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Recycling is a good thing. Compared to creating products or packaging from virgin resources,
recycling conserves resources, saves energy, and reduces pollution. There are two other options,
however, that 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 seem to be working against this practice:
- the convenience of disposable products
- our rapidly changing technology.
Listed below are ways to reduce, reuse, and to promote more sustainable practices at home, work, or school:
REDUCE
Environmental Shopping Tips
Online Book Rental Clubs
Stop Junk Mail
Waste-Free Holiday Shopping Ideas
Environmental Depot's HAZBIN
REUSE
List of Local Reuse Stores and Charities
Packaging Reuse Options
The ReUse Zone
Used Medical Equipment--free online classifieds where you can find new or used Assitive 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
GoodsMatch - an online resource where you can donate goods you no longer need
OTHER RESOURCES
Vermont Earth Institute--local organization encouraging Vermonters to reduce consumption and adopt environmentally sustainable practices in their homes, workplaces and communities
Center for the New American Dream--national organization dedicated to helping people live consciously and buy wisely
Community Sustainability Fairs --community events sponsored by CSWD and other local environmental organizations that provide tools and information to help people lessen their individual carbon footprint
Special Haulers -- have lots of stuff in the basement or in the garage that you don't need anymore? Have a large appliance you want to take to a CSWD Drop-Off Center but don't have a big enough car? Contact someone from this list to help you out!
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