2008 Woodie Awards
Reuse instead of recycle to help environment
Katie Mastroianni
Issue date: 4/22/08 Section: Editorials
In recent memory, recycling has gone from a rarity to a cliché. Celebrities sport T-shirts that say things like "go green" and "green is the new black." But, if green is the new black, then reusing is the new recycling in the fight to protect the environment. This is much more simple than it sounds.
Recycling, although extremely good and beneficial to the environment, still takes energy, time, space and money. So, instead of just recycling things, reuse them. Here are a few really simple ways to start reusing things in your everyday life:
How many times a week do you go out and order a coffee? Instead of wasting a cardboard cup that has a one time use life, bring your own reusable mug. Start carrying a thermos with you so that there is always one available when you find yourself in need of an emergency caffeine fix. Imagine all the cups you alone can save.
Besides the environmental advantage to having a reusable cup, businesses also offer you a perk. For example, on campus, Jazzman's offers its patrons a monetary incentive, saving students 30 cents every time they bring their own cup to fill with coffee. You may be able to find this offer other places as well, but if it isn't offered you may not save money, but you will be helping the environment.
After a day of errands, some of us come home, unpack all our plastic bags and throw them away. Instead, use these bags to line trash cans in your bathroom or under your desk, pick up dog poop or make a really big water balloon. These suggestions and more line the side of Target's plastic bags.
Better yet, why not bring your own reusable bags with you to the grocery store? Then, you aren't left with way too many useless plastic bags cluttering your kitchen. The DU Bookstore sells canvas bags perfect for stuffing with groceries, clothes or other errand essentials. Similar bags made for the same purpose can be found throughout Denver stores. From Forever 21 to local boutiques, everybody wants a piece of the rage for reuseable bags.
Recycling, although extremely good and beneficial to the environment, still takes energy, time, space and money. So, instead of just recycling things, reuse them. Here are a few really simple ways to start reusing things in your everyday life:
How many times a week do you go out and order a coffee? Instead of wasting a cardboard cup that has a one time use life, bring your own reusable mug. Start carrying a thermos with you so that there is always one available when you find yourself in need of an emergency caffeine fix. Imagine all the cups you alone can save.
Besides the environmental advantage to having a reusable cup, businesses also offer you a perk. For example, on campus, Jazzman's offers its patrons a monetary incentive, saving students 30 cents every time they bring their own cup to fill with coffee. You may be able to find this offer other places as well, but if it isn't offered you may not save money, but you will be helping the environment.
After a day of errands, some of us come home, unpack all our plastic bags and throw them away. Instead, use these bags to line trash cans in your bathroom or under your desk, pick up dog poop or make a really big water balloon. These suggestions and more line the side of Target's plastic bags.
Better yet, why not bring your own reusable bags with you to the grocery store? Then, you aren't left with way too many useless plastic bags cluttering your kitchen. The DU Bookstore sells canvas bags perfect for stuffing with groceries, clothes or other errand essentials. Similar bags made for the same purpose can be found throughout Denver stores. From Forever 21 to local boutiques, everybody wants a piece of the rage for reuseable bags.
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