Ideal Bite

On his recent Facebook status, my friend included getting a new couch with getting married and becoming an uncle as "serious changes" to his life this year. What's with buying a brand-new couch that makes you finally feel like an adult? It's a big investment, natch, and after spending your 20s couch surfing, trading sofas with friends, and scoring free furniture off the streets, I guess you finally feel a wee bit anchored when you spend a couple thou' on a fancy sofa.

This past week, in fact, I saw three couches abandoned on sidewalks in my 'hood. Seems everyone's trading up…but while it's tough to recycle your old couch, it's not impossible. Here, some ideas:

*Most thrift stores (Goodwill, Salvation Army…) have more than they can handle and will only take those in good condition – but it's a good first step.
*There's always Freecycle and Craigslist. Peeps love free stuff.
*Here in California, there's EcoHaul, which strips spent sofas and recycles the metal and wood and other materials. Other programs are popping up, like in Chicago (check Molly's blog on Monday for Goodwill's new LA program)
*Type "couch" and your zip at Earth 911 for a nearby recycling drop-spot.

(FYI: Many private furniture haulers will take them away and dump 'em in landfills, for a fee. Make sure you find one focused on recycling and low waste).

If you do find one in your 'hood, please share it with the rest of the group below…

- Senior Editor Theresa...off to ponder the target client for a reused (yet so creepy) Coffin Couch...