Thank you for committing to this 30 Day Christian Green Living Challenge with us! Each day as we step through our journey, I’ll share the challenge for the day then, depending on your green goals, I will share resources where you can learn more, dig deeper into the topic, or challenge yourself even more. We will do the challenge once *live* together, but you can participate anytime by joining in on the comments below and by using the hashtag #ChristianGreenLiving. So, when you’re ready, let’s Go Christian Green!
“All of us can cooperate as instruments of God for the care of creation, each according to his or her own culture, experience, involvements and talents.” —Pope Francis, Laudato Si’
Disposable. Throwaway. Single-use. Many of today’s convenience products are actually designed to be disposable after just one use. But, does that mean that it must be thrown out after just one use?
Today, I’d like to look at disposables in a new way. Can it be reused for the same purpose or another purpose once or several times more before it is recycled or thrown away? Can it be upcycled into something useful and reusable? Or made into a project or gift?
Most disposable items have more use in them than we give them credit for. A disposable cup can be used in the garden or to bath the dog. A takeout container can be saved and used to send leftovers home with a friend. A mesh produce bag can be made into a scrubber. There are many creative ways to reuse items when we find ourselves with disposable items.
*Note on Plastic Water Bottles: As a warning, however, one thing you do not want to reuse is plastic disposable water/beverage bottles. Because of rapid bacteria growth and toxins, water/soda bottles should not be reused for drinks. It’s best to avoid them as much as possible and recycle them or use them for crafts. Learn more HERE.
Today’s Day 13 Challenge:
Ok, so you’re ready to reduce and become a recycling warrior, but how often do you reuse items before you recycle or throw them away?
Pray
In our prayers today, let’s pray for those who might be exposed to or impacted by our one-time-use disposables. Pray for the strength to continue to do our part in caring for creation and that we might be able to try a little harder today than we were able to do yesterday.
Act
Before recycling or throwing out something designed for one-time-use, look for an alternative way to use it or to reuse it once or many times before disposing of it.
Share
Have you found a great way to reuse an item that is usually tossed immediately after use? Comment below and/or use the hashtag #ChristianGreenLiving to share the tip!
Learn More~
- Here are some examples I have collected on my Pinterest Board: Upcycle: Reuse, Repurpose, Recreate
- 9 Uses for Used Coffee Grounds —by Leesa Hagan
- 10 Home Items You Can Reuse Over and Over Again — by One Green Planet
Click here to go to Day 14
Ready to pin? Thanks for sharing!
I reuse glass jars that my pasta sauce and salsa comes in. I wash them really good and sanitize them before I put chocolate chips, nuts, and other baking stuff inside.
I do that too. A lot of times, they are the best jar for the job!