Let's start by laying down some definitions.
Re-using is to use again, sometimes differently. For example, reusing a spoon after washing it. Or acquiring antique furniture or materials to redecorate your home. With a pinch of creativity, you can incorporate these items into your "project" and avoid sending them to the recycling bin. Re-using helps communities, permits a new "lifecycle" for the said item, and reduces pollution as well as the need for new natural resources to create another product to cover that demand.
While re-purposing, by definition, is to give a new purpose or use to the said item. This concept contributes to the environment the same as reusing since it also decreases pollution and the requirement for new natural resources. Only in this case, the original item is modified or simply used for a different end. An old jar can become a vase. A discarded tire can be transformed into a flower planter or even a swing for the kids. The only limit one has is one's own imagination.
Now, let's look at the reasons to resort to reusing and repurposing before recycling.
First, before deciding to buy a new item, which costs production, time, and hence resources and money, to us and the planet, refurbished ones can often do. Grocery paper bags and reusable tote bags for your day-to-day shopping are simple examples of how we can save on using plastic bags that are so harmful.
Second, there is the fact that both processes of reusing and repurposing require less energy. Most of the recycling happens in plants/factories and these facilities consume petroleum and derivative resources to run their industrial equipment. Handing down clothing, furniture, electronics that still work, etc. contributes to lessening the utilization of timber, fuel, and other natural resources.
Third, when we consciously buy high-quality items that we know will last longer, we tend to keep them working for longer periods and we pass them on instead of throwing them away. This is a responsible culture that creates less waste and can be more fun than sorting it and wondering to which trash bin it belongs 😉
A few things, and ideas, to re-use or re-purpose:
- reuse glass bottles as vases or repurpose them as candle holders
- old jars can hold your pens or brushes, if they are larger, they make great soup containers for the freezer. Just make sure they are not full to the brim and that they are stored upright
- instead of cling film, which is a type of plastic that cannot be recycled, place a plate over your bowl of leftover food to cover it
- scraps of wood can be used to make furniture like a side table or chair
- toilet roll tubes can be used as small propagation pots for the green thumbs out there
- old t-shirts can be turned into bulk bags
- reuse wrapping paper for a different gift or an old scarf as a decorative and vintage wrap
- plastic containers from restaurants can be washed and reused to store grains, clips, or anything you want
The list can go on and on. There is no limit to your imagination and creativity. Happy recycling 🌱♻️🌱
