How to Get the Most Out of a Magazine Subscription

Magazines are fun to read and a great source of new information, but it is a real waste to throw them out after you're done with them--especially when there are so many ways in which they can be reused. The process of making the most of a subscription starts with spending as little as possible and ends with disposing of the issues in a responsible and thoughtful way.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Get the best deal on your magazine subscription. This might go without saying, but look around to make sure that there is not an online deal that beats out even what you're offered in the inserts.

2. Read the magazine and photocopy any articles you find worthy of keeping or passing on. Store these stories in a binder (in protective sheets is best), rather than keeping the entire magazine. Use dividers to keep your binder organized.

3. Send an email to your friends and family members, asking if any of them would like second dibs on your magazines. Better yet, ask before you even subscribe, and see if anyone is willing to chip in a couple of dollars for the magazine.

4. Call your local library to find out if they have a subscription to the magazine. If not, you can offer to donate your copies.

5. If no one else wants the issues, cut out colorful pictures and let your kids arrange them on construction paper. You can create works of art or paper dolls from the magazine photos, illustrations and ads.

6. Post the magazines on freecycle.com to see if any local freelance writer or magazine enthusiast is interested in picking them up. This is free of charge to both of you, and all you have to do is provide a pickup time and address. If you want a token payment for your stack, list it on craigslist instead.

7. Find out if your local schools or preschools are interested in the magazines. National Geographic and similar magazines are fun educational tools, while others can be used for arts and crafts.

Tips & Warnings

• Cover your address with a label sticker to keep it private. Blacking it out with a marker or Sharpie is less effective.
• If you can't find anyone who wants your old magazines, please recycle them rather than throwing them away.