| Greetings!
Second Chance has always strived to be environmentally responsible. It's part of our core mission. So we're always pleased to be able to report, for example, that last year alone our deconstruction efforts diverted some 11,000,000 pounds of waste from our burgeoning landfills. And that figure doesn't even include our recycling efforts or the receiving and reselling tons of donated items that would have otherwise entered the waste stream!
From our "green collar" job training program to our partnerships with other eco-friendly organizations, the green leaf in our logo is more than a trendy image...it's a constant reminder and impetus to be a good steward of the natural world in which we live.
To help us do that just a little better, this month we're sharing 10 tips (adapted from the Reuse Alliance) that help preserve our planet. As a bonus, they also help us preserve our pocketbooks!
1. Buy Used, Surplus & Refurbished Goods - We have lots to choose from! You'll find unique items and save big off retail.
2. Choose Durables Over Disposables -
Disposable products add convenience, but we can reduce waste, conserve resources and save
money by choosing durables such as high-quality reusable shopping bags, refillable beverage containers and cloth napkins (see more ideas at www.reuseit.com). 3. Rent or Borrow Instead of Buying - This especially applies to items that you may use infrequently, such as trailers, camping gear, gardening equipment and power tools. Co-op or partner purchases can work, too.
4. Buy in Bulk Rather Than Single-Serve - It saves even more waste and money when you buy large quantities and put the contents into smaller, reusable containers.
5. Zero in on Zero Waste Meals - Whether you're packing a lunch for the kids or eating out at a favorite restaurant, packing a waste-free lunch kit and bringing reusable to-go containers will reduce the impact on the planet and your pocketbook. You might save some calories, too!
6. Consider Reselling - Got clutter? Need to earn a buck? Consider holding a yard sale, listing items on Craigslist or eBay, or taking them to a local consignment shop.
7. Donate, Don't Dump! - Give your reusable old stuff new life by donating it to worthy nonprofits like Second Chance. The tax-deductible receipt is a nice bonus. Also, you can always try a service like freecycle before choosing the landfill.
8. Compost - According to the EPA, over a 1/3 of America's municipal waste stream could be composted annually! Composting food scraps and yard trimmings reduces waste and generates fantastic, free soil amendments for your garden.
9. Reuse Rain Water - To save on your water bills and reduce runoff, use a barrel to collect rain water from your gutters for your garden.
10. Leave It on the Lawn - A mulching mower is better for your lawn and our environment (e.g., reduced mover and trash truck emissions). A manual push mover doubles the benefit!
Have other ideas on how to simultaneously save our world and our wallets? Feel free to share them with the rest of our online community on Facebook. After all, we're in this world together!
Grateful to make a difference with you, -Your Second Chance Team
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