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Reuse life hacks

activists on a polluted beach

Welcome back from break everyone!ÌýThis semester is off to a running startÌýas we are already into February! This article will show the importance of reusing in our society, and I will provide some reuse strategiesÌýthat you may find useful as we transition into a new year,Ìýyearn 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!

Benefits of reuse

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

Environmental benefits

  • Fewer resources, less energy and less laborÌýare needed to create new materials, .
  • Reuse reduces air, waterÌýand land pollution.
  • Reuse prevents solid waste from entering our landfills.

Social benefits

  • Individuals benefit from used products and materials that they need and want.
  • .
  • Less burden on the economy.

  • Thrifting is a fun way to inheritÌýnew, uniqueÌýclothing 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 Ìýin 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.

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

  • When you reuse an item, it continues to be valuable and useful. Items that are thrown in the trashÌýcan't be valuableÌýto anyone, and they certainly aren't valuable to the environment.
  • By choosing to reuse items, you are limiting pollution andÌýreducing 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!