Comments on: What You Can Do

By: Mark A. Sadowski

Mark A. Sadowski — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 03:41:08 +0000

Actually Mr. Kwak I lost nothing in the stock market because I sold everything a year and a half ago (it’s great being a New Keynesian), and surprisingly home prices have been fairly stable where I live (Hockessin, Delaware). My house only has a tiny mortgage and is a little large for me, and my ex-significant other is the only other person living here. Nevertheless it is crammed to the rafters with unused furniture and clothing (I inherited most of it when I inherited the house). I’ve been planning to donate a good chunk of it but have been distracted by economic events. I’ll try and get off my keyster. One charity for clothing donations that I would recommend (my parents used to contribute to them) is the Cancer Federation. (Oddly, absolutely nobody in my family has ever had cancer.)

By: JohnT

JohnT — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 22:33:00 +0000

This is a great idea, but I wonder how to achieve the greatest impact through clothing donations? Is it better to donate directly to a homeless shelter, or instead donate to Goodwill or the Salvation Army, who would sell the clothing in their thrift shops? What about business suits in great condition, that no longer fit? What about business casual clothes that have minor signs of wear, but don’t look crisp enough to wear to work? What about stuff that’s worn out, but better than nothing?

By: Blue Nile

Blue Nile — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 20:59:19 +0000

Good post. I also like to keep things even I dont use them.I think one should definitely donate to these charities now and then.

Regarding the behavorial phenomenon, you are exactly right. I personally dont think it is a market failure….