Reuse life hacks

Welcome back from break everyone! This semester is off to a running start as we are already into February! This article will show the importance of reusing in our society, and I will provide some reuse strategies that you may find useful as we transition into a new year, yearn to try new ways of living and set resolutions to be more mindful and think and act more sustainably. Here are some reuse tips and tricks I have found very helpful in my life!

The importance of reusing

Benefits of reuse

Reuse is important because it keeps materials out of the waste stream. Items that may no longer be of value to one person are passed to someone else who can put them to use. 

Environmental benefits

• Fewer resources, less energy and less labor are needed to create new materials, compared to recycling, disposal or manufacturing of new products from virgin materials.
• Reuse reduces air, water and land pollution.
• Reuse prevents solid waste from entering our landfills.

Social benefits

• Individuals benefit from used products and materials that they need and want.
• Supports local community and social programs.
• Less burden on the economy.

Reuse hacks

• Thrifting is a fun way to inherit new, unique clothing items that others no longer found useful. Donating your clothes to thrift stores instead of throwing them away is also a great way to help.
• Look for other reuse stores and centers, like this art supply resale shop in Boulder!
• Be creative! Items you might need for a project or craft are often sold at used equipment or clothing stores.
• Local or regional material exchanges may be available.

The number of items that are reusable is practically unlimited

Many of these items are reusable and can be found in your local community:

• Building materials
• Furniture
• Office supplies
• Computers and other electronic devices
• Household items

Donating and reusing items helps both you and the environment

• When you reuse an item, it continues to be valuable and useful. Items that are thrown in the trash can't be valuable to anyone, and they certainly aren't valuable to the environment.
• By choosing to reuse items, you are limiting pollution and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, a mutually beneficial way to help our environment.
• Sometimes caring about the environment through purposeful and intentional thinking and ways of living can make all the difference!