I think I am envious of a company called Refuse Reused. (I think they are fairly new) One of the things I have always dreamed of, if I had room or was more of a handy person is to collect or dumpster drive for all trash and reusable stuff that people throw away i.e my neighbors. Remake and reuse to either resell or give away to people in need. I constantly surf Craigs list for FREE Stuff and Curb Alerts just to see what others people trash can now become my treasure.
Refused Reused is such a company that recycles items that most people throw away. They re-upholsters, repair chairs and sofas etc. and then give it away to families in need.
To date they have helped over 13 families in need and are working with The Humane Society of Southern Arizona, Tools for Peace, Boy Scouts and more. If you live in Tucson, I am sure they can use free stuff and volunteers, if not you can get some great ideas on reusing stuff and keeping out of landfills.