How To Reuse More

The saying "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" helps us remember which options are the most environmentally preferable. Reuse is one of the best options for sustainable materials management, benefiting the environment, and even our wallets in many ways.

Reuse:

• Reduces greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.
• Conserves water and other natural resources.
• Prevents waste before it starts.
• Reduces litter and plastic pollution in the environment.
• Saves money.
• Decreases the amount of materials in the waste stream.
• Creates jobs through secondhand markets and new business opportunities.

• Refill bottles and reusing product containers.
• Return specially designed reusable containers in return programs to be used again.
• Use durable reusable products over single-use where possible.
• Donate and buy secondhand items and materials.
  • Donated textiles for those in need and find a textile collection location near you.
  • Furniture can also be given away, handed down to future generations and repaired if needed.
• Share, lend, and rent items.
• Utilize tool libraries for DIY projects.
• Mend broken items through repair cafes.
• Salvage valuable materials for reuse in new projects.
  • Cut up old clothes to use for cloth napkins, rags around the house or garage, and for stuffing upholstery.
  • Wrap postal packages, gifts, and textbooks in brown paper bags or newspapers (comics) that you're no longer using.
  • Reuse gift wrap for decorations, gifts, or line shelves and drawers with it.
  • Keep bits and pieces such as screws, nails, paperclips, pins, buttons, etc. in jars and know at a glance what's inside.

• Swap single-use for reuse where you can. 
• Fill empty bottles with water and freeze to use in your coolers for picnics and camping.
• Use microwavable dishes and other emptied containers for dishes-to-pass at picnics, bake sale goods, or as pet dishes.
• Reuse yogurt, dip take-out, and other emptied containers for storage for food and other items.

• Skip the stuff - Say "no thank you" to single-use when ordering prepared food and beverages, let food service staff know if you do not need disposable utensils, condiment packets, straws, etc. before ordering.
• Prepare a "to-go" kit consisting of reusable items such as utensils, a travel mug, water bottle, and a cloth napkin.
  • Use personal care products (shampoo, soap, etc.) from home when traveling.
• Take reusasble containers out to dinner, to picnics, and holiday get togethers with you to bring home leftovers. This not only reduces use of single-use take-out containers but, reduces wasted food.

• Support businesses and products that encourage reuse.
• Support second-hand markets; buy second-hand and sell or donate used goods and materials.
• Utilize or start lending libraries or tool libraries in your community.
• Learn about local swap shops and reuse centers or start your own.
• Find reuse opportunities with the Recycle Right NY Reuse Locator Tool.

Many valuable materials and resources end up in the waste stream long before their usefulness has ended. Instead of being wasted, these materials could be repurposed or reused to support a circular economy.  

Material exchanges offer an effective way to extend the life of products. They serve as a system that allows businesses, institutions, and individuals to donate materials they no longer need, and others can receive. Participating in material exchanges helps reduce waste, promote cost savings, and enhance sustainability- helping to lower the demand for new resources.

• Check to see if your local community hosts a Buy Nothing group or a similar exchange platform. These groups, often run by volunteers, encourage members to trade or give away items at no cost. Joining one of these groups can be a great way to declutter, find useful items, and contribute to a sustainable local community.

Online platforms dedicated to material sharing are becoming more popular. These digital platforms allow users to exchange by donating and offering items, or requesting items needed. They link individuals, businesses, and institutions, creating opportunities to reuse. 

For organizations, these platforms offer a sustainable and cost-effective way of obtaining necessary equipment while promoting the reuse of existing resources. This helps to lower operational costs and fosters a culture of sustainability within organizations.

• The New York State Office of General Services (OGS) offers NYSStore: Surplus Government Property for Sale, providing the opportunity for residents to purchase state owned items for reuse.

The NYS Reuse Locator Map is a helpful tool for New Yorkers looking to find avenues of reuse in their communities. If you know of reuse locations or services not currently included on the map or have any updates or questions regarding this locator tool, please contact ISE Program Associate, Morgan Ingraham, at [email protected].