Turning Your Trash Into Cash

by Jeffrey Strain

Junk. We all have some of it lying around the house. Whether it's boxed items cluttering the attic or everyday items that just don't fit with the room's decorating theme anymore, many of us have more than we need. At some point it all gets to be too much and in a fit of energy we decide that our place needs to be cleaned. Then the junk gets moved, typically to the nearest trash can. But wait. Before you throw out all that stuff, it pays to take head of the saying "one person's junk is another person's treasure."

If you are about to throw out something because you think it has little value, you may come to regret it later. Those things that you consider to be trash many times have great value to collectors. If you have an item and have no idea if it has any worth, a quick first step is to head to the online auction sites like eBay. Input the item you have into their search engine. If similar items come up and there are bids on them, then someone out there thinks that the item you were about to trash has some worth.

If you are trying to get rid of a few select items, the online auction sites may be the perfect place. Simply place the item on auction for a minimum price and let others bid away on it. This is where you may find that old, ugly toy you could no longer stand the sight of looks like a perfect jewel to somebody else. You don't even have to know how to list the items yourself anymore since sites like eBay offer services that will match you with someone who will list the auction for you for a small fee. Cont'd

Preserving Works on Paper:
Manuscripts, Drawings, Prints, Posters, Maps, Documents

The manufacturing method and materials of works on paper, such as the inks, paints and paper components, influence the inherent, long-term stability of library, art and archival items. Providing a good environment, and safe handling and storage conditions are critical to preserving paper collections.

Relative humidity and temperature:
Store paper materials in dark, cool, relatively dry locations. Aim for 35% relative humidity and below 72° F. Avoid light, heat and dampness. Maintaining steady temperature and relative humidity is preferable over conditions that cycle up and down. Attics, bathrooms and basements are generally to be avoided. Inside walls are drier than outside walls, where moisture can collect. High humidity can lead to the development of foxing (small brown disfiguring spots in paper) or mold growth. Vigilance is necessary to ensure maintenance of acceptable environmental conditions.

Lighting:
Most paper items are susceptible to damage from ultraviolet (UV) and visible light. UV radiation, which is emitted by the sun and fluorescent bulbs, is particularly damaging to paper items. If UV is present, it should be eliminated by using a filtering glazing in frames, or filters over windows and light bulbs. The intensity and length of exposure to visible light on paper items should be reduced as much as possible. Particularly light sensitive items such as watercolors, manuscripts, newsprint and non-print media should be stored away from the light as much as possible to avoid fading and/or yellowing. Close drapes and hang pictures on inside walls away from sunlight and long term lighting. In some cases framing a photocopy or photograph of an original item will be a good substitute for exposing the sensitive original to light damage. Cont'd