Category: Reuse

Use rechargeable instead of disposable batteries

1/17/2025

Rechargeable batteries cost a little more upfront than disposables, but they save you money in the long run because they can be reused hundreds of times. According to Consumer Reports, rechargeable batteries are useful for devices that draw a lot of power over a shorter amount of time and require frequent battery changes, such as toys and computer mice. Disposable batteries are still better suited for clocks and smoke detectors which draw a low amount of energy over a long time.

When they come to the end of their life, be sure to keep rechargeable batteries out of the landfill and instead deposit them where they are accepted for recycling, such as The Home Depot, and Lowes. Recycling rechargeable batteries not only recovers their toxic metals to keep them out of the environment but also reduces the need to mine metals needed for new batteries!

Read more at ConsumerReports.org

Photo by Susan O'Donnell

Buy refurbished electronics

11/29/2024

Buying refurbished electronics instead of new reduces resources used and costs less.

A lot of resources are used to create new electronics, from the plastic casing to the mined metals. The end of life of electronics also contributes to the piles of waste that are created. Buying refurbished devices is not only better for the planet but comes at a lower purchase price than buying new.

Read more about this issue here.

Photo by Susan O'Donnell

Decline the plastic straws

9/27/2024

At home and when eating out, decline the plastic straws to help reduce plastic waste in the environment.

Plastic disposable straws are not recyclable and contribute to the mounds of plastic waste created by our disposable culture. They become harmful when they are released into the environment where they can be detrimental to wildlife. Marine mammals and birds ingest discarded plastic straws, bags, bottle caps and other trash. When these plastic items become lodged in the gut, ultimately kills these animals. If you need to use a straw, there are better alternatives to disposable plastic. Reusable straws made of metal, bamboo, or glass often come with a brush to clean the inside. There are a variety of sustainably made disposable straws made from paper, pasta, or even seaweed.

Photo by Susan O'Donnell

Choose an antique or vintage rug to save resources

3/1/2024

An antique or vintage carpet is unique, more sustainable than a new one, and shoppable online from trusted retailers.

An antique or vintage rug will become part of your family heirlooms. By purchasing one, you lessen the impact on resources that are used to make a new rug. You may also save material from reaching a landfill.

Read more here.

Choose secondhand items to give as gifts

12/22/2023

An unprecedented number of people will give and receive thrifted presents this year so don’t be afraid to embrace secondhand gifts, once stigmatized but now celebrated.

A profound shift has occurred in the way thrifted gifts are viewed by Americans. Gen Z is leading the charge.

Read more here.

Toss dryer balls in with your clothes rather than dryer sheets

12/15/2023

If you’re concerned about the health and safety of your family, you might want to stay away from both conventional dryer sheets and fabric softeners, say the editors of Scientific American. Wool dryer balls are a superb alternative.

Both dryer sheets and fabric softeners contain chemicals known to be toxic to people after sustained exposure. Dryer balls usually come as a set of three or six felted wool balls that you put in the dryer with your laundry. By bouncing around with the drying items, they work to separate layers and create air pockets to help fluff, soften, and reduce drying time.

Read more on this from Scientific American and Treehugger.com.

Photo by Susan O'Donnell

Make your own or trade Halloween costumes

10/20/2023

Exchange, make, or buy Halloween costumes of natural materials to avoid store-bought ones that may contain PVC toxins.

The costume swap in Swarthmore Borough Hall, thrift stores, your own closet--these are all great places for costume inspiration.

Read more here:

https://nylcvef.org/citizens-toolkit/green-tips-eco-friendly-halloween/

Pack waste free lunches

9/22/2023

Packing lunches into reusable containers with real utensils and washable napkins not only cuts down on food and packaging waste but also saves you money on purchasing disposable items and small serving size packages.

Packing up lunch items into reusable containers eliminates the single use plastic sandwich bags and allows you to dispense the amount that will be eaten in a meal, cutting down wasting uneaten food. Buy larger quantities of snacks, carrots, applesauce, yogurt, or cheese, and just pack the quantity needed for one meal, saving you money compared to the pre-packaged single servings, which also produce a lot more trash. Dips, ketchup, sauces, and dressing can also be portioned into small reusable containers. Cloth napkins and stainless steel or bamboo utensils are great options for replacing the disposable ones. Pour water or other drinks into a reusable bottle, or use a thermos to keep drinks hot or cold for hours. Then pack everything in a reusable lunch box or bag! Bento box style lunch boxes offer a variety of options for container types and sizes.
See this article for other ideas.

Photo by Susan O'Donnell

Make your own popsicles

8/25/2023

Make your own icy treats with high-quality stainless steel popsicle molds.

All popsicle molds reduce single-use waste and allow you to choose healthy ingredients but, compared to plastic or silicone molds, stainless steel molds are longer lasting, more dishwasher-hardy, and quickest to unmold.

Read more in this article.

Photo by Susan O'Donnell

Carry home delicate produce in containers

5/26/2023

Bring hard sided containers, such as a dairy tub, to the Farmers Market to carry home strawberries and other loose, delicate produce without using a plastic bag.

Re-use take-out containers, dairy tubs, mason jars, or other hard sided containers to contain loose, delicate produce, such as strawberries, cherry tomatoes, plums and apricots. These containers will protect the produce from spilling or being bruised during the ride home. The Swarthmore Farmers Market no longer offers plastic bags at check-out. Bringing your own containers reduces the number of single-use bags used to contain loose produce. You can also bring your saved produce bags from the grocery store to hold larger items such as apples, cucumbers, and potatoes.

<<Previous