So next time, think before throwing away an old personal item like the few listed below and investigate charities that can use them. No matter what you choose to donate, remember to check out your chosen charity through the Better Business Bureau to help ensure your donation goes where you intend. You can even get a receipt for tax-deduction purposes afterward.

1. Eye glasses

Many people worldwide with poor vision struggle to read or work because they can’t afford eye care. Organizations like OneSight collect used prescription reading glasses and sunglasses, then distribute them to disadvantaged people throughout the U.S. and the world to correct common problems like near- and far-sightedness.

2. Hearing aids

Although hearing loss is often incorrectly stereotyped as a problem for older generations, people of all ages experience hearing impairment. Not all of them can afford the equipment they need, which can lead to delays in development and social stigmatization. The Lions Club collects and recycles hearing aids and gives them to needy children and adults worldwide. Hear Now also helps children and adults in the U.S. by collecting donations to help equip them with needed hearing devices.

3. Cell phones

That old cell your new smart phone replaced can function outside your desk drawer. A cell phone can help needy individuals stay connected to distant family members or emergency services. Cell Phones for Soldiers collects used cell phones, removes personal data, and distributes them to U.S. troops overseas who use the refurbished, pre-paid phones to call home to their families. Cell Phone Bank also collects old cell phones and works with law enforcement and victim services agencies to provide emergency cell phones to individuals whom cannot afford them.

4. Laptops

Trashed electronics can cause significant environmental damage because of their hazardous materials, so donating them can turn a significant negative environmental impact into a positive one. Computers with Causes accepts donations of computer equipment that’s Internet-capable and in working condition, removes all personal information and gives it to a variety of groups. Beneficiaries include non-profits, public agencies in the U.S. and economically disadvantaged individuals.

5. Business clothing

Training to enter the workforce is just part of the battle for many disadvantaged people. Dressing the part is an essential element of attaining and keeping employment. Organizations like Career Gear and Dress for Success work toward helping recipients create their own self-sufficiency by accepting donations of gently worn business wear. They then counsel disadvantaged men and women on job interview skills and dress them for scheduled interviews and later, employment.

Courtesy: ARAcontent

Comments made before a vote on the Marcellus Shale Hydrofracking (Drilling) Ban Resolution, passed by the Westchester County Board of Legislators at its meeting on Monday, June 21, 2010. For more on this issue, visit: http://www.westchesterlegislators.com

It’s the time of year when we look forward to eating some of the best locally-grown produce, and the farm stand at the Hilltop Hanover Farm & Environmental Center farm opened for the season June 4 with fresh kale and plenty of vegetable and flower starts that can be grown at home. The seedlings were started with volunteer groups who help out at the farm.

Hilltop Hanover Farm, a 180-acre former dairy farm, was purchased by the county in 2003 for agricultural preservation, drinking water protection and the promotion of environmental stewardship through demonstration projects and sustainability programs.

All produce is grown on the farm without the use of pesticides, synthesized fertilizers or herbicides. Vegetable and flower starts will also be available at the farm stand. You can check the website weekly for available produce. To find out more visit the website at www.hilltophanoverfarm.org.

Admission is free.

Spring and summer hours are Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Farm is closed to the public Sundays and Mondays unless noted for special events. Trails are open year-round from dawn to dusk.

The Farm is located at 1271 Hanover Street in Yorktown Heights. It can be reached via the Taconic State Parkway. Take the Millwood/Route 100 exit to Route 100 north. Turn left onto Route 118. Make a right onto Hanover Street. The farm is on the left. For more information on the farm or upcoming programs, events, and demonstrations, visit www.hilltophanoverfarm.org or call (914) 962-2368.

Courtesy: www.westchestergov.com

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says levels of indoor air pollution can be between two and five times higher — and occasionally as much as 100 times higher — than outdoor air. Indoor air pollution can be such a problem that the EPA ranks poor indoor air quality among the top five environmental risks to public health. These statistics are particularly eye-opening, given that we spend upwards of 90 percent of our day indoors.

There are a number of common misconceptions about indoor air quality. For instance, many consumers believe that because their homes are clean, their indoor air is clean, too. The truth is that airborne particulates such as dust, smoke, mold spores and pet dander can be widespread in even the cleanest homes. And as many consumers are sealing their homes more tightly to conserve energy, they’re reducing natural circulation and sealing in those airborne pollutants.

Another common misconception is that healthy adults aren’t susceptible to the effects of poor indoor air quality. While poor indoor air poses particular risks for children, the elderly and those affected by asthma and allergies, everyone’s health can suffer by breathing polluted air. Effects from exposure to poor indoor air may include irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, headaches, dizziness and fatigue.

Think about it: Many people drink purified water and use hand sanitizers, but they aren’t doing anything to help purify the air that they are breathing because they don’t believe anything can be done to help improve indoor air quality problems.

The truth is that effective, affordable portable air purifiers, such as Honeywell air purifiers, eliminate up to 95 to 99.97 percent of microscopic airborne pollutants (0.3 microns or larger) that pass through their filters. Some air purifiers are even effective at fighting certain viruses and other germs. Portable air purifiers also help circulate the air in a room, usually several times per hour, to reduce airborne allergens and stale air. Consumers should use an air purifier in the rooms where they spend the most time, such as the bedroom and living areas.

Honeywell air purifier products, manufactured by Kaz, Inc., are available at major retailers including Target, Wal-Mart, Sears, Amazon.com and The Home Depot. To find out which type of air purifier is best for your needs, visit www.honeywellcleanair.com.

Courtesy: NewsUSA