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Many people contribute to the reuse by donating, trading or selling their
old clothes, toys and other unwanted items — hence the growing popularity of
freecycling — but how many people actually practise the process of reusing within
their own households on a regular basis?
Reusing is just as important as recycling, if not more so. The more you buy
reusable products and actually reuse them, the more you contribute to reducing
the energy, time and money spent on recycling used items as well as manufacturing
new ones. Think about it. While both reusing and recycling are necessary
to an effective and successful green lifestyle, recycling an item still calls for the
crushing, grinding, melting, purifying and remanufacturing of that item. On the
other hand, reusing that same item in your own home instead of sending it off
saves valuable resources.
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Why it is Important
to Freecycle
Every little bit counts — even
when it comes to big planet earth.
Through a combination of harmful
actions taken — knowingly or
unknowingly — by organizations and
individuals all across the world over
an extended period of time, along
with people adding to the problem by
driving gas-guzzling SUVs, buying
unnecessary electronic gadgets and
purchasing goods sold in excess packaging,
we have gotten into this environmental
mess.
It is possible, however, to have a
positive impact on the environment
by committing good green acts —
even a series of small steps taken on a
regular basis. For example, consider
taking shorter daily showers to save
water and unplugging unused electronic
devices to conserve energy.
Become a committed advocate for
greener lifestyles through volunteer
work and by speaking out against
behaviours that harm the earth. They
are guaranteed to make a difference,
not only to the environment, but to
others as well. Once you put yourself
out there and show your green pride,
you will most likely serve as an inspiration
to your family, friends, neighbours,
coworkers and anyone else
who happens to witness or hear about
your good deeds.
How TO Be a Green
Volunteer
There are some steps that you can
take to become the kind of successful
volunteer who significantly adds to a
cause while letting the experience
enhance his or her own life:
• Do it whenever you have the time.
Do not feel that you have to commit
to a regular schedule. You can do
some tasks in a short period of time,
such as making telephone calls or
updating a mailing list.
• Be aware of when you have spare
time. Try to plan ahead and identify
potential periods of time that you
could spend doing some volunteer
activities.
Due West/Due East Magazine • Fall 2008 Ottawa Page 30