Get Started with Reuse and Repair
Many products and single-use packaging are designed to be used for a short time-sometimes only once- and disposed of. This has negative impacts on the environment and our communities. Many of the items we dispose of daily have the potential to be reused, either for their original purpose or for something new. Reusing items not only maximizes the value of what you buy but also saves you money, helps to conserve natural resources, and prevents valuable materials from ending up at waste disposal facilities such as landfills and waste combustion facilities.
Repair is the act of taking a broken object (a part, component, or system) and mending or fixing it, so the item is back to its original working condition. Often, items are thrown away when all they need is a simple repair to work again.
Whether you are a beginner or an expert, there are always opportunities to reuse and repair materials. Unfortunately, many items that still have value end up at waste disposal facilities, but we can all make a difference by saving these materials from becoming waste. There are many ways to incorporate reuse and repair into daily life, from repairing broken items and repurposing items to using online platforms that connect people to material exchanges. Reuse and repair are important ways to conserve natural resources, create resilient communities, and reduce the waste we generate. By choosing reuse and repair, New Yorkers can prevent valuable materials from becoming waste, which provides social, environmental, and economic benefits