Items to Reuse

According to The Consumer Union of New York City, reusing an item is different from recycling in that the original material is used again in its original form instead of turning it into another material. This can be done by fixing instead of throwing away, purchasing used items instead of new, giving away items instead of throwing them away, or finding a new use for the item in its original form.

Waste

• Reusing materials saves money, energy and natural resources. Dumps are filled with items that could be used again. People often discard things because they do not know how to reuse them or how to get them to other people who could reuse them. Households dump food that could be composted. Businesses throw out paper instead of finding a second life for it. Scraps of building materials are discarded by contractors. Dumps fill up with plastic bags, appliances, containers or paper plates and plastic utensils that could all be used again. Websites such as Global Steward and Chasing Green publish extensive lists of not only items to reuse, but suggestions for ways to reuse them.

Electronics

• Electronic items may seem like things that cannot be reused. Sometimes the item does not work as well as we think it should or it's outdated. Cell phones, computers, household appliances and televisions may have more life in them. Upgrade them or fix them. Sometimes they just need cleaning or a trip across town to find the right battery. If you really don't want to reuse it yourself, donate it or sell it. Call local thrift shops or electronics recycling non-profits to ask if you can donate these items.

Construction

• Organizations like Habitat for Humanity are always in need of leftovers from construction or demolition projects. Tools, doors, fences, electrical wiring and plumbing components can be reused. Hardware that is removed from old windows and doors can be used, not to mention the windows and doors themselves. Use old lumber to make raised beds in the garden, make old tires into a sandbox or swing. Build a tree house out of old plywood and doors.

Household

• Household items of every kind can be reused. Instead of buying new shoes, have the old ones resoled. Change zippers and buttons on clothing. Pass clothing you don't want anymore to someone else who wears the same size. Fix appliances. Use jars for storing anything from cookies to nails. Look at the thrift shop or junk shop for tables and chairs before you buy new ones. Save old plastic bags for trash bin liners. Turn old towels into dust cloths. Check websites such as Columbia University's Environmental Health and Safety site to learn more creative uses for household items.