Nearly every item in our lives has an option: reuse or use
disposable? Is one better for the environment than the other? Is one better for
our wallets? Take a look at our list below.
Paint: while you might not consider paint a toxic material, it is.
The eco-friendly and easy-on-the-wallet option here is to purchase only the amount of paint you need. If you have extra or get the wrong color, take it back to the store. They will re-sell it or dispose of it properly. If you use an entire can of paint, recycle the metal can or use it for a new purpose.
Diapers: cloth diapers were once the norm, but have since been replaced with disposable ones. Which is better?
While disposable diapers are convenient, you’ll spend around $2,000 on them before your child is potty-trained. Eco-friendly diapers (biodegradable) would cost about $2,500. Cloth diapers hold their cost for the start up, but if you wash them yourself, they are much less expensive than disposable ones. You’ll really get your money’s worth if you use them for more than one child.
Silverware: is it better to use, wash, and reuse the silver stuff or just use plastic cutlery and toss it after a single use?
It’s better to opt for the real silverware. While disposable forks and spoons are convenient, they are often made from a type of plastic that’s tough to make and almost impossible to recycle. While washing the silverware uses water and energy, it’s less work than the plastic stuff. And don’t reuse plastic utensils. The plastic wears down after each use and doesn’t ward off bacteria as well.
Tupperware: many Tupperware containers are advertised as single-use, but can they be reused?
While the single-use Tupperware containers might not be good forever, they can probably be used more than once. Consider reusing other containers such as butter tubs or yogurt containers, too.
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Written and published by Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.
(Photo via Flickr)
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