Buying Reusable Over Disposable for a Healthier World – Are You In?
Here are some suggestions to help you make less of an impact on the environment by reducing, reusing, repurposing, and recycling, your goods.
Reduce
Before making a purchase ask yourself if the item is needed or is it wanted - this comes in handy when shopping in a dollar store
Say no to plastic bottles – use reusable bottles instead
Buy in bulk like rice, pasta, cereal, cookies
Buy used items from thrift store and consignment shops
Avoid buying item that are not recyclable
Borrow rent or share item like Christmas decoration, pool toys, Halloween costumes
Buy less and there is less to dispose of, challenge yourself and make a list of ways you can reduce.
Reusing
Reduce your use of single use plastic bags, use mesh or cotton produce and bulk bags and reusable shopping bags
Use silicone reusable bags instead of plastic bags freezer and sandwich bags
Use reusable utensils and water bottles instead of plastic
Turn tin cans into planters and dress them up with a little paint for a fun craft project and reuse glass jars to store rice and pasta
Save your wrapping paper and reuse it when making presents
Repair items instead of discarding them to the garbage bin, clothes, shoes, electronics, small appliances can often be repaired
What items do you have right now that can be reused and find fun ways to reuse them.
Repurposing
Before tossing furniture see if it can be updated with a fresh coat of paint
Repurpose tires into planters
Turn old windows into black boards, a mirror, or a side table
Turn old doors into a headboard
Wooden crates into tables or a desk
There are so many ways to repurpose items it is endless. Start a repurposing program with your friends and exchange items and ideas – let’s get creative!
Recycling
Make sure your recyclables are generally clean and dry
Keep electronics and hazardous waste items out of your recycling bin
Recycle glass, paper, cartons, some plastics
Check out these sites for more information and there are some great YouTube videos to help with your projects:
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