Last week we talked about reuse as step two in the 3Rs and are going to continue the theme with a talk about repair and re-house. Today we will talk about finding another home for something or rehousing your unwanted items.

Before you recycle (or if you can’t find or don’t have another use for something) try looking for a new home. A recent article on bartering & trading gives you a great list as a starting point online.

One man’s garbage is another man’s treasure!

That’s how eBay got their start! Even if something is broken there is almost always someone that has a use for it. Check out the stacks of free stuff on craigslist, kijiji and ebay to name a few places and then go to all the online or newspaper classifieds. We buy used stuff all the time, so there is no need to be ashamed or inconvenienced by it. Garage sales also indicate that people purchase and get rid of things on a regular basis. Everybody loves a bargain.

why should you worry about it?

The number of items showing up in the garbage because someone can’t be bothered is astounding. Just take a walk down the street on garbage day and look at the computers, old chairs and various items. Many a time, I’ve salvaged something in perfect working order that was going to end up in landfill, toxins and all. That kind of waste is a sign that we take things for granted.

Here are some quick steps I take. I never throw anything out.

1. if it is broken see if I can repair it
2. if I don’t want to repair it, post it on freecycle, craigslist or kijiji
3. if I still don’t have a home…wait and try again (could just be timing)
4. put it outside with a note “free to a good home”
5. ask friends, neighbours or family
6. if it is working fine (no excuse to throw it out) consider a garage sale
7. if you don’t want to hold a garage sale see if you can swap it or sell it
8. if you still haven’t sold it, consider all the local charities and donate it

Even things like toilet rolls & old paint can be used as art supplies at a local school or community center! Earth911 has a few suggestions and there are companies that take paint and recycle (creating a good quality paint too). Here are a few more items that you could always find a new home for.

1. cell phones – Don’t just throw out your Cell Phones
2. shoes – yep, shoes can and should be recycled
3. eyeglasses – many programs exist, here are some eyeglass programs and also cds, discs, packing material, phones, video tapes and various other common items.
4. printer cartridge programs exist too. Don’t just buy them, donate the old ones too.
5. glass jars – people always want these for canning & they make great containers

Computers, batteries, oil – the list goes on and on. I guess what I’m trying to say is before you throw something in the garbage ask if it really needs to be in there. My garbage is limited to a 1/4 of a bag every two weeks in a household of 3 and I’m ashamed of that. I’m always looking for creative programs or methods to find a new home for all the items that get used or are no longer wanted.

Suggestions welcome!

On Friday I’ll take the time to remind us about the other thing that has been forgotten – repair.