Re-use: Waste Not, Want Not!by Dharmendra Kapri | 07-08-2016 08:50 |
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Next time you go to throw away a jam jar, for example, even if it?s going to be recycled, just think to yourself: could that jar be used again for something else? Does someone you know make their own jam? Or does Dad need a jar in the garage for his nails? Or do you want a pot for all those hair scrunchies or pens you keep losing? Lots and lots of items can be used again. Envelopes, large plastic yoghurt cartons with lids, ice cream tubs, plastic bags, drinks bottles, the list is endless. If you do want to upgrade your mobile phone, TV, laptop, lawnmower, fridge, sofa or whatever, there is probably someone out there who might be able to give your old one a good home. Ask around or advertise it first to avoid sending it to landfill. "Freecycle" is an internet network of people who get rid of and receive items for free – this keeps rubbish out of landfill and helps people find things they need without paying for new ones. Perhaps there should be 4 R?s – Repair! Many items are thrown out simply because they have broken and need a simple repair. Find the glue or get out a needle and thread and extend the life of items that can be mended. Sadly these days it can be cheaper and easier to buy some items, such as a new TV than have it repaired. If something is broken, before you throw it out, just think whether its life can be extended by repairing it.
This is by far the most effective way of solving the landfill problem: reduce the amount of waste we produce in the first place. Recycling and reusing go a long way to helping reduce our waste, but if we bought fewer things in the first place, avoided disposable items, and bought food and with less packaging on, we wouldn?t have to do so much recycling and reusing in the first place!
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