EnviroHumanImpact

The “Saved” Series will include items saved from being discarded in some manner, items doomed to be put into a landfill or closeted away from use. Instead of the potential user of these products buying new, we will show how these products, still with much utility left, are being used to improve one’s envirohuman impact.

By using a product that was left for “waste,” again, either by cleaning or fixing, one can usually help to reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfills (and other waste streams) as well as help to reduce the demand for new manufactured products.

Some items that you’ll see showcased were being discarded in the literal sense; that is, they were in steps away from the dumpster. Others were found through any number of secondhand buying channels, such as on Craigslist, The Freecycle Network, at garage sales, or thrift stores. In the end, if you buy a used wood product that fulfills your purpose, you are reducing the demand for wooden products elsewhere, simply by taking away the demand you would have created had you bought the item new.

Buying used metal or plastic products does the same: reduces the demand for newly manufactured products. Markets do react to such demand levels, meaning that you are reducing the use of metal, plastic, and wood. Often, yardsales and thrift stores have products with their tags still on them, having never been used. Stainless steel bowls often simply need to be washed and while some products are in bad condition, many glasses, fine China, and even furniture can be bought at a bargain (remember, green often mean s added savings).

We’ve heard of dumpster divers — even the New York Times have reported on this cultural phenomenon. But you don’t have to go dive into a dumpster (I have my personal limits for danger and excitement) for a good find. Work in an office building? Check out what they throw away because it’s just easier for them to buy new (it needed to be replaced anyway).

I bought my tea kettle secondhand , which was both greener as a product and was greener in that I reduced demand for a newly manufactured item by buying it used. Thrift stores also often benefit charitable organizations, such as hospitals, so your dollars are used to benefit society even further!

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