Think Globally
Reuse
Reuse is often seen as the hidden factor in the three R’s equation, but it really involves the least amount of work. Reuse is simply the act of finding a second (or third, or tenth, or hundredth) use for a product to prolong its life, and provides the opportunity to not only be thrifty but also to be creative. Most importantly, reuse doesn’t require the strategy of reduction or the energy of recycling.
Reuse is a process that many of us already implement in our everyday lives without realizing. Any time you buy or sell a product second-hand, such as from Craigslist, eBay or Goodwill, you are providing an additional use for this product while at the same time not requiring another one to be created.
The important thing to consider when you want to reuse is that creativity is king in the process. Reuse is an important step after you’ve already reduced, but before you are ready to recycle.
- January 2, 2008Your Pledge to the Environment
- December 31, 2007Take Action: Reuse