While recycling gets all the publicity, reuse is a much more efficient method of managing our waste. Reuse is in effect your own personal recycling program, avoiding the expense and environmental consequences of transporting and remanufacturing that commercial recycling requires. Many groups will take clothing such as the Salvation Army, Diabetes Society, and others.  Children’s old toys are often in demand. Wrapping paper can be saved to wrap another gift; plastic containers can be used to hold a multitude of things; paper destined for the local recycle bins can first be reused as scrap paper; and a thousand more ideas.... The useful life of these items is extended, avoiding a premature 'swim' in the waste stream.

In Summary

• Buy quality - it will last longer
• Use the item again for other purposes
• Rent - if you only need the item once or rarely
• Repair - simple home repairs such as toys
• Dismantle - if the item cannot be repaired then perhaps individual components can be used for something else
• Refill - the same container can be use more than once

Reuse and garage sales

Reuse - Use it for something else. Mom’s beet pickles!

It is illegal to sell an item that may be dangerous under the Hazardous Products Act. A host of standards apply to the following:

www.safekidscanada.ca