Sharing and Re-Use: Is it the Same Thing?

What do the three arrows of the recycling symbol mean? Do you know? Each arrow represents one step in the three step process that completes the recycling loop. The first arrow is the collection step. The second arrow is the manufacturing process in which recyclable materials are converted into new products and the third arrow represents the step where consumers purchase products made with recycled content.

We've found in our eco friendly training, that most people living a sustainable lifestyle help the recycling effort by putting materials in their recycling bin but fail to realize the importance of completing the recycling loop by purchasing recycled products and reusing items.

A common question asked in our eco friendly training is how to reduce consuming in the first place? That addresses the sustainability concept of reuse from a different angle - that is, if you need to buy one item for a single use, how can you avoid purchasing it? Neighborgoods may be a solution.

The neighborhood swapping and sharing website encourages people to connect with strangers in their communities to borrow all the items that they don’t want to buy themselves. Unlike eBay, Neighborgoods doesn’t expect anyone to mail anything anywhere. Instead, the application asks you to input your zip code and then brings up a page with all the most recent swapping activity in your surrounding area. The post, Neighborgoods – Share Your Stuff offers practical uses and insider tips on making the application work in your sustainable lifestyle.

You can do your party by taking eco action to consume sustainably. Next time you are ready to buy, educate yourself with eco awareness. Those choices expand eco awareness within your network of friends and family, positively impact your local economy, reduce your footprint on the environment, and may actually help you save money in the process.