Before you recycle, before you buy new, try reusing, repairing, and sharing.
It’s always a good idea to recycle, but it’s an even better idea to keep materials, particularly durable products, in circulation longer through reuse. Not only is it good for the planet, it can save you time and money. You can extend the “reuse life” of an item by repairing it when needed, and sharing it with friends, family, or your community!
There are countless ways you can choose to reuse in your daily life—everything from carrying your own refillable water bottle, to repairing a broken item, to donating good-quality clothing and household items. Reuse is not only what you do when you have something you no longer want, it is also what you do when you need something. Shop secondhand stores or browse online exchange sites before you head to the store to buy something new. When you do buy something, make sure it’s a decent quality, durable product that will last, rather than a cheap disposable you’ll have to replace much sooner.
One of the benefits to reusing, repairing, and sharing is that it often supports local organizations and businesses. Use the guides below to support a local reuse and sharing economy.