Reusing vs Repurposing vs Recycling
We’ve all been told that reusing, repurposing, and recycling are simple ways that we can be more environmentally friendly in our own homes. However, when the three terms are used interchangeably, they can become a little confusing. All three terms are important, but it’s also important to know what they mean and how they are different.
Reusing
Reusing is defined as using a product or an item for its original use but in a new place or way. There are many different benefits to reusing products. Reusing can help you save money that you otherwise would use to buy a new product. Reusing products also prevents excess waste from ending up in a landfill. Landfills contribute to air pollution, so preventing waste from
ending up in landfills improves our overall air quality. It also doesn’t have to be you who is doing the reusing! Donating clothes or other products to thrift stores, material exchanges, or reuse centers still counts as reusing the product and is much better than throwing these products in the garbage. Reusing is often confused with repurposing. However, repurposing involves using a product for something other than what it was originally intended for, while reusing refers to either using a product for its original use or a new one.
Repurposing
As stated previously, repurposing means to give a new use or “purpose” to.
Repurposing can also be used interchangeably with the word “upcycling”. While repurposing is different from reusing, they both have similar benefits. Repurposing also keeps products from going to landfills, which, again, improves overall air quality. Similarly again to reusing, repurposing saves money. There are many examples of ways you can repurpose products. Simply googling the word “repurpose” gives you images and articles all about the ways people have used products for other things besides their intended use. Some specific examples of repurposing include using old tops as cleaning or dusting rags, using old glass jars as vases or as a way to serve drinks, and using old newspapers or magazines as litter box liners, firestarters, or wrapping paper!
Recycling
Recycling is likely the most known term of the three. Recycling is defined as passing again through a series of changes or treatments. These treatments can include natural processes of biochemical degradation or modification. Items that can be recycled include cardboard, paper, plastic containers, aluminum, glass, cartons, textiles, as well as many other items. However, there are several rules as to how these items should be recycled, so many times, they are not recycled correctly. While the rules for recycled items vary by area or neighborhood, generally, the recycled items must be clean, dry, and free of any grease or food residue. The benefits of recycling are also similar to the benefits of reusing and repurposing. Recycling keeps specific items out of landfills, and it also helps to conserve resources like wood, water, and minerals.
Recycling, repurposing, and reusing all have a vital role in achieving sustainability. Understanding each term and differentiating them can help the everyday person become more environmentally conscious. Knowing ways that we can recycle, reuse, and repurpose our products instead of simply throwing them away can help everyone be more environmentally friendly and sustainable.
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