are a nice touch).  If there are any doors or drawers, always include a shot with them open and closed. Also make sure to clearly indicate the condition – having someone drive out to see an item that you said was in great condition (which is actually not) will get them angry. Make sure you give all dimensions in your listing to eliminate waste of time email volleys. Sometimes that extra inch or two in width means they can’t get it through their front door – leaving an angry buyer. For heavy/large items –I also write that they should bring a vehicle of adequate size and a helper.

*Important: Don’t give any phone numbers, email addresses, or home addresses in your listing - just a major intersection close to where you live. If someone wants what you have got, they will email you with their phone number.  Spam is prevalent on Craigslist and this is the best way to filter out the junk replies. Just tonight I sold a dishwasher on Craigslist for $25 more than I paid for it one year ago! I can attribute this only to good pictures and an accurate description.  If you sell something and the person is truly dissatisfied with their purchase for good reason…buy it back. There is no reason to have that on your conscience. Above all, be patient and have fun. Craigslist is like fishing in your sleep. If you have items in fair to excellent condition that are accurately depicted and described, they will sell eventually if priced right.

Payment: I have taken a personal check one time with success, but as a rule – stick to cash, mention this when you are on the phone with the buyer.

To jog your imagination, here is a list of some items that I have bought and sold on craigslist in the past few years: circa 1962 metal kitchen cabinets and range fan, old but working fridges, ovens, dishwashers, microwaves, wire, changing table from the 70’s, fish tank, countertop, shed, toilets, trampoline, coffee table, BBQ grill, painting easel, etc… If you’re not getting any bites on your items, lower the price or give it away to a charitable place like http://www.vianet.org/  in Allentown. They will come and pick it up with a truck and you get a tax write-off.

P.S. Try to keep the photos with your editing software under 100k in size each for quick uploading, I use NikonView which is a free program available online here http://download.cnet.com/Nikon-View/3000-18488_4-21903.html

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