Reuse Coming in Clutch

Reusables can often be overlooked as a huge solution in combating climate change. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation says that if we turned to a reusable society we can cut anywhere from 35% to 75% of emissions from single-use. So this week let’s dive into all the ways reuse can save the worldd.

💨 Manufacturing and Production

1. Reduced Raw Material Extraction: Reusable items typically require fewer raw materials to manufacture compared to their single-use counterparts. For example, a reusable water bottle or shopping bag can be made from durable materials like stainless steel or canvas, eliminating the need for constant production of disposable plastic bottles or bags made from petroleum-derived plastics.

2. Lower Energy Consumption: The production of reusable items often requires less energy compared to single-use products. Manufacturing processes for plastics, paper, and other disposable materials are energy-intensive and contribute to carbon emissions. In contrast, producing reusable items, especially those made from sustainable materials or recycled content, can result in lower energy consumption and associated emissions.

🧴Usage Phase

1. Fewer Emissions from Transportation: Reusable items can be used repeatedly, reducing the frequency of transportation required to deliver and distribute single-use products. For example, using a reusable water bottle instead of buying bottled water reduces the need for transportation of water bottles from factories to stores, minimising carbon emissions from trucks and other vehicles.

2. Lower Carbon Footprint Over Time: While reusable items may have a higher upfront carbon footprint due to their initial manufacturing process, they typically have a lower overall carbon footprint when used repeatedly over their lifetime. This is because the energy and emissions associated with manufacturing and transporting single-use items are spread out over multiple uses of the reusable item, making it a more environmentally sustainable choice in the long run.

🗑️ End-of-Life Management

1. Reduced Waste Generation: By using reusable items, individuals can significantly reduce the amount of waste they generate, including plastics, paper, and other disposable materials. This minimises the need for waste management processes such as landfilling, incineration, or recycling, which can emit greenhouse gases and other pollutants.

2. Promotion of Circular Economy: Reusable items can be designed for durability and longevity, and many can be repaired, refurbished, or recycled at the end of their life. This promotes a circular economy model where materials are kept in use for as long as possible, reducing the need for virgin resources and minimising carbon emissions associated with extraction, manufacturing, and disposal.

Sustainable Living Tips

Obviously, since we’re talking about reuse this week I’ve pulled together a few great reusable swaps you can implement into your routine. Remember, the best thing you can do is reuse what you already have!

💧 Reusable Water Bottle: Instead of buying single-use plastic water bottles, invest in a durable, refillable water bottle made from stainless steel, glass, or BPA-free plastic. Reusable water bottles are convenient, cost-effective, and help reduce plastic waste.

🛍️ Reusable Shopping Bags: Replace single-use plastic bags with reusable shopping bags made from sturdy materials like canvas, jute, or recycled plastics. Keep reusable bags handy for grocery shopping, errands, and other outings to avoid accumulating disposable plastic bags.

☕️ Reusable Coffee Cup: Bring your own reusable coffee cup to your favourite coffee shop instead of using disposable cups. Many coffee shops offer discounts for customers who bring their own cups, making it both environmentally friendly and economical.

🍹 Reusable Straws: Swap single-use plastic straws for reusable alternatives made from stainless steel, bamboo, silicone, or glass. Carry a reusable straw with you or choose restaurants and cafes that offer paper or compostable straws.

🫙 Reusable Food Containers: Use reusable food containers made from glass, stainless steel, or silicone to store leftovers, pack lunches, or carry snacks on the go. Choose containers with leak-proof lids and consider investing in a set of stackable containers for versatile use. I also love to save any leftover peanut butter jars or any old glass jar to use too!

🍴 Reusable Cutlery Set: Carry a reusable cutlery set consisting of a fork, knife, spoon, and chopsticks in your bag or purse for meals on the go. Many sets come with a compact carrying case, making them convenient for travel and dining out.

🐝 Reusable Beeswax Wraps: Replace plastic cling wrap with reusable beeswax wraps or silicone food covers to preserve food freshness and reduce plastic waste in the kitchen. Beeswax wraps are washable, reusable, and biodegradable.

✨ Cloth Napkins and Towels: Ditch disposable paper napkins and towels in favour of reusable cloth alternatives. Cloth napkins and towels can be washed and reused multiple times, reducing paper waste and saving money in the long run.

🪒 Reusable Razors: I love using a reusable metal razor for shaving. You can save on so much plastic pollution by not using those rubbish disposable plastic ones. Be mindful thought because they can be very sharp, to begin with!

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