We live in a culture where it’s often less expensive to buy a new widget than it is to repair your old widget. I certainly can’t remember the last time I had a toaster or coffeemaker repaired. People used to resole their shoes. Other than hiking boots, hardly anyone does that either. I do reuse items until they die and I recycle faithfully as is required of all NYC residents. I don’t however, reuse the rare pieces of tin foil that I use and I’m definitely a consumer of paper towels. So there’s definitely more that I can do.
(6) REUSE, RECYCLE, REPAIR
Reuse, recycle, repair. This is an oldie but goodie. To me, the key here is initially buying the most durable items you can find and then keep the suckers. My furniture is old but still looks good. My kitchen items include many things I’ve had for decades. I keep TVs, computers, and the like until they die and then I either resell them or take them in for recycling. I still have floor lamps that I got from the faculty wives’ store to help students during college. As my friends know, I wear clothes till they die. I do reuse plastic containers that arrived with soup in them (altho they’re not durable).
I am thrilled each time I find something that replaces using something disposable. My most recent favorite is tennis-ball-sized and shaped chunks of sheep’s wool. Used instead of dryer sheets, they wipe out static and reduce drying time. Clever Sheep 4-Pack Premium 100% XL Natural Organic Wool Dryer Balls Fabric Softener and Lint Removal (Baby Safe) https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0114Z2MM8/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The amount of trash I throw out is far less than it used to be and rarely contains anything but true trash (used kitty litter anyone?), and I always pass on items I don’t use to others who I’ve learned will use them. But that’s not enough. I’m honestly not certain yet what else I can do.
Comments and suggestions much appreciated.
Later: I have a stainless water bottle that leaks when tilted. Since it continues to do so even with a different cap, it’s something to do with the threads so maybe I need a thin O-ring. Something for a handy person but doable. Posted my need on the NextDoor app and immediately got a name and location to take that plus the purse whose bottom seam opened up. Nothing wrong with either item that can’t be fixed.
Abycats' Thoughts 