Reuse - the Second R

As I write this, I am wearing a shirt that used to belong to my sister-in-law (very comfortable, one of my favourites), and a pair of sandals a friend gave me because they no longer fit. I've got a book borrowed from the library in my bag, a remanufactured toner cartridge in my laser printer, a used (donated) computer as our second work-station, paper with one side used in my laser printer, photocopier and fax machine. My office furniture is second-hand, and my calendar on the wall is the wipe-off kind that we use over and over. You likely can come up with your own reuse examples.

Generally reuse includes any activities that use an item over again without reprocessing.

Reusing benefits us by saving money. It benefits the community by creating businesses. Second hand stores for everything from music to cars, rental outlets, and repair shops all contribute to local economies. Globally, reuse saves resources and prevents pollution. Reuse mostly occurs locally, so transportation costs and effects are reduced. Reuse keeps things in circulation, so it avoids new items being manufactured. It also uses less energy and creates less pollution than recycling.

Expand your opportunities to reuse by adopting the following practices:

Buy Quality — Buy durable rather than disposable items. The cost may be higher initially, but can save you money in the long run.

Rent — Rent seldom-used items, such as tools or partyware. Consider renting a tool or major appliance before buying it to decide whether you do in fact need it and what options you will use.

Use It Again — Buy used items. Save and reuse household items - string, containers, gift wrap and shopping bags. Give away items you cannot use.

Repair and Share — Instead of throwing it out, fix it up! Repair broken toys, furniture, and appliances to extend their useful life. Get the longest warranty with the best repair service possible. Share, or buy jointly, those large, expensive items you use only once in a while.

Donate — Donate items of good quality to charities and organizations that can reuse or resell them.

Refill — Refill bottles and other containers. The same container can be used more than once for many things.

Dismantle — Dismantle objects into individual components for recycling or reuse.

[Adapted from Vancouver's "101 Uses for Your Old Shoes 'n Other Stuff". This publication has reusing tips on a variety of items.)

(Source: June 2000 WasteWatch, article by Joanne Fedyk)

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