I live in a small community and whenever I bring my own bags into my local grocery store, it causes a stir.  However, I've noticed lately that 'they' (the little teenage baggers) have started to be accustomed to it.  Baby steps.

 

Everyone has been so used to the concept of 'paper or plastic' that I think those of us within our communities that are willing to step up... will make everyone take notice.  I not only bring in my Trader Joe bags, but I learned about making bags from Real Simple.  You use a paper sack AND a plastic sack (you can see the instructions on their website) and it really is a sturdy combo-sack.  You can reuse this sack over and over.  I have several of them in my car trunk.

 

Just last week, there were two women in line behind me that saw that I had brought in my own bags.  One of them told the other, "Ya know, I've seen other people bringing in their own bags before, we should start to do that."

 

Lead by example.

 

(As far as recycling my old computers... I remove and beat the harddrive with a good old fashioned hammer-wacking.  Then I take the rest of it to the nearest Goodwill or Salvation Army for them to give it new life.)

I agree with jmg, baby steps are all that we can do right now we cannot really just take a big leap and make drastic changes all at once. Take it slow. Talk to friends, family, and even neighbors. Tell them about what you are trying to do and maybe all get together and have a certain place to go Recycle every week or go by their houses give them some reuseable bags and just suggest to use them next time they go shopping. Maybe it will stick and like jmg said we lead by influence!

As for your computer I dont know diddly about computers! All I could say is sell it to someone that could use it or donate it to a school even!

Madam, just type in recycle and computers to LIMES search and it brings up many articles on how to recycle your computer.  Let me know what you find out.

I would probably try and donate it to a school or non-profit organization first.  I always feel better if I can help out in some way.  You can always take it as a tax write off as well. 

I'm certain that other cities and even countries are going to follow in the footsteps of places like Ireland and SF and impose a levy on plastic bags within the next couple of years, so it's a good idea to get used to re-using bags now.  I always try to re-use my plastic bags, but i'm thinking about getting a canvas bag and some nets for produce so i don't have to use the small plastic bags. 

www.jamblemag.co.uk

I was in Whole Foods and they were marketing there insulated beach bags.  For $3.00 a bag, I bought two.  I decided right there to ask the bagger to pack my groceries right in the cooler bag and away I went.  I is larger than a tote bag and is insulated for hot and cold foods.  I am so proud of myself.  I really felt like I was doing something positive.

We are moving. i wish to donate my trustry refrigerator and dryer, they still work fine, to an organization/individaul that could use it.  The problem is finding  such . 

 Alas, the Salvation Army in our (old Massachusetts) location, has strict rules on how new the appliance must be in order to be considered... (7 years).
Any ideas ?

You could post it on Craigs List and see if anyone needs it.  There is also a site that lets people trade used goods for free.  I can't seem to remember the name, but try googling it.  I read about it awhile ago and it seemed wonderful for things just like yours.

Great, thanks. Craigs List post done. I wish I had thought of that sooner.
I did try searching for relevant sites as you suggested ... but the closest thing I found to recycling/reusing anything was this site... and so here we are.

Let me know if you get any hits from the list.  Good luck!  By the way, did you call up the manufacturer and see if they will take it back?

Everyone knows that I am big recycle person. I will come home and find bags, jars, newspapers and ect.on my front porch. We have no recycle program in our town. So when I get a load I take it to the recycle center. I approched the town leaders about starting a recycle program. "Well it just cost too much!" and "Besides it is country and people are set in there ways." "Bull" "If they save their beer and soft drink cans to sell, they can save their other stuff to bring to a recycle center." "It's just to much trouble!" So I now have become the drop off place. I make about $700.00 a year off recycle. You snooz you lose!

I have found a fantastic tote that solves the paper / plastic problem at the stores, warehouse clubs and for any shopping I do.  It's different in that it actually clips into the shopping cart, has a wide flat bottom so the bag stands up in the back of the car, a strap (velcro) that keeps things from falling out and is safe for food - canvas totes are NOT due to bacteria accumulation.  I figure I'm saving about 8-10 bags per trip minimum (and the plastic bags will NEVER break down in the landfill).  I got mine locally (while there taking care of company business), but they have a website so anyone, anywhere can buy.  The link directly to the bag is   http://awarddepotonline.com/programs/shop/showitem.cgi?Gifts_and_More&90007.dat   I now have 3 bags total and use 2 of them primarily for weekly shopping.  The other I have to transport my tennis shoes, gym clothes, etc. with. It stays packed and ready to go at the door (for motivation) :o).

 

As for the computers, I was able to locate a small private school who was more than happy to pick up my old one.  Even outdated, they said they could use it for their younger students to play on and the younger ones don't care about the speed either.  Another thought would be some place like a freecycle group - maybe some home schoolers would be interested in it.  There are freecycle groups in just about every city, and the premise is that someone will want or need what you have and it will keep items out of the landfills :)