MAD Economic Move 3 – Reuse

There are many simple things an individual can do to Make A Difference with the current state of affairs with the economy. The need to create a more sustainable society is obvious with the current method of Make-Use-Dispose polluting and destroying the environment, commerce, and our lifestyles. Besides recycling, and refusing unsustainably made products, reusing provides the most eco-friendly sustainable option. By reusing and repurposing items conserves all of the energy and resources it will take to produce another item.

When you have an item that you no longer have use for don’t just throw it out. There are many sustainable ways of finding a new home for it. There are many organizations that accept donations of items they can resell to help support their cause. Household items and clothing can be donated to the Salvation Army Thrift Stores or Value Village and new and reclaimed building materials, furniture and appliances in good working condition can go to Restore. Lisa’s Helping Hand Charity Auction accepts items that are auctioned off to raise funds that are donated to provide toys for needy kids in Calgary. There is always someone that could use that item you no longer have a use for.

You can also sell or trade clothing and other items at the many local consignment stores. Others will appreciate the savings over buying new along with the satisfaction of saving the environment. Someone might even be looking for that nostalgic item that is no longer available that you are no longer using.

Alternatively, if an item is in need of slight repair or has many useful components it can be repaired, refurbished, or repurposed. It then can be giving or sold to those who have a need for it. Recover that comfy old upholstered chair that the cat scratched the back of instead of replacing it. Build planters and lampshades from plastic bottles. Convert a dresser to your new bathroom vanity. Explore the many ideas on the internet for repurposing almost anything.

Make a M.A.D. Economic Move supporting the local economy by reusing and repurposing anything before you decide to trash or recycling it. Do your part by reusing and repurposing all that you can, knowing you Have Made A Difference towards a sustainable environment the most cost-effective and energy-efficient way.