As a society of consumers, we generate a lot of trash! Numerous old and unused items collect in our homes and we don’t always know what to do with them. They look fine, they work perfectly but we don’t use them, or we don’t want them anymore. And while the most common solution is to throw them in the garbage, this is often not the most environmentally friendly option, but cluttering up your house with unused items is also not good for the soul. So instead of hoarding all your old stuff and cluttering up your home, or simply trashing it, try and repurpose it by donating it to someone who can give it a new lease on life. Don’t let your clutter take over your life this winter, give your home a good clean out and donate some of your old and unused items to your local wildlife shelter. You will be amazed by what they can use!

Decluttering your home can be life-changing. You will feel better, your home will look better and you will make life a little more comfortable for the animals in your local shelter. For example, heating pads and electric blankets in good condition are used by wildlife shelters across the country to keep newborn animals warm and snug, increasing their chances of survival. And knowing that you have helped in some small way is enough to brighten up even the dullest winter day.

One Person’s Trash Could be a Treasure for Wildlife Shelters

We are all aware that wildlife shelters are constantly in need of donations, but you don’t have to give them cash, there are many products that you can donate. And it’s not just the obvious objects, like old towels and blankets that wildlife shelters can use. By thinking out of the box, you will be surprised by some of the innovative uses that they have for your old items.

The initiative Wands for Wildlife collects mascara wands for wildlife shelters around Canada. The cleaned and disinfected mascara wands are used to groom wildlife and clean feathers and fur, removing debris, lice, and ticks. This is a novel use for a product that would usually just be dumped in the trash.

Old clothes and scraps of fabric can also be repurposed by animal shelters. Keith Packer, a Skedaddle Technician Supervisor, has seen squirrels pulling apart patio furniture cushions to use the stuffing for nests and he says rehab centers will sometimes use old fur coats to help keep babies warm and comfortable. Leftover material from your latest craft project or abandoned quilting phase can come in handy to make comfortable animal beds and T-shirts can be turned into rope toys for dogs.

Old Plastic Containers Get a New Life

Most of us simply throw out our old milk jugs or plastic milk bottles but according to Keith Packer “Skedaddle builds bird jugs to help a bird relocate while still allowing the babies to nest outside of the homeowners home once humanely removed. The homeowner and their children are also able to see the babies and mother bird grow. We make them so they are easily accessible and protective from the elements with a rain flap included.” That is the perfect example of how household rubbish can help wildlife in your area. Larger plastic containers can be turned into owl boxes and plastic drums make excellent dog kennels. And as for all those old baby bottles that you don’t know what to do with now that your toddler is eating solid food, a wildlife shelter can always use them to feed their babies.

Necessity is the Mother of Invention

Once you put your mind to it, you will realize that there are many unwanted or unused items in your home that could be donated to a wildlife shelter. And when you think outside of the box, you will probably come up with even more innovative ideas, but most ladies would probably never imagine that even their old bra clasps can be repurposed! Yes, it’s true, there really is a need for your old bra clasps. Through lateral thinking and necessity, wildlife shelters around the world have found an innovative and lifesaving use for old bra clasps. Turtles are commonly injured by cars, lawnmowers or boats, and bra clasps are used to mend life-threatening cracks or fractures of turtle shells. Treating a fractured shell is a delicate job and stabilizing the shell so that it can heal properly is essential. But since there are not many specialized products for treating turtle fractures, wildlife vets have had to become more innovative. Experts glue the bra clasps onto opposite sides of the fracture and connect them with a zip tie to ensure that the shell remains in place and the fracture is slowly able to heal. When the shell has completely healed, the clasps and zip ties are removed, and the turtles can be released back into the wild.

Always a Demand for the Basic Items

There are many interesting household items that can be used by animal shelters, but don’t forget that they also need the basics. Our world may have become more digital, but newspapers are still popular with many people, and shelters regularly need old newspapers to line the bottom of animal cages. When you have finished reading your weekly news, donate your old newspapers to the local shelter. If your puppy has outgrown its bed, leash or collar and the items are still in good condition they will be welcomed by a shelter. These may seem like small contributions, but every bit helps.

Just one small word of warning before you get totally carried away; not all your old trash can be used by your local wildlife shelter. Don’t abuse your animal shelter by using it as a dumping ground for all your unwanted items, be selective about what you take to them but remember there is no harm in asking what they need and seeing what they will take off your hands.

At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control we are passionate about wildlife and would like to encourage everyone to do their bit to protect our wildlife and their habitats. As a society, we need to become more environmentally conscious and not turn our planet into a giant landfill. Before you throw anything away, see if it can be repurposed or recycled. Think before you act and raise your children to love the animals around them and live thoughtfully alongside nature.

Contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control for all your wildlife removal needs and to find out more about how you can live safely and comfortably alongside our furry and feathered friends.