Recycling is good for the climate, but can it also benefit the local community?
-Yes, it actually can! Here we explain!
Take it easy and think before you throw things away. Don't throw away things you know you will 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 are going to freeze that jam you made. Tip: Think - saving can be better for the environment than throwing away.
Can it be used for something else? If the answer to that question is yes, then save it!
Think about local trade, check with your local second-hand shop! Does the shop perhaps want 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 shop, you are therefore doing double good.
Facebook can help you! If you don't have a local second-hand shop or if the shop 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. Clothes and shoes are often sold easily in these groups.
Repairing is always good for the climate. Do a Google search or search on YouTube, there are lots of great tips out
there on how to repair things. Repairing is not only climate-smart, it is also economical.
Organize a swap day. Get together with a group of friends and swap things. If you have children of slightly varying
ages, you can often circulate things that second-hand shops rarely buy. For example, jeans, rainwear, boots and so on.
Check if Freecycle.org, which is a site that has "groups" sorted by locations. Check if your location has a group.
Here you can simply get someone to take things you no longer want. Perfect if you are moving, for example!
Giving away to charity is also a good option. Unfortunately, there are plenty of people who lack almost everything, but
remember that collection containers are not trash cans – it must be completely clean and intact.
When you are going to buy new – When you do 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 disposable product – is
there an alternative that is more sustainable, not disposable, can you choose a different alternative altogether? Is
the packaging recyclable? We will not be able to avoid buying new things, but if every choice we make is
thoughtful and a little better, we have come a long way!
