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 which are seasonal, creative, and encourages reuse in the garden, at the beach, on picnics, and around the home during the summer months.

• Turn glass jars into iced coffee cups.
• Make a herb garden from old tins.
• Use old towels as beach picnic blankets.
• Turn worn t-shirts into reusable shopping bags.
• Reuse takeaway tubs for picnic food.
• Store seashell collections in glass jars.
• Make bird feeders from plastic bottles.
• Use egg cartons to grow salad seedlings.
• Turn wine corks into plant labels.
• Reuse yoghurt pots for kids’ painting.
• Make fairy lights from clean jam jars.
• Repurpose old buckets as garden planters.
• Store garden twine in coffee tins.
• Use cereal boxes to organise holiday photos.
• Turn old jeans into gardening aprons.
• Save gift bags for summer birthdays.
• Make a bug hotel from scrap wood and bamboo.
• Reuse shoeboxes to store flip-flops.
• Turn old mugs into succulent pots.
• Keep rubber bands for sealing food bags.
• Make colorful bunting from fabric scraps.
• Reuse paper bags to wrap homemade gifts.
• Turn old drawers into raised planters.
• Use old toothbrushes to clean sandals.
• Refill water bottles before every outing.
• Decorate tin cans as flower vases.
• Turn old blankets into outdoor cinema rugs.
• Reuse bread bags for freezer storage.
• Make wind chimes from old cutlery.
• Store pegs in reused ice cream tubs.
• Use cardboard boxes to build play forts.
• Turn old scarves into picnic table runners.
• Save jars for homemade lemonade.
• Reuse ribbons to tie garden plants.
• Make plant markers from ice lolly sticks.
• Turn old CDs into garden bird scarers.
• Reuse plastic trays to catch plant drips.
• Store beach toys in old mesh bags.
• Turn paper rolls into seedling pots.
• Use old baskets for garden harvesting.
• Make coasters from leftover tiles or corks.
• Reuse envelopes for shopping lists.
• Turn old socks into dusting mitts.
• Save shipping boxes for moving or storage.
• Make a scarecrow from worn clothing.
• Turn broken crayons into colorful art shapes.
• Reuse glass bottles as garden edging.
• Make outdoor games from cardboard.
• Repurpose old ladders as plant displays.
• Turn fabric offcuts into reusable gift wrap.
• Share or swap unwanted summer items with neighbors.

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