Reuse Before Recycle
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What Does This Mean?
Are you familiar with the 3 R’s—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle? Did you know that these three practices are purposefully placed in a specific order? Before recycling an item, if possible, consider extending its lifecycle by reusing it. Even single-use items can be repurposed with a little bit of creativity, which minimizes the resources and energy required in the recycling process. Become a steward of your own belongings through care, repair, and reuse.
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What Can You Do Right Now?
YOUR ACTIONS MATTER
- Use torn fabric and clothes as patches to mend other clothes, or cut them into smaller pieces to use as cleaning rags. A single t-shirt can be reused as multiple washable and reusable cleaning rags, replacing countless rolls of paper towels. (Our favorite way to hang onto our favorite raggedy old tees a bit longer).
- Old toothbrushes can be used as scrubbers for hard-to-reach places.
- Give glass a second chance—pasta sauce jars, for instance, can be washed out and used for further storage, water cups, lunch containers or even a portable place to put dog poop bags.
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Take Action
Let’s protect and enjoy our natural world together
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