Second step: Reuse

Reusing items by repairing them, donating them to charity and community groups or selling them also reduces waste. Reusing, when possible, is preferable to recycling because the item does not need to be reprocessed before it can be used again.

Buy reusable products and avoid single-use items

We think of products as being disposable. Actually, products are moved, buried or burned, but the material goes somewhere to be managed by others.

But some consumers wonder about the environmental impact of single-use products compared to items that must be washed before reuse. Isn't water a natural resource that we ought to conserve? Which has worse environmental consequences: single-use or reusable?

Although there is no "new" water created, it does get filtered and stored through natural and human-made systems. Water is a reusable resource and if we take care of it by using it conservatively and keeping it clean, water will be around for a long time. Landfill space is not naturally replenished or reusable.

The volume of household solid waste created by use of single-use products is far greater than that generated by the use of reusable goods. When Itasca Medical Center in Grand Rapids changed to reusable dessert dishes, waste volume from single-use dishes decreased by 99 percent.

Reuse bags, containers, paper, boxes and other items

Many everyday household goods can have more than one life. After being emptied and cleaned, common items can be used in countless money-saving and practical ways.

• Reuse paper and plastic bags and twist ties. You might keep a supply of bags or boxes in your car to reuse on your next shopping trip.
• Bring a string, mesh or canvas bag to the store. If you buy only one or two items and didn't bring your own bag, carry your purchases without a bag.
• Take advantage of offers by grocery stores that provide a cash credit for reusing their grocery bags.
• Reuse scrap paper. Staple together sheets of scrap paper to make note pads and shopping lists. Use both sides of a piece of paper before recycling it.
• Save and reuse gift boxes, ribbons, tissue paper and larger pieces of wrapping paper.
• Reuse newspaper, polystyrene peanuts and "blister-wrap" to ship your next fragile package. Use brown paper bags to wrap parcels.
• Turn used lumber into birdhouses or a compost bin, or use it for firewood if it is unpainted and not pressure-treated.

Any of these items can be used for arts and crafts projects in schools, day care facilities, youth organizations, etc.

Borrow, rent or share things you use infrequently

Try these suggestions to rent, borrow or share large, expensive or infrequently used items rather than purchasing your own:

• Rent party decorations and supplies such as tables, chairs, centerpieces, linens, dishes and silverware.
• Rent or borrow tools such as ladders, chain-saws, floor buffers, rug cleaners and garden tillers.
• If you own any equipment others can borrow or rent from you, let them know.
• Before discarding old tools, camera equipment or other goods, ask friends, relatives, neighbors or non-profit groups if they can use them.
• Share newspapers and magazines. Bring them to work or offer them to your doctor's office.
• When you have leftover paint, driveway sealer, etc., check with neighbors, relatives, friends and community groups to see if they can use it. Make sure the container label is readable and the material is in good condition before sharing these items.

Second-hand goods are “first-rate”

Instead of discarding your unwanted appliances, tools or clothes, try selling or donating them to groups and organizations that accept used goods. When deciding to purchase an item, consider used and "irregular" items. They are less expensive than new or "first-quality" goods and are often just as good.

• Donate or resell items to thrift stores or organizations in need. You could receive tax deductions or cash.
• Buy and sell secondhand items at fairs, bazaars, swap meets and garage sales if they will do the job just as well as newly manufactured goods.
• Encourage area merchants to donate damaged goods or food items that are still usable or edible, but may have expired "sell by" dates, to local charitable organizations, such as food banks, shelters and groups that care for the needy.