How to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle & Repair

Avoid bottled water by using a water filter instead.

Conserve energy and reduce the amount of waste you produce. Recycle materials that are recyclable, reuse the ones that are not, and repair items that can be costly, energy consuming and take up space in landfills. This will not only help the environment, but can help your budget as well.

Things You'll Need

• Water filter
• shopping bags
• Patches
• Sewing machine or needle and thread
• Cloth towel

Instructions

Reduce

1. Use a water filter instead of bottled water to reduce the amount of plastic you use. Fill a reusable water bottle from the filter when you want to take water with you.

2. Use a cloth towel instead of napkins or paper towels to reduce your paper usage. A cloth towel can be used multiple times before being washed.

3. Take shorter showers to conserve water. The average shower is about seven minutes. Try to shower in less time, thereby saving hot water usage.

4. Unplug chargers for your phone and laptop when not being used. This will reduce your energy usage.

Reuse

1. Avoid throwing out your newspapers. Save them to clean mirrors and windows, instead of using paper towels.

2. Bring your cup back to the convenience store. Shop at stores that offer plastic reusable cups and give you a discount on your next beverage.

3. Save your shopping bags from the grocery store or other retail shops. Bring them back the next time you shop. Some stores offer low-cost reusable bags.

Recycle

1. Separate your glass and cardboard from your trash. Glass and cardboard are recyclable materials and are accepted at most recycling centers.

2. Find a place in your city that takes and recycles used cell phones and electronics, instead of throwing them away. Most electronic stores have a recycling program or can direct you to one. Check with your cell phone provider to see if they have a buy-back program.

3. Place a smaller trash can beside your main kitchen trash can. By having the extra can in your kitchen, you can easily separate your trash from your recyclable goods.

Repair

1. Patch or sew a hole in your jeans or clothes instead of throwing them out. Even if they can no longer be used for work or school, they can be worn for yard work or casual clothes.

2. Repair furniture instead of throwing items away or replacing them.

3. Repair or seal a windowsill that lets air in and creates more heat and energy costs. The repair decreases your utility bill and saves energy.

References

• USGS: How Much is Your Daily Indoor Water Use?
• Earth 911: Recycling 101
• Home Energy: Low-Flow Showerheads, Family Strife, and Cold Feet

Resources

• USGS: How Much is Your Daily Indoor Water Use?