REUSE & REPURPOSE

As recycling is better than tossing things away, reusing or repurposing is better than recycling as it consumes less energy and saves money from not having to buy something you need when you have something that can make do just as well. When we started to focus on reusing, we primarily considered disposable bags and containers. However over time, the definition of “reuse” expanded to finding multiple uses for items so that we could make do with less, and how we could do things smarter so as to consume/waste less. We began to treat these as mini puzzles, trying to figure out multiple uses for an item, or how to get something done with only tools and materials available. Kids also enjoy these mini brainstorms, and soon incorporated this way of thinking when determining tools or supplies needed for their own cooking or craft projects.

The drive to reuse has led to an expanding suite of new commercial “green” products which are biodegradable, made from sustainable material, and/or can be reused instead of thrown away: shopping bags, cups, food wraps, sandwich bags - and even reusable paper towels and toilet paper! As a result, more goods are being produced and purchased under the eco-friendly banner. However, buying these products are effective only if you use them extensively. For example, there are a myriad of reusable shopping bags for sale, from local grocery stores to high-end boutiques; but if we often forget to bring them shopping, then we may be creating more waste by purchasing products that won’t be used extensively.

Depending on where we live, or while we are traveling or vacationing, there may not be farmers markets and eco-friendly stores available nearby, therefore we are forced to shop in regular supermarkets and convenience stores. Below tips and hacks that provide some options and considerations in these circumstances to reuse more and purchase less.

TIPS & HACKS:

Buy eggs in cardboard or pulp fiber containers: The easiest way to repurpose paper-based egg cartons is to rip it up and throw it into the compost as it makes a good “brown” ingredient (see our section on Composting). However, egg cartons can also be used as pods in which to grow seedlings, which can then be cut up and transplanted directly into the ground as the carton is biodegradable (see Start Seeds Indoors Using Egg Cartons). You can find other ideas at The Prairie Homestead and MollyMooCrafts, among many other DIY sites.

Reusable Shopping Bags: Since the NY State act prohibiting stores from using single-use plastic shopping bags, paper bags have made a resurgence. If we are traveling or forgot to bring our reusable shopping bags, we opt for paper grocery bags - and if you double up, it makes for a sturdy reusable bag (we shop weekly had have used the same set of paper grocery bags for months without breaking). And once they are no longer usable, we tear up the bags into smaller pieces and throw them into our compost (makes a good “brown” ingredient - see our section on Composting).

Reusing bags for freezer: To avoid freezer burn, we double-bag items that we put in the freezer. To help conserve bags, we keep used bags (the outer bag which did not touch food) in a corner of our freezer door for reuse.

Reusing glass jars: When purchasing preserves, condiments or spices, opt for glass jars if available, and then wash and reuse the jars for storing leftovers (instead of plastic containers), homemade salad dressing (see our basic recipe) or sauces and gravy, and for storing dried herbs and tea for yourself or to gift to others. We have also use medium to larger jars for propagating herbs and sweet potatoes.

Reusing salad and berry containers: We try to purchase greens and fruits directly from local farms as much as possible, as the produce tends to be fresher and avoids the usual plastic bag or box packaging that you have in grocery stores. However, when we do have to purchase from grocery stores, we save the boxes for growing seedlings or micro-greens, and the lids are helpful in containing moisture.

OTHER REFERENCES:

• 101 Ways to Go Zero Waste - Katheryn Kellogg: We all know how important it is to reduce our environmental footprint, but it can be daunting to know where to begin. This book provides a practical, friendly blueprint of realistic lifestyle changes for anyone who wants to reduce their waste.