Save yourself time and money by thinking of ways you can make "reuse" part
of your life. Use your imagination and creativity to come up with
reuse ideas. Below are seven guidelines to keep in mind.
1. Buy Quality
- Purchase durable goods rather than disposable items. The cost may be
higher initially, but in the long run you can save money.
- Read consumer magazines and contact consumer organizations before
making a major purchase. By being informed you will make a longer-lasting
choice.
- Buy high quality clothing that will last. When styles change,
alter the clothing instead of discarding it.
2. Rent
- Rent or borrow party decorations and supplies, such as tables, chairs, centerpieces, lines, dishes and silverware.
- Rent seldom-used items, such as tools or partyware.
- Consider renting a tool or major appliance before buying it
in order to determine whether you do in fact need it and
what options you will use.
3. Use It Again
- Consider buying used items.
- Save and reuse household items-string, plastic and glass containers,
gift wrap, seasonal decorations and shopping bags. Consider giving items you cannot use to
others.
4. Repair and Share
- Instead of throwing it out, fix it up! Repair broken toys, furniture,
and appliances to extend their useful life.
- Get the longest warranty with the best repair service possible.
- Share or purchase jointly those large, expensive items you use only
once in a while with neighbors and friends.
- Before discarding tools, camera equipment or other goods, ask friends, neighbors and relatives if they can use them.
- Share newspapers and magazines with others.
5. Donate
- Donate items of good quality to charities and organizations that can
reuse or resell them.
- Sell secondhand items at fairs, bazaars and garage sales.
- Give hand-me-downs to family members, neighbors, or the needy.
- Conduct a food or clothing drive to help others.
6. Refill
- Refill your refillable bottles and other containers. The same container
can be used more than once for many things - laundry detergent,
shampoo, soda pop. Remember to avoid putting food in containers
that previously contained toxics and vice versa.
7. Dismantle
- Dismantle objects into individual components for recycling or reuse.