August Focus: Reuse

Some people make "going green" or "living green" into a herculean challenge. But this month, we want to highlight the fact that one of the most effective things to do involves simply doing more of what you do already and with greater intentionality.

You probably don't go out and buy new bath towels every week. Instead of throwing towels away after every use, you clean them and reuse them. I'm also guessing you eat on dishes that you reuse, use utensils that you clean, and drink from cups that get washed and put back in the cabinet for another use. In fact, most of our daily routine consists of lots of reusing.

We're suggesting you turn what you already practice in your daily living into an intentional mission - reuse as much as possible. Use your towel several times before cleaning it. Even hotels are now asking people to do this. It saves them water and energy, but also money, and it will do the same for you. Take your favorite coffee mug to work with you. Use it for coffee and water throughout the day. Then bring it home, rinse, and repeat. If you really feel courageous, start taking your own cup to restaurants (especially those that use styrofoam) and ask them to let you use your own rather than using theirs. If they balk, remind them that you are saving them money because they aren't losing a cup on you.

The outcome is fairly simple: less waste. When you reuse, you automatically reduce.

Watch for more updates in the days to come about ways to reuse and motives for taking this green step.