Weather, Climate and Reuse

Autumn Reuse – Home, Work, and School

Autumn is a season of change. The leaves turn bright colors, the air feels cooler, and days become shorter. It is also the perfect season to think about reuse and how small actions at home, work, and school can make a big difference in caring for our planet. To understand why reuse is important, it helps to know the difference between climate and weather.

_{Talking about climate – not weather – Bambaw}

Reuse Climate and Weather

Weather is what we see and feel outside each day. It might be sunny, rainy, windy, or cold. Weather changes quickly, sometimes in just a few hours. Climate, however, is the pattern of weather in a place over a long time, usually decades. For example, we say a place has a warm climate if it is hot most of the year, even though some days may be cooler. Climate change means the long-term patterns of Earth’s weather are shifting, often because of human actions like burning fossil fuels and wasting resources. Reuse helps slow down climate change by reducing waste and lowering pollution.

_{The real impact of climate actions – Royal Meteorological Society}

Reuse at Home

At home during autumn, families can find many ways to reuse. Old clothes that are too small can be passed down to younger children, instead of buying new ones. Jars and containers from food can be cleaned and used to store leftovers or organize supplies. Autumn leaves can be gathered and turned into compost for gardens, instead of being thrown away. Even holiday decorations can be reused each year rather than buying new items. By reusing, households throw away less, which means fewer bin trucks on the road and less energy wasted.

_{Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Tips from WWF Australia}

Reuse at Work

Workplaces can also reuse materials in simple ways. Offices can print on both sides of the paper, or better yet, reuse scrap paper for notes. Coffee mugs and reusable bottles are smarter choices than single-use cups. Old office supplies like folders, binders, and envelopes can often be used again instead of buying new ones.

_{Goal 12: SDG – Ensure sustainable consumption and production}

During autumn and in the lead up to Christmas, many workplaces also use decorations. These can be stored carefully and reused each year, reducing costs and waste. When workers reuse, businesses spend less money, reduce landfill waste, and lower their impact on the climate

Reuse at School

Schools are perfect places to practice reuse. Students can reuse notebooks by filling in every page, and teachers can save supplies like rulers, scissors, and art materials for the next class. Bulletin board decorations can be stored and used again each autumn. Lunchboxes, reusable water bottles, and cloth napkins are all better for the environment than disposable items. Even sports uniforms and books can be passed down to new students. By reusing, schools teach children that caring for the planet is a daily habit.

Find 10 suggestions for your school listed below

Reuse paper – Write on both sides or use scrap paper for notes and drafts.
Refill water bottles – Encourage students to bring reusable bottles instead of disposable ones.
Save supplies – Store scissors, rulers, and glue sticks for use year after year.
Reuse books – Share textbooks, novels, and workbooks with other classes or pass them down.
Lunch containers – Bring food in reusable lunchboxes and cloth napkins instead of plastic bags.
Reuse decorations – Save posters, banners, and seasonal art for the next year.
Uniform exchange – Organize swap days so students can pass on outgrown uniforms.
Art projects – Use clean scrap materials (like cardboard, jars, or fabric) for crafts.
Bulletin boards – Reuse display materials by updating them instead of starting from scratch.
Technology reuse – Donate or repurpose old computers and tablets for learning centers instead of throwing them away.

Finally

Autumn reminds us of cycles in nature. Just as leaves fall and return as soil for new growth, we can reuse items to give them new life. Weather may change from day to day, but climate is the long-term health of our planet. By reusing at home, at work, and in schools, we can help slow down climate change. Small actions, done together, make a big difference for our future.

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT is an award-winning, not-for-profit, social enterprise established to create employment and promote environmental awareness through recycling and reuse. We work in partnership with WEEE Ireland and are authorized by your local authority to provide electrical, electronic and pure metal recycling collections across Dublin since 2007. Recycle IT are fully compliant with WEEE Recycling Requirements and permit details are available here. Where possible, Recycle IT will recycle for reuse!.

For more information about Recycle IT please click here.