REUSE

While recycling is an excellent way to reduce how much waste ends up in a landfill, it can be an energy-intensive process that produces lower-quality or "downcycled" goods, especially plastics. Reusing items is an essential step because it is often what makes reduction possible, while eliminating unnecessary recycling. Making a commitment to reuse will not only save you time, but also money and the planet's resources.

Hold Your Own

Beverage containers

My Sigg has unique designs to show off your eco-individuality anywhere you go. Made from a single piece of aluminum, the bottles are rugged, crack-resistant and completely reusable and recyclable for water, juice or any liquids.

Coffee mugs

Next time you crave a convenient coffee, remember to bring a reusable mug to your corner café. Think of the amount materials used for one coffee cup: one paper cup with plastic lining, a plastic top, a cardboard sleeve and a stirrer---it can really add up! You can purchase a traveler's mug at most coffee shops including Starbucks. Some shops even give a small discount for being eco-responsible.

Shopping bags

For any type of shopping, opt to carry the items without a bag (which will also cut down on the amount you buy). For grocery and drugstore visits, bring backpacks, canvas bags or anything reusable with you to avoid the plastic and paper pile-up.Visit plasticdebris.org and find out more information about how plastic bags are choking our oceans.

Aluminum Foil

After use, wash and let dry or use to store food. You can get a few rounds out of foil with a little care.

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Blankets, Comforters and Sleeping

. Keep one in your trunk, in case you need it (either for warmth or wrapping fragile items) so you will always have one on hand.

. Use for recreation such as concerts, sports games, camping or days in the park.

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Compact Discs

. Make them into coasters. Attach rubber or felt "feet" to the CD so they don't slide.

. Use fishing line or string and hang them outside as sun catchers.

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Egg Cartons

. Use to sprout seedlings for your garden.

. Break them into smaller pieces and use them to protect items while shipping or in storage.

. Use to store different odds and ends like ping-pong balls, rings, watches, hair ties or bobby pins.

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Eyeglasses

. Remove the lenses and use for games of dress-up.

. Have your local eyeglass boutique reuse the frames for new glasses or sunglasses.

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Fabric Softener Sheets

. Place in your sock drawer to help keep your socks smelling clean.

. Use as dusters throughout the house.

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Garden Hose

. Turn an old hose into a soaker or sprinkler by poking holes along its length.

. Cut it up, and put a slit on one side of the rubber. Wrap it around bucket or paint can handles for easy carrying.

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Glass Jars

. Use for storage of anything small.

. Add wax and wick to make a new candle.

. Use for storing food.

. Reuse as drinking cups.

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Laundry Baskets

. Keep in your car to help keep groceries from falling over or rolling around while you drive.

. Use for storage of rags or other items in your garage or laundry room.

. Turn it into a garbage can.

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Plastic

Grocery Bags
. Use to line garbage cans in your bathroom or office.

. Use to discard pet waste from litter boxes or dog walks.

. Use as a travel recycling bag - keep in your car, purse or suitcase to collect recyclables while on the go. Plastic Food Containers
. Use to store leftover food or for packed lunches.

. Use as children's bowls.

. Use as water or food bowls for pets or wild birds.

Plastic Utensils
Store leftover plastic utensils from take-out meals for:
. Car Rides

. Plane Trips

. Picnics

. Eating at work

. Camping

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Shoe Box

. Use to store special items such as family documents and photos. These can easily be decorated and kept out for all to see.

. Use them to store medications and personal care products that you keep under the bathroom sink.

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Shower Curtain

. Use as a tarp for covering outdoor equipment.

. Use as a drop cloth for painting or crafts.

. Cover outdoor plants to prevent freezing.

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Three-Ring Binders

. Use to organize and store bills and financial statements.

. Use as a recipe book.

. Use as a photo album.

. Use as a journal or for work.

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Tires

. Hang from a tree and use as a swing or a hoop for throwing footballs.

. Use as a planter for your garden, front yard or porch.

. Take your used tires to be shred for use around your home, such as cushion under play equipment

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