Most people know that recycling is climate-smart, but can it also do local good?
- Well, it actually can! We will explain!
1. Don't throw away things you know you'll need later. Ex: If you throw away all the empty glass jars just to have an empty and nice cupboard at home, you will have to go and buy new ones when you have to freeze that jam you made.
Tip: Think – will you need this, can it be used for something else? If the answer to that question is yes, save!
2. Check with your local second hand shop! Maybe the store wants to buy your stuff? Did you know that 4 out of 5 jobs are created in small businesses? For small municipalities, every job opportunity is very important! By selling to a local store, you thus make a double profit.
3. If you don't have a local thrift store or if the store doesn't want to buy your things, you can try selling your things in a Buy and Sell group on Facebook.
Most communities have a local such group on Facebook, do a search and you will find it. Clothing and shoes are often easily sold in groups like this.
4. Broken things then? Do a google search or search youtube, there are tons of great tips out there on how to cook things. Cooking is not only climate-smart, it is also economical.
5. Arrange a swap day. Get together with a bunch of friends and swap things. If you have children of slightly varying ages, you can often circulate things that are rarely bought secondhand. E.g. jeans, galoon clothes, boots and so on.
6. Freecycle.org is a site that has "groups" sorted by location. Check if your location has a group. Here you can simply get someone to accept things that you no longer want. Perfect if, for example, you are moving!
7. Donating to charity is also a nice option. Unfortunately, there are plenty of people who miss almost everything, but remember that collection containers are not garbage cans - they should be clean and tidy.
8. Buy new - When you buy new, ask yourself a few extra questions.
Think: Is this product available in a locally produced variant?
Is it available in a better material?
Is it a one-time or throw-away product - is there an alternative that is more durable, non-disposable, can you simply choose another option?
Can the packaging be recycled? We won't be able to get away from buying new things, but if every choice we make is well thought out and a little better, we've come a long way!