Reuse is key if better waste management practices are to be achieved in the home. On the waste management hierarchy it sits above recycling. Indeed through making simple changes in our day to day lives we can save both on the waste we produce and in the money we spend.

Reuse of a product means using it on more than one occasion either for the same purpose or a different purpose, without the need for reprocessing.  In the past, society was not as wasteful and many products that we replace today would have been reused or repaired or maybe used for something else.  It is preferable to re-use a product in the same state as this will not require additional processing which would involve more energy and raw materials. There are many reuse initiatives now in operation in Dublin.

The Busy Bees Initiative is run by Sunflower recycling and offers householders an alternative option rather than simply discarding furniture. Busy Bees collect furniture which may still be loved but no longer required by their owners. This furniture can be restored and reused by other householders. To find out more about this service click here

One of the main ways we in Ireland re-use goods is through charity shops.  By donating things like clothes, furniture, toys etc. to local charity groups, we are removing potential waste from the waste stream. 

 

 

The School Book Exchange (SBE) is an exciting initiative for parents and students alike.  In Ireland approximately 1 million school books are dumped or not re-used each year. This on-line exchange service aims to save money for parents, students and schools and help the environment by re-using college and school books. Users can sell and purchase used books while making a significant contribution to the environment.  Use this web-site year after year and watch your lifetime school book costs drop dramatically.

Reuse items or extend their lifetime where possible. Such as:

• Batteries - buy rechargable
• Shopping Bags
• Refillable pens
• Clothes, Furniture, Household Goods etc (Use FREE TRADE)
• Repair / Upgrade items rather than purchase new ones
• Food Containers
• Clothes (Pass down childrens clothes) or use old clothes as rags
• Use the School Book Exchange
• Envelopes - Reuse using labels