Tips For Reducing “Throwaway Culture” – Repairing, Repurposing, Donating Items

In today’s society, there are too many people who participate in the “throwaway culture.” We purchase things because we think they are going to use them and then we simply throw them out. Many of us buy things and use them for a month or two and then realize there is something better out there. So, we throw the old thing away and get the newest and best thing on the market.

The throwaway culture also has many of us purchasing everyday items, like straws, bags, and more. These items are only used for a day or a few minutes and then they are discarded. They are left to fill up landfills and never thought of again. While these items have helped to make our lives more convenient, they are causing irreversible harm to your planet and future generations.

The throwaway culture has created harm that many of us never thought possible. In the past, we truly believe that we were just creating innovation to make life better and easier. Today, we are starting to see the many repercussions of our actions. If you are looking for ways to stop the throwaway culture and change our world for the better, here are some simple steps you can take.

1) Find Alternatives To Everyday Items

One of the best ways to help reduce your overall waste is to find alternatives to the everyday items that you use. For example, straws are one of the most discarded items that cause pollution and harm to animals. These things are used for only a few minutes of your day and are not actually necessary. Try to eliminate straws by asking for no straws or bringing your own reusable metal straw with you.

You can also use reusable shopping bags instead of the traditional plastic bags you get at a store. These are terrible for the environment and are already starting to be phased out of many states. Bring your reusable bag with you. This may take an extra thirty seconds for you, but it will be well worth the small amount of time.

2) Donate Clothing

We live in a culture where people have closets and dressers full of clothes that they will never get the chance to wear. If you have more clothes than you could ever wear in a month, it is time to start thinking about donating your clothes. Do not put them out on the curb for trash. Instead, think about where you can donate them. There are millions of people around the world that do not have enough clothes to wear. You can help society by donating your clothes. Try giving them to local organizations or even requesting that someone come to your house to collect them for you. If you have any sheets, blankets, or pillows, that you want to get rid of, you should also consider giving these items to a local animal shelter.

3) Shop At Secondhand Stores

Another great way to help stop the culture of throwing away perfectly good items is to shop at secondhand stores. Not only will this help give life to others peoples goods, but it will also help save you money. You can find anything from clothes to baby toys to home decor and more. There are an endless number of items you can find and give new meaning to.

The items that you buy can be redesigned and rebuilt to add functionality and character to your home. For instance, you may decide to purchase an outdated bookshelf and turn it into a work of art that can serve as a bookshelf, entertainment stand or dresser. Look for the numerous possibilities that come with shopping at a secondhand store. You can save money and help reduce waste.

4) Compost

Another great way to reduce waste is to start composting. If you take on this journey you will be able to better understand how much you and your family really waste. It will help you appreciate what you have and may encourage you to do more for others.

When composting you can take your leftovers, scraps and unwanted food and add them to a garden. The soil will absorb some of the nutrients and help you grow a better garden. It allows you to reuse the nutrients in a different way and give life to new food that will benefit both your mind and body in countless ways.

These ideas are just some of the ways to help get you out of the throwaway culture.