Get rid of your used CDs and DVDs for cash!

I can't remember the last time I bought a physical CD. Who does anymore? Not only is it more convenient to buy electronically online, but it's a benefit to the environment to do so (packaging materials and transportation fuel).

After moving recently, I realized that we have a lot of CDs and DVDs. They take up a lot of space, and I wanted to really de-clutter and simplify my life. I went through all my CDs and figured out which ones I like, and which ones I didn't. The ones I liked, I uploaded to my computer for my iPhone to download. Now I have a bunch of CDs (both like and dislike) that take up space, and I'll probably never play again.

We tried to sell many of them at our garage sale before moving, but we still had a lot left over. There aren't many local stores that buy back most of the CDs (more selective on titles).



While searching online, I found a company called SecondSpin.com that pays you cash for your used CDs and DVDs. All you do is type in the UPC code of each CD, and it gives you the price it will pay you. I averaged about $1 per CD (range is about $0.05 to $3.00) and mailed a large box to their facility for processing. Count how many CDs you have, then do the math...

Not only do you get to get rid of things you don't want, you make some money in the process, and your item gets reused by someone who wants it!

Give it a try at their website SecondSpin.com.

Update 2/4/10 - I received my check today for $170 (I sent 133 CDs to them). They rejected some of my CDs for water damage, but overall I think it was worth the money and effort.

Use post-it notes to change other people's wasteful behavior!

Where I work, I see a lot of people leaving their computers on, leaving lights on in their office. Those that work in the factory leave the test equipment and other electronic devices on as well.

Instead of complaining, I decided to make up some bright green post-it notes, and place them on the device, so the person sees the "reminder" when they come back. This way, you don't need to confront the "accuser" and make them feel bad. Often times, people just forget, or don't realize that it should be turned off.



Each pad comes with 50 notes, and they can be re-used (like a normal post-it note). Simply scan your work area, or your house, and place the note on anything that should be turned off. Certain items (like refrigerators) need to stay on all the time. Focus on the items that definitely need to be shut off. If you can follow up with this approach and feedback for one month (20-30 days), that should be enough time that behavior starts to change, and people will become more cognizant of what they're leaving on.

To order some of these post-its:

Green "Turn Off When Done" Post-It Note Reminders