A week of living green, coupled with heightened efforts to
consume less and reuse more, is kicking off this weekend as Second
Chance Week 2011 commences for its 9th annual year.
The series of hyper-local, eco-minded events begins Sept. 10 and
lasts through Sept. 18, with every day touting a different theme.
Second Chance week is sponsored by the cities of Gilroy, Morgan
Hill and the County of Santa Clara. For more information, call
(408) 310-4169 or visit www.secondchanceweek.com.
A week of living green, coupled with heightened efforts to consume less and reuse more, is kicking off this weekend as Second Chance Week 2011 commences for its 9th annual year.
The series of hyper-local, eco-minded events begins Sept. 10 and lasts through Sept. 18, with every day touting a different theme. Second Chance week is sponsored by the cities of Gilroy, Morgan Hill and the County of Santa Clara. For more information, call (408) 310-4169 or click here: Second Chance Week
Here’s a snapshot look at what’s lined up, according to the event’s press release.
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, SEPT. 10-12: The Gilroy Garage Sale – This takes place at various locations throughout the city. This popular event affords residents throughout the South County an opportunity to give their old items a new life with a new owner. For a list and map of participating addresses, click here: List and map
For frequently asked questions about South County Garage Sale Days: Q&A
MONDAY, SEPT 12: “Universal Waste Awareness Day” – Universal waste consists of consumer electronics, batteries, fluorescent lighting and other products containing mercury that will not be accepted in your garbage. Residents (no business waste accepted) can keep these items away from air, water and landfills by properly disposing of them as follows:
– Fluorescent light bulbs and tubes: Visit Johnson Lumber/Ace Hardware at 1260 First St., suite B; Orchard Supply at 303 E. 10th St.; or People and Planet at 15750 Vineyard Blvd., #170 in Morgan Hill
– Consumer Electronics: Westside Recycling at 16290 Railroad Ave.; A&S Metals at 6454 Chestnut St.; Martin’s Recycling at 6310 Chestnut St; or Metech Recycling at 6200 Engel Way.
– Mercury-containing devices: Santa Clara County HHW Program at 1555 Berger Drive #300 in San Jose.
– Don’t forget: Recycle household batteries at the street curb. Visit the Morgan Hill Development Services Center at 17575 Peak Ave. or BookSmart at 80 East 2nd St. for a collection bag.
TUESDAY, SEPT. 13: “Freecycle Day” – Got something useful you don’t need anymore? Are you willing to give it to other people who have a use for it? “Freecycle” helps reduce waste by connecting people who are throwing away unwanted items, with other people who could use those items. There are two “Freecycle groups – one in Morgan Hill and one in Gilroy – on Yahoo. All you need is a Yahoo email address to join. It’s free and keeps your unwanted items out of a landfill. Visit www.secondchanceweek.com for more details.
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 14: “Donate coats for kids and adults too day” – From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., bring gently used adults or children’s coats to the Gilroy City Hall at 7351 Rosanna St., or the Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center at 17000 Monterey Road. The coats will go to underprivileged children and their parents.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 15: “Second Sight Day” – From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m, bring your old eye glasses to the Gilroy City Hall at 7351 Rosanna St. or the Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center at 17000 Monterey Road, and the Lions Club will give them a second chance to serve someone less fortunate.
FRIDAY, SEPT. 16: “Recycle your cycle day” – Have a used bike to you’d like to donate? Bring bicycles of all sizes to the Bicycle Exchange in Morgan Hill or Gilroy (see addresses below), which will fix it up and donate it to local charities that serve both children and adults. Flat tires, broken or missing parts are not a problem; however volunteers cannot restore paint or reverse corrosion.
Before donating, ask yourself:
– Could an experienced mechanic make this bike functional and safe to ride in one hour or less?
– Is the bike substantially free of rust and corrosion?
– Is the bike clean enough that you could offer it as a gift without embarrassment?
If the answers are all “yes,” then bring your used bike in. Drop off your donation from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Morgan Hill Corporation Yard at 100 Edes Court in Morgan Hill. Gilroy will be collecting bikes from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Sunshine Bicycles at 311 First St. in Gilroy.
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, SEPT. 17-18: Morgan Hill garage sale – This final event wraps up Second Chance Week, providing local residents with a chance to give their old belongings a new life with a new owner. A list of garage sales will be available on the web at www.secondchanceweek.com Sept. 16.
