Before we consider recycling an item we should look to see if we can reuse it. Reusing uses far less energy than recycling and it can save money too!
Many items can be reused – from carrier bags and clothes, through to books and furniture.
Top tips for reusing household items:
- borrow books from your local library rather than buying new ones;
- try to repair things before throwing them away;
- use rechargeable batteries;
- save wrapping paper and gift boxes to use again;
- take old magazines to your local doctors' or dentists’ surgery;
- use yoghurt pots and egg cartons to plant seedlings and plastic bottles cut in half for planters or bird feeders;
- reuse envelopes by putting labels over old addresses;
- if paper has only been written or printed on one side, why not use the other side for messages, notes and lists?
- jars and bottles can be reused to store homemade jams and pickles. Old jars can also be used for storing items such as nails, sugar and pasta, or you can decorate them to use as candle holders or pen pots;
- reuse old containers and buy refills for sturdy packs such as washing powders, liquids, salt and so on, and
- buy cotton cloths for the kitchen clean-up instead of disposable kitchen roll.
Pass it on
If you don't want it, someone else might. Give & Take Days are run by a number of our councils throughout the year. Residents are invited to bring along things they no longer want for other people to take away (free of charge). Check with your local council to see if they are currently running Give & Take Days.
Re-use research
NLWA has commissioned a considerable amount of research into the potential for expanding furniture re-use in north London. This research builds upon a study that focuses on re-use capacity across the whole of London. The study highlighted gaps in provision in the NLWA area relative to other parts of the capital. The report, Third Sector Reuse Capacity in London is available on the GLA website. The work was partly funded by NLWA.
Two additional reports on the opportunities for expanding furniture re-use in north London can be viewed in the links below:
Expanding and Encouraging Furniture Reuse in North London Reuse Synergies and Opportunities in North London