Why Reuse, Re-purposing and Recycling,
Waste is defined as any substance or object which the holder discards or intends to discard or is required to discard. Frequently used terms include refuse, garbage, rubbish, trash or junk. Source: Environmental Protection Agency
After years of recession Ireland’s economy seems to be growing rapidly and more than the EU average. This trend is forecast to continue over the next number of years and as a result, Ireland and some of its people will again feature as one of the wealthier countries within the EU and the world. This is positive but also brings challenges as richer countries generally produce greater amounts of waste and including large amounts of paper, packaging, glass, plastic and electronic waste.
Let’s take a look at everyday items like toasters, kettles and phones. As we produced more of these items, they become cheaper, people replace them with increasing frequency and older items are discarded as waste. It’s harder for us as a race to manage this waste without damaging our environment. Challenges are posed by large scale usage, frequent upgrades and little reuse of electrical and electronic equipment. NEW is a common feature of everyday life today.
Did you ever think others might wish to use the items you once loved but no longer required? Most items in a home or office can be reused and re-purposed by others which saves money for the person disposing and the person receiving.
By thinking about an alternative use or doing a little research you can help determine if your clothes, shoes, beds, computer, monitor, games console and many other types of equipment can be reused, re-purposed or recycled by you or others.
Recycle IT have outlined six benefits of reuse, re-purposing or recycling.
Have a look!
- Money-saving – Sourcing second-hand items can be more cost-effective than buying new and you will often find amazing one-off deals by doing a little extra looking.
- Energy-saving – Donating items for re-use helps save energy. A lot of energy goes into the manufacturing new items so by thinking about how you can re-use or re-purpose once loved electrical appliances helps reduce the need for new products.
- Environmental protection – We can all help reduced air, water and soil pollution by recycling equipment such as a computer, kitchen applications CRT monitors, batteries, light bulbs and much more.
- Conserving resources – Each time clothes, cars or electrical appliances are upgraded or updated, we use lots of raw materials to assemble the new models. Extracting natural resources to create raw materials changes our world, reduced resources available for future generations and increases the effects of global warming. How does make you feel?
- Reducing landfill – Reuse, re-purposing and recycling daily reduces the amount of waste sent to landfill or for incineration leading to a healthier environment for everyone to enjoy.
- Supporting community organisations – Buy items at affordable prices and raise much-needed money to support the work of not for profit organisations and charities. Alternatively recycling with charity shop or reuse projects really helps create training, employment, income and environmental opportunities, just look at Recycle IT
There are many ways you can pass on your unwanted items for reuse, re-purposing and recycling
- Donating to a local charity or community organisation.
- Pass to a family member or friend
- Repairing items. E.g. mobile phones, washing machines, toys
- Offer to a re-use organisation.
- Research ideas for repurposing and ask others to re-purpose.
- Recycle with an authorized and approved organisation.
Finally….
There are many good reasons to treat waste sensibly and this can be achieved by making informed decisions about what we buy and how to get the most from our purchases. Separating needs from wants and introducing a simple planning process can help reduce the frequency of purchase, reduce waste disposal and most likely save you money.
Recycle IT 
