Re Use! - Alternatives to Buying New

Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. This should not just be a mantra, we've gotta walk the walk. Maybe you are reducing your energy and vehicle use by turning off the lights, switching to fluorescent light bulbs, biking and walking or taking public transit, and maybe you are recycling all of your plastic, glass and paper, buying recycled products (like PrioriTcheck tote bags made from 100% recycled plastic bottles), but what about reusing? This may not be such an obvious option.

I like to resuse any plastic bags I end up with, like the small plastic produce bags which I use to take my lunch to work in, or reusing plastic containers like hummus or yogurt containers to pack my lunch in. I also get most of my clothing, furniture or other household knick knacks as hand me downs from family, friends or strangers - via yardsales & thrift stores.

Yardsale and thrift store shopping is often over looked or viewed through the wrong lens. Items found at these hidden gems for shopping unfortunately get labeled too frequently as "junk", but this couldn't be farther from the truth. Most yardsale and thrift store items are just a collection of ordinary - a lot of the time still new - things that ordinary folks just don't want or need anymore, and sell for extremely cheap prices! I have found a two person tent in mint condition for only $10, two great Indian-themed canvas lamps for $6, wine glasses for $1, books for $.25, and pants and t-shirts that I'd find in the stores now at a price of $20 for only $2! You just have to know which yardsales to bypass and which you can score at, and this is easy to do. You don't have to dedicate your Saturday to planning a strategy for the best bargain hunt. You just have to think about the fact that thrift stores in wealthy areas will have great, modern day items for super cheap, while yardsales in a retirement community may not produce that perfect pair of stilettos you've been looking for. (although they may produce some funky antique earrings)

Yardsale and thrift store shopping is the perfect way to reuse, therefore avoiding the purchase of new products that, not only cost more, but contribute to the harmful production of new items with new plastic packaging and more waste.

It's better for the environment and cheaper for you. Also a great way to get to know your community! Check out this handy link to search for thrift stores and yardsales in your area, and don't forget about the ever-useful craigslist to find garage sales near you.

Teaching our kids about Sustainability-by Greening Schools!

OK so I'm going to try not to do too much cross-posting with news from my day job and here at PrioriTcheck( my night job!). Especially because my day job happens to be a project of a large progressive political think tank and much of the work is policy focused, where as PrioriTcheck is all about raising awareness and giving tips on how to live lighter on our planet.

That said, this piece put out by CAP is great potential news for greening schools and the benefits it will provide, not only for the health of our environment, our students, and our teachers, but for the overall education and awareness of sustainability for children. It is something I feel very passionate about and hope to personally pursue one day because I think starting with children is vital in ultimately changing the way we live on our planet. Check out Schools Remodel for Sustainability:

..fostering a generation of truly eco-conscious individuals. Students who grow up immersed in an environment built around sustainable living will accept these practices as habits and carry sustainable values with them in their lives beyond the classroom. Students will also learn valuable first hand lessons about environmental responsibility, preparing them to enter the new “green economy.” Starting young is crucial to crafting the wider cultural mindset necessary to preserve our planet for generations to come.