How to Put the "Reduce" and "Reuse" Back in "Reduce, Reuse and Recycle"

Today's world of curbside recycling provides consumers with convenient and easy ways to feel like they are helping the environment. Recycling is important, but a truly sustainable approach to household waste management embraces all three of the "R's" in the green motto "Reduce, Reuse and Recycle." Choosing a green lifestyle that embraces all three "R's" can help you reduce household waste. Here are a few tips to get you started.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Get full use from plastic containers. A number of the goods we consume on a weekly basis come packaged in plastic containers that can be washed and reused to store leftovers like spaghetti sauce. The plastic tubs that margarine comes in are a great example. Think of it as a no-cost alternative to Tupperware.

2. Be creative with glass jars. Products like salsa are frequently packaged in glass jars that can be reused as drinking glasses.

3. Get full use out of plastic bags. Sandwich and zip-lock style bags can often be washed and reused over and over again. A plastic shopping bag can become a no-cost tool for handling and disposing of your dog's waste.

4. Hang on to those plastic bottles. The plastic containers that hold water, juice and milk can be washed and reused to carry water and other liquids while you are driving, hiking, running or walking. You can also use them to water plants or store bouquets of flowers.

5. Make metal cans your friend. A trip to any old-timer's basement will show you a number of ways to reuse metal cans: as containers for fishing lures, for example, or to hold screws, nails and thumbtacks.

6. Get the maximum wear out of clothing. Donate your own used clothing to a local charity, or to a family in need. Buy used clothing from local thrift shops like Goodwill, and trade your children's "hand-me-down" clothing with friends and family.

7. Save money and paper by buying and selling books at a used bookstore, instead of buying them new.

8. Sell or give away used furniture. Many thrift shops will accept donations of furniture. You can also sell your old pieces (at no charge) on Craigslist, or give it away by listing it on your local Freecycle network. The easiest solution may be to throw a "free" sign on it and stick it on the curb.

9. Save a tree. Many types of paper can be shredded and reused as compost. You can also turn paper that only has printing on one side into scrap paper for jotting down notes and messages.

10. Before throwing away something like a broken TV, consider listing it on Craigslist or Freecycle with a description of any problems it may have. Someone with the know-how to fix it may just scoop it up and give it new life.

Resources

• Earth911.com
• Craigslist
• Freecycle