Did you know that our landfills are filling up at an alarming rate? In fact, in the United States alone, in any given day, at least two landfills close when they become filled. This is a serious problem. Here are some easy ways to reduce the amount of things that your household contributes to the landfill.
Instead of buying something that is brand new, why not explore the benefits of getting a used item? Not only will you be keeping that item out of the landfill and reducing greenhouse gases that might have been made during the manufacturing process of a new item, but you will save money, too. There are thrift stores, yard sales, consignment shops and the internet as resources for used items.
Give Don’t Toss
The next time you are ready to just throw something in the trash, take a moment to consider passing it along to someone else who might need it. Who might want that? you might think, but believe me, there is very little that cannot be passed on to someone else. Furniture, clothing, even magazines can go to a shelter, old towels to an animal shelter, household items, clothing, toys and books can go to GoodWill, even yogurt cups and draw pulls can go to a school or art program. Freecycle.org is a great community that you can use to pass on your unwanted items. Some of the more unusual items that I have passed along include bras, broken crayons, a rusty wheelbarrow and a broken dishwasher.
Repurpose
With a little creativity, you can repurpose items from your own household or from the household of others. A friend of mine frequently goes out “curb shopping,” that is, picking up discarded items from the curb. She brings them home and gives them new life, such as the dresser headboard that was turned into a mantle or the large plastic water bottle that became outdoor garden lighting.
You can read more blog posts by Mary Ann Romans here!
Related Articles:
How to Turn an Old Laptop into A Christmas Gift
Guide to Recycling Electronics