Reduce & Reuse
Compared to creating products or packaging from virgin resources, recycling conserves resources, saves energy, and reduces pollution. Two other options, however, are even better than recycling: reducing and reusing.
Reducing means minimizing waste before it has a chance to be created. This concern has prompted manufacturers to try a variety of innovative strategies ranging from reducing packaging on CD’s to reducing the thickness of the plastic and aluminum used to package beverages.
Reusing means choosing durable products that can be used over and over again. This sounds like common sense, but two factors are working against this practice:
- the convenience of disposable products
- rapidly changing technology
Listed below are links to resources that will help you reduce waste and consumption, reuse what you already have, and generally promote more sustainable practices at home, work, or school:
Reduce
Sustainable Shopping Tips
Stop Junk Mail
Holiday Waste-Reduction Ideas–Here’s how to keep your impact to a minimum while decorating, shopping, partying and otherwise celebrating Christmas and other winter holidays.
Waste-Free Gift Ideas–Tips for giving gifts in any season.
Reuse
Local Reuse Stores and Charities
Global Garage Sale
ReUse Zones at CSWD Drop-Off Centers
Online Book Rental Clubs: These two services work like Netflix for books — Books Free; BookSwim
Online Swap and Share Resources – alternatives to getting rid of your books, DVDs, CDs, and more
Packaging reuse options
Used Medical Equipment–free online classifieds where you can find new or used Assistive Technology (AT) devices, software and equipment
Vermont Business Materials Exchange–free service promoting the exchange of surplus and reusable business materials
Freecycle – a listing of free stuff in the Burlington area
Craigslist – an online community posting service
GoodsMatch – an online resource where you can donate goods you no longer need
NewDream Guide To Sharing-a free download with ideas for sharing all sorts of things
Other Resources
Center for the New American Dream–national organization dedicated to helping people live consciously and buy wisely
Community Waste Reduction Events: community events sponsored by CSWD and other local environmental organizations that provide tools and information to help people lessen their individual carbon footprint
Watch a 5-minute video on the importance of recycling paper and purchasing recycled paper products