The Shopping Queen usually helps us save some green while shopping for stuff. This time she is helping us be green when getting rid of stuff. When we outgrow clothing or no longer use household items that are still in good shape, we typically choose to donate them to charity. However, what can you do with tennis shoes that have seen better days or pink and green sheets that used to be white? Here are some ideas:

1. Athletic Shoes – Nike has a great program that recycles old athletic shoes into tennis and basketball courts or playground surfacing. You can drop off any brand athletic shoe (except shoes that contain metal such as cleats) at the Phipps Plaza Niketown for recycling. As a matter of fact they are currently running a promotion for schools where the school with the most donations wins free athletic equipment from Nike.

2. Bedding & Towels - If your sheets have shrunk or you can no longer recognize the original color of your towels, its time to donate them to someone’s new home. A dog’s new home that is. Animal shelters are always in need of old bedding and linens that can help give comfort to rescued cats and dogs.

3. Cell Phones – Cell phones these days do much more than dial a phone number. Technology keeps changing and people want the latest and greatest models. While the older models might not take pictures or have cool ringtones, donating old cell phones you no longer use can help your local community. All the major cell phone carriers; AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon support recycling programs where proceeds are donated to such organizations as Easter Seals, local domestic violence shelters and at-risk kids mentorship programs.

4. Computers – If you have recently upgraded your computer and your old computer is sitting collecting dust, donate it to Tools for Life (gatfl.org). They reformat and repair your computer, install licensed software and then distribute it to individuals with disabilities. On top of all that they also train the person on how to use the equipment.

5. Eyeglasses – Once your eyeglass prescription changes, what can you do with your old pair of glasses? You can donate them and give the gift of sight to needy families in developing countries. All local BJ’s warehouse locations accept donations of eyeglasses in their optical department.

6. Office Supplies – With Bellsouth and Cingular becoming AT&T, what happens to all their old name and logo letterhead, envelopes and office supplies? I hope they are donating it to Atlanta Community Food Bank’s Kids In Need program (acfb.org). Businesses that have changed their name or merged can donate all their old logo stationary and office supplies to Kids In Need to distribute to local teachers who can reuse them in their classrooms.

Finally, if you have items that you no longer need and wonder who in the area might actually have a use for them, don’t throw them out. Consider listing them online at freecycle.org. You will be surprised at the types of items people list.

For more great time and money saving tips, ideas and coupons, visit www.TheShoppingQueen.com.