When we consider ways to live in such a way that is friendly to the environment, recycling is one thing that we think about. That is a valid step that makes sense because recycling is one of the best things we can all do to cut down on the amount of trash that ends up in landfills.
Recycling is the way for certain materials like glass and plastic to be put through a process that turns them into new jars and bottles. This cuts down on the environmental damage that manufacturing has on our world. There is another method of recycling that not as many people so quickly think about.
That form of recycling is reusing used materials yourself so they never leave the home. They are simply adapted to another use that gives them a second life. This is an even more effective form of recycling because the materials never have to be melted down and formed into a new product which uses energy as well.
Composing is an excellent form of recycling through reusing. Vegetable matter is put into a composting pile instead of put into the trash and nature does the job of turning that garbage into usable soil that can be used for gardening the next year.
Selling old items at a garage sale is another good form of recycling through reusing. Just because you cannot use those old clothes or appliances, somebody else might be able to get a lot of good from them.
Similarly, donating your used household items to a charity like Goodwill allows them to refurbish or repair what you cannot use and sell it. The item sees another life instead of becoming trash.
But maybe the fastest application of the concept of recycling through reusing is to think of new uses for old items around the house. You can use paper again if it has a blank side by recycling it into paper to take notes on.
Instead of discarding plastic bottles, they can be rinsed out and used to keep water on hand for emergencies or camping. Old clothes can be cut up for rags around the house to given to passed down to a younger family member to wear.
This all used to be thought of as frugality or “being cheap” in how people live. But in these times where we have to think globally and act locally about ways to save the environment, learning methods to reuse things you might have thrown out before is the right step in the right direction.
When you want to work with an industry leader in recycling in Houston, look no further than Greenstar.