*“Use it up; wear it out; make it do, or do without!” ~L. Reid
The above quote (*from WiseOldSayings.com) is filled with wisdom. This is the way people lived for many years. While technology can be fabulous and innovation does much to make our lives easier, we’ve become a very consumption oriented, “disposable” society. How many of us throw things away instead of re-using, recycling, or repairing them?
As we begin to shift away from convenience and “disposability,” at least slightly, we’re learning more ways to make do, make things last longer, or find new ways to use things instead of making bigger landfills.
This is of course good and necessary. I don’t do hype but I do believe we have a duty to the generations that follow us to leave this world a better place than it was when we arrived. The good news is that there are so many simple ways to make a difference.
Re-using and Recycling
The first thing we can all do, which is utterly painless and will kill two birds with one stone, is to donate items that are still useable instead of throwing them away. It may take just a few more minutes of your time, but will cause less waste, and you’ll have the pleasure of helping someone else who can use the things you no longer need. Remember that fuel would be expended to transport those items to the landfill if not to a charity center.
*Please see related articles below for more ideas.
Reducing
This is a very simple step to implement but it will have an impact. Instead of filling up your trashcan so frequently, break down your items before throwing them away. A few cereal boxes or cracker boxes will nearly fill a kitchen trashcan. Break down the boxes flat, and they’ll hardly take up any room at all.
It’s just that simple to get started.
*Please check back tomorrow for more painless tips.
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