Summer Tips!

For generations in Ireland and across Europe thrift was one of the main reasons for reuse.  In the developing world, it’s still the case and leads to very high levels of reuse.  In Ireland as in other developed countries rising wages and greater consumer purchasing power have increased the demand for convenience products.

Some people are still careful about how much money they spend and on what items. Reusing is a feature of their life so as not to waste money. We all could learn something from careful management of our resources whether at home or in the office.

Convenience products have helped us undervalue reuse in favor of disposal or recycling. Recycling is positive and has great benefits but uses resources including time, human capital and natural resources (e.g. fuel) to get the items to locations where they can be recycled effectively. Reuse is preferable!

If you can reuse an item yourself, it can help save money, save time, and the environment. Reuse helps reduce CO2 emissions and the mining of new raw materials.  Reuse can be a matter of thinking a little differently and figuring out how old milk cartons, cans, bags, bicycles, tires, packing or wood may be reused to match your needs. Reuse will truly find a new life for items around your home or workplace.

51 Tips 

We’ve listed some reuse tips for summer – Have a read and see what you can do, share with others and do involve any kids in your life.

Here are 51 short and simple reuse tips for the summer months:

1. Reuse glass jars as drink glasses.
2. Turn old t-shirts into cleaning cloths.
3. Save gift bags to use again.
4. Use containers for beach snacks.
5. Repurpose ice cream tubs for storage.
6. Refill water bottles instead of buying new ones.
7. Reuse wrapping paper for crafts.
8. Turn cereal boxes into organizers.
9. Use old towels for pet bedding.
10. Reuse takeout containers for leftovers.
11. Make planters from yogurt pots.
12. Use egg cartons for seed starters.
13. Repurpose jars for homemade jam.
14. Use tin cans for desk storage.
15. Turn worn-out jeans into shorts.
16. Reuse kids’ school supplies for summer crafts.
17. Turn shoe boxes into storage bins.
18. Repurpose plastic bottles as bird feeders.
19. Use scrap paper for notes or lists.
20. Reuse broken umbrellas for fabric.
21. Make toys from cardboard boxes.
22. Turn wine corks into keychains.
23. Use old blankets for picnic mats.
24. Reuse ice cream sticks for plant markers.
25. Repurpose detergent bottles for watering cans.
26. Keep ribbons for decorations.
27. Use both sides of paper.
28. Reuse straws for crafts.
29. Turn broken crayons into new crayon blocks.
30. Make a kite from old plastic bags.
31. Store tools in old buckets.
32. Use mason jars as lanterns.
33. Reuse seasonal decor each year.
34. Turn magazines into collages.
35. Repurpose clothing buttons for crafts.
36. Use old toothbrushes to clean.
37. Save and reuse shipping boxes.
38. Store beach gear in reused bags.
39. Use a basket for berry picking.
40. Turn jars into candle holders.
41. Reuse bread bags for snacks.
42. Make dog toys from old socks.
43. Refill old spray bottles for gardening.
44. Decorate old cans as vases.
45. Turn an old ladder into a plant stand.
46. Reuse tin foil if clean.
47. Reuse food jars for DIY gifts.
48. Use shoe bags to organize travel items.
49. Repurpose fabric scraps as bookmarks.
50. Turn paper rolls into binoculars for kids.
51. Reuse paper bags for crafts or storage.

Soft Plastics – Recycling for Reuse

Soft plastics, along with rigid plastics, paper and card, tins and cans are now accepted in your household recycle bin. Soft plastics like plastic film (wraps, bags, etc.) are now accepted in the household recycling bin. This change is due to advancements in recycling technology and the opening of new markets for processing these materials. To ensure proper recycling, make sure the soft plastics are clean, dry, and loose when placed in the bin. Watch this short video

Waste is a treasure! 

We all know one person’s waste is another person’s treasure. Instead of discarding unwanted tools, clothes, furniture or electrical appliances, try reuse with friends or donating them can reduce waste and help others save money.

Local community groups, charity shops, schools, and nonprofit organizations may accept a variety of donated items, including used books, paint, working toys, and unneeded furniture. Please click here to learn more

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT, is an award-winning social enterprise offering electrical, electronic and metal recycling services through drop off and collection. Recycling services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland and South Dublin County Council.

Recycle IT is supported by Pobal and Dormant Accounts and authorised by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across the east midlands waste region.

Our goal is to create training and employment opportunities through the provision of waste management services. Surplus earned income is reinvested in operational, and employment-related costs.

For more information on Recycle IT please call 01 4578321, email info@recycleit.ie or visit our website www.recycleit.ie