Tuesday, May 18, 2010

More Dumpster Finds

More Dumpster Treasures...

Sometimes ok, often I have no use for the stuff that I come across in the dumpster.

But, it almost pains me to see this stuff go to the landfill.

So, if it looks decent, I have been grabbing it.

Much to my husband's dismay.

Luckily, I easily am able to donate it to a different thrift store (that does so much good) or give it away on Craigslist.

I washed up this cute little shirt, bumper pads and crib skirt.

Imagine my surprise when I found the beautiful green bumper pad with rabbits (and matching crib skirt) were from Pottery Barn.

Do you know that Pottery Barn sells their bumper pads for $99?

Which is why I've never owned one.

This one is in excellent condition.

And oh so cute.

But I don't have a use for it so I'll have to find it a new home.

This critter cage is going for free on CL today.

Because I don't do critters.

**shudder**

Two nice sized pieces of hardibacker board (spell checker is saying that I didn't spell that right), just like the stuff that we pay $18 a sheet for at the hardware store.

Score!

I was totally excited to get these nesting suitcases!

I knew immediately what I wanted to do with them.

I told Corey of my plans and he looked at me like I was going crazy.

Which is a valid concern, after all.

But, he still loaded them up in our rig.

Which is one of the many reasons that I love him.

This beautiful suitcase was not only in pristine condition (with the key too) but it was full of baby stuff.

Including a beautiful velvet dress with lace trim.

All this stuff came out of the dumpster on two different diving occasions.

Plus all these games and puzzles.

We still haven't put all the ones together from the last diving trip.

A little kids workbench and kitchen too.

Which I will also give away on CL today.

All kinds of dishes.

Sadly, many of them I don't even bring home. When they are tossed into the dumpster they break and chip.

My kids have had so much fun playing the games and putting the puzzles together.

Sometimes, not all the pieces are there.

So, we take them back to the burn pile move on to the next one.

At least we aren't out any $.

In this last batch were some really cute toddler toys.

All bright, clean and working.

So why were they in the dumpster?

I don't know.

I kept the V-tech ones, wiped them off with anti-bacterial wipes and Lily has been playing with them all morning.

If you look at the french doors in the background you will see Hannah's artwork.

Not cool and if she wasn't so cute she would be in serious trouble.

All this good stuff in the trash has really got me thinking.

Which isn't always a good thing.

If there is so much stuff being given away to thrift stores that they can't sell it.

Because no one wants it...

Why is more stuff being produced for sale?

Just curious...

Happy Diving!

15 comments:

Leenda said...

Wow, you have really hit the nail on the head with that question. I work at a large box craft store (not going to say which one) and we throw stuff away all the time. Even with the little we donate, if the thrift stores have to throw it away, then why are they making more? When I saw the stuff come in for the spring, I literally gasped, because some of it was nearly identical to the stuff we threw away a few short months ago. For instance, last year, we ended up throwing away some cute flamingo yard decor, only to get more flamingo yard decor this year! I really don't get it. *sigh*

Unknown said...

I'm so astounded by what your find in the dumpster... I think you should forward your dumpster diving posts to the powers that be at Good Will and the local papers. Seriously, if they don't want this stuff why don't they just give it away instead of chucking it?! Wow.

Kim said...

I agree 110%. You found a ton of great loot. I'm always astonished at what I find on the curb. What goes through people's minds when they are throwing away perfectly good stuff????
xoxo,
Kim

coryshay said...

I agree! I have always felt like my thrifting and yard saleing was helping the planet because more wouldn't have to be manufactured etc.
Oh well...at least I try. I've never dumpster dived (dove?) before but if I lived near someone throwing all that great stuff away I'd do it in a heartbeat!

I have recently been a loyal blog follower and I have to tell you how Much I love this blog!

Jane said...

I am so thankful that you rescue that *high* quality stuff and give it a second chance. My goodness. I wonder if the higher ups at Goodwill know that this kind of quality stuff is going into the trash. Shame! Shame! So glad you are getting it tho!

Sabrina C. said...

Her art work will come off the doors with the Mr. Clean white sponges. I don't remember the name of them just look on the cleaning section. They also remove permanent marker too.

Love your dumpster finds....When I was little I used to dumpster dive with my Aunt. I am so old and febble to dumpster dive now, but I sure love me a Goodwill or Thrift store.

gail@My Repurposed Life said...

Great stuff! It saddens me that the entire suitcase was filled with baby stuff. Like someone saved it for years, and then "poof" it's gone.
gail

Kat @My Tots Exactly said...

Lots of great stuff!! I especially love the velvet dress :)

Thanks for leaving a comment on my blog. New follower here from New Friend Friday. Wishing you and your family a great weekend.

~~ Kat (Momsy Katsy) ~~
My Tots Exactly!
My Tummy Calls
My Game of Chance

Kel said...

I had no idea that people just threw their good stuff away. We always make sure to pass our items along to friends and family first and then donate them to the salvation army, hospice centers, or homeless shelters. People could also have a yard sale, like my friends and I are doing tomorrow. All proceeds go to Relay for Life. Thanks for sharing all your diving treasures. I hope you and your family have a fabulous weekend!

www.betweenthelines-kel.com

Unknown said...

Thank you for letting me know about the inappropriate link on my party. I removed it. Unfortunately, I don't get to visit every blog that links up and I would have missed that one so thank you. :)

Jessica Warrick said...

you are so creative. following from new friend Friday you can follow back at http://punkrockmomma.com

Simply Mel said...

Great finds! Glad you were able to use the toys for the kids!

Found you on Trendy! Look forward to reading more of your blog. :)

joeandbridge said...

Hi! Happy Follow Me Friday! I'm your newest follower. Swing by my blog and say Hi and have a great weekend!

Bridgette
Groschen Goblins
www.groschengoblins.com

One Life Many Journeys said...

My mother and I will not donate to Goodwill for that reason alone. We give to battered women thrift shops. You could make a mint selling your finds at a yard sale. Have you ever been busted by anyone when diving? That would be my fear....and my husband would croak!

Laura Lofgreen said...

I love that you do this. Saving our planet, one dumpster at a time. www.mydeartrash.blogspot.com
Would you be willing to do a feature?