Every month we focus on a different area of sustainability on campus.

In December we focus on the importance of reusing. Here we’ll give tips and tricks as to what you can do to help and how you can get involved in the community!

Why reuse?

Reusing has a lot of benefits for not only us, but our surroundings as well. Here’s a list of ways that reusing can help the Earth:

Saves money

You don’t have to keep buying products. One and done!

Helps wildlife habitats

We’ve all seen pictures of the way waste can hurt wildlife. Don’t add to this problem!

Increases quality of goods that we use

When people reuse products, it drives companies to better their products.

Reduces waste

The more we throw away, the more that ends up in landfills and scattered throughout wildlife. Don’t add to the pile!

What can you do?

Reuse clothing

Reusing clothing may sound silly at first, but there’s more you can do than you think! Something I’ve always done is cut sleeves off shirts that don’t fit for the summer, cut jeans to make them into shorts, and donate what you don’t wear! It’s easier than you think.

Get creative

Make art, display it, or even gift it to someone! For example, one year I made my friends small collages out of old magazines full of things that reminded me of them and they loved it! Or even make vision boards to get motivated. Get creative and try new things!

Get reusable bags

If you don’t want to buy reusable shopping bags (which are inexpensive, should you decide to buy them) then keep in mind that paper bags are easy to reuse as well! You can also reuse plastic bags if need be. Don’t throw them away! Find a new use for them.

Save glass jars, containers, and cans for future use

Saving these can help in so many ways. They provide new storage options for small things. For example, I use glass jars for small things such as cotton balls, safety pins, and pencils. I use containers for food storage, and I reuse cans (mostly coffee cans) for crafting materials such as paint brushes and knitting needles.

Reuse newspapers or old maps as wrapping paper for gifts

Do you enjoy giving gifts but hate dealing with wrapping paper? Use old newspapers (or maps, if you have them) as wrapping paper! It looks cool and you’re saving time and money.

How can you get involved?

Joining different campus organizations such as Eco-Reps and Students for a Sustainable Future. You can find the sustainability student organization page here.