All CSWD facilities are closed on Wednesday, Jan. 1 for New Years Day.
Reduce & Reuse
Compared to creating products or packaging from virgin resources, recycling conserves resources, saves energy, and reduces pollution. Two other options, however, are even better than recycling: reducing and reusing.
Reducing means minimizing waste before it has a chance to be created. This concern has prompted manufacturers to try a variety of innovative strategies ranging from reducing packaging on CDs to reducing the thickness of the plastic and aluminum used to package beverages.
Reusing means choosing durable products that can be used over and over again. This sounds like common sense, but two factors are working against this practice:
- the convenience of disposable products
- rapidly changing technology that quickly renders items obsolete
Listed below are links to resources that will help you reduce waste and consumption, reuse what you already have, and generally promote more sustainable practices at home, work, or school.
Reduce
Reducing Food Waste
LOTS of resources – including downloadable PDFs and videos – with convenient ways to reduce food waste and save money. Includes local organizations that accept food donations, and state guidelines on food waste.
Reuse
Stores, charities, and online options for reuse in Chittenden County
A list of dozens of local organizations and the items that they accept. Donations to many of the organizations are tax deductible.
Online Resources
Front Porch Forum
Vermont-based website that gives members free access to post items for sale or giveaway to neighborhood members.
Online Book Rental Clubs
This service works like Netflix for books: Book Lender.
Used Medical Equipment
Free online classifieds where you can find new or used Assistive Technology (AT) devices, software and equipment.
Freecycle
Join the Burlington group and post items you have to give away. You may be surprised at the things you have that other people are interested in!
Craigslist (Vermont)
An online community posting service for buying, selling, exchanging or giving away items, organized into categories.
A regional exchange platform for businesses to find, sell, trade, or give away reusable and surplus items.
Learn even more!
Center for the New American Dream
A national organization dedicated to helping people live consciously and buy wisely.