Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

by Sherry Holetzky | More from this Blogger

06 Sep 2007 10:28 AM

*"Use it up; wear it out; make it do, or do without!" ~L. Reid

The above quote (*from WiseOldSayings.com) is filled with wisdom. This is the way people lived for many years. While technology can be fabulous and innovation does much to make our lives easier, we've become a very consumption oriented, "disposable" society. How many of us throw things away instead of re-using, recycling, or repairing them?

As we begin to shift away from convenience and "disposability," at least slightly, we're learning more ways to make do, make things last longer, or find new ways to use things instead of making bigger landfills.

This is of course good and necessary. I don't do hype but I do believe we have a duty to the generations that follow us to leave this world a better place than it was when we arrived. The good news is that there are so many simple ways to make a difference.

Re-using and Recycling

The first thing we can all do, which is utterly painless and will kill two birds with one stone, is to donate items that are still useable instead of throwing them away. It may take just a few more minutes of your time, but will cause less waste, and you'll have the pleasure of helping someone else who can use the things you no longer need. Remember that fuel would be expended to transport those items to the landfill if not to a charity center.

*Please see related articles below for more ideas.

Reducing

This is a very simple step to implement but it will have an impact. Instead of filling up your trashcan so frequently, break down your items before throwing them away. A few cereal boxes or cracker boxes will nearly fill a kitchen trashcan. Break down the boxes flat, and they'll hardly take up any room at all.

It's just that simple to get started.

*Please check back tomorrow for more painless tips.

Related Articles:

Recycle for Great Savings

Conserving Natural Resources at Home: Saving Water

Another Way to Go Green: Houseplants for Air Purification

More on Houseplants that Help Improve Air Quality

Trash or Treasure?

Learn more about Sherry Holetzky

Sherry Holetzky is a work at home mom and freelance writer. Married to her best friend, Sherry and her husband are raising their family in a quiet rural setting in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

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Courtney Mroch (9169) 06 Sep 2007 11:01 AM

Love it!

Sherry Holetzky (11404) 06 Sep 2007 11:03 AM

Thanks, Courtney. I think we can all find "painless" ways to do better. :o)

Mary Ann Romans (26886) 07 Sep 2007 04:33 AM

These are the three principals of frugality. I think it is great that you have brought this up. Hopefully more people will get on board.

Sherry Holetzky (11404) 07 Sep 2007 06:04 AM

And what better way to "go green" than ways that often save time and money?

I used to write in Frugal too. ;o)

Mary Ann Romans (26886) 10 Sep 2007 10:25 AM

Yes, I love your frugal articles!

Sherry Holetzky (11404) 10 Sep 2007 10:58 AM

Thanks! It's been so long, I wasn't sure anyone noticed them, LOL.