Consider using reusable products. Many products are designed to be used more than once. Buying reusable products and containers such as cloth napkins or rechargeable batteries can help reduce solid waste and conserve materials and resources.
Buy durable goods and maintain and repair current products. Buy long-lasting appliances that have good warranties or that are easily repaired; maintain items (clothes, furniture, appliances, vehicles, etc.) in a good condition, and repair them rather than purchasing new ones.
Reuse bags, containers and other items. Many everyday items have more than one use. Before discarding bags, containers or other items consider if it is practical to reuse them. Such things as reusing a lunch sack, glass jar, scrap paper and packing material, and refusing to use single service items (paper napkins or plates, plastic utensils, etc.) will help reduce the amount of waste we generate. Caution: Do not reuse containers that originally held pesticides, medicines, cleaners, solvents, motor oil, antifreeze or other hazardous materials.
Borrow, rent or share items that you use infrequently. Seldom used items, like certain power tools and party goods, often collect dust, rust, take up valuable storage space and ultimately end up in the trash. Consider renting or borrowing these items the next time they are needed; renting or sharing saves both money and natural resources.
Sell or donate unwanted items instead of throwing them out. We have often heard that one person's trash is another person's treasure. Instead of discarding unwanted items, donate them (check with your local schools, hospitals, nursing homes, charities or thrift stores) or try selling them (go on-line to http://www.2good2toss.com, place an ad in the classified section of your local newspaper, take the items to a secondhand store or pawnshop, or have a garage sale). Selling or donating items can earn you money or tax credits.
