Even though it will be some time before we can stem the tide of throwaway products and extraneous packaging, there are many steps we can take today to make our dollars go farther, conserve limited natural resources, and protect our precious environment. The solution is to buy products that are durable and easily repairable, shun throwaway products, and select reusable or recyclable packaging whenever possible. When upgrading electronic equipment or when cleaning out your attic, basement, or garage, remember to donate used items to needy organizations. Donate old magazines to waiting rooms, libraries, and civic organizations. On the flip side of the coin, buy used items and equipment if they will do the job as well as new items.
Used items cost less and conserve the energy and raw materials used in making new products.
It's much less expensive to repair worn clothes and shoes than to buy new ones. Store clothing in cedar-lined chest or hanging wardrobes rather than using chemical mothballs. Reuse cardboard boxes and plastic bags for storage and save packaging materials such as foam peanuts for protecting your next fragile package. Rather than throwing away a disposable razor every few shaves, invest in a quality razor and change the blade, or use an electric razor. Many men prefer the warm lather provided by a shaving mug and brush to the cold foam of a throwaway aerosol can.