Sustainability - The 4Rs - Reuse
This is about finding ways to use things for as long as possible instead of buying new stuff! It's about:
- Reusing things at home
- Repairing things
- Reusing things in your community
Reusing stuff at home
You can reuse lots of stuff at home, like:
- Plastic bags
- Furniture
- Boxes
- Books, CDs, games
- Clothes
- Sheets and towels
- Kitchen stuff and bits and pieces
You can rent things instead of buying, if you only need something for a short time. You can rent vacuum cleaners, lawn-mowers, ladders, computers, TVs, bikes and even cars! Renting means reusing things!
Repairing stuff
It's easy to fix some things at home, like:
- Books
- Toys and dolls
- Clothes
- Furniture
- Mugs, plates and other crockery.
People can fix these things themselves, or pay to get them fixed at repair shops or take them back to the manufacturer.
Special skills and equipment are needed to repair things like washing machines, fridges and TVs. Make sure you have the skills to do a good job before you take something apart!
Reusing things in your community
Some things can be used by other people if you've finished using them. You can take lots of things to second-hand shops and charity stores, like:
- Clothes, shoes
- Blankets, towels, furniture, kitchen stuff, bric-a-brac (eg vases, statues, bowls)
- Washing machines, fridges and other things that are good and still working.
You can also trade-in things when you buy something new, like a fridge, computer, TV or car. Trade-ins are often repaired or cleaned-up and sold cheaply or given to other people who need them.
You could have a reuse program at your school, or with other members of your family, or your friends.