Lots of people are fond of magazines, about cooking, fashion, sports, science, celebrities or whatever. Women, especially, tend to let magazines collect to the point where they're piling up in closets and the garage. So what do you do with your “collection”? Old magazines are usually read once, enjoyed and then what? They sit around. Some responsible souls manage to be organized enough to include them in the recycling bin, while others of us just let them sit here, there and everywhere. Maybe once a year, in spring cleaning mode, or if you're moving, you suddenly notice the pile up and vow to do something to clean it up.
There's something about magazines that we equate with books. Even old magazines seem to have intrinsic value and it seems a shame to just throw them out. Some of us can't bear the thought of relegating our old magazines to the recycling bin, to be shredded into oblivion. Yes, this does help save a tree, but isn't there something to do with all those magazines before their last stop, saving a tree? There are several ways to extend the life of those old magazines.
Nursing homes, doctor's offices and public assistance waiting rooms are all good candidates to spread the cheer. Your old magazines are new to someone else! Whether people are waiting for an appointment or just have a lot of time on their hands, you can brighten up someone's day by providing something to read.
Perhaps that person has only a few minutes to pass and will read only one article, but at the very least, they'll have a few minutes of entertainment. At best, the old magazines you donate will contain some information that will change that person's life for the better. For example, the lady in the nursing home may see an article on natural arthritis remedies, or a recipe for her niece's favorite dish.
If your old magazine collection consists mainly of food magazines, take the time to go through them and cut out those recipes that sounded so good, but that you never got around to making. Compile these into an album and you've got new dishes to insert into your family menus. Variety is the spice of life!
A collection of National Geographic magazines easily yields a treasure trove of pictures and articles that make a terrific gift for children or grandchildren. Introduce them to this world in a way their classroom may neglect.
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