Repurposing instead of recycling
Repurposing used, or unwanted items is a great way to avoid unnecessary waste and gives packaging or products a new lease of life. Take a look at the ways we can help the environment by repurposing:
What are the advantages of repurposing?
- Saves on purchasing more disposable products
- Conserves resources
- Causes less pollution than recycling or making new products
With this in mind, we have been asking the team and beyond, about the ways they repurpose their unwanted or used products.
From everyday items, to crafting new items, there are many ways we can repurpose. Here are some tips and advice from the team, of ways we can do this:
“My mum repurposes a lot of tins and old packaging/boxes to be used as storage units for many household items, especially stationary, lego bricks and toiletries. My work space is surrounded by repurposed items, including two old plastic cups on my desk that I use as pencil holders and the bookshelf beside my desk is filled with old biscuit and makeup gifting tins filled with random stationery or paperwork. Also, as someone with a younger sibling who loves lego, it can be difficult to store them away in a neat space so shoe boxes make’s the perfect storage box for lego bricks.”
“My mum has repurposed a few wine bottles to make these light decorations - she got this idea from a friend.”
“I reuse empty jars all the time. Sometimes you need to store other things like nuts, dried fruit or coffee. Or, if it is a good size, it can be a good alternative for a glass of water.”
“I have been brought up into a household that loves repurposing. My grandparents were very conscious about waste, and made sure that they had used a product to its full potential before disposing it. Whether it was re-using gift wrap, re-gifting or using empty packaging as useful containers around the house, they made the most of what they had. With these values, my Mom is also very conscious of waste. She is very good at sewing, so, this was where she would see an opportunity to repurpose old clothing into things such as hair accessories or would mend items so that they can be worn again.”
What are some other ways in which we can repurpose?
- Donating to charity shops
- Re-selling apps/websites such as Vinted and E-bay
- Reupholster stores for repurposing furniture
- Repairing items that can be fixed
That’s not all
Repurposing doesn’t always have to be about household items, it can even come down to bigger things, such as the way we use fuel. I spoke with Pre-empt training about the way they are helping reduce fuel consumption and increase road safety:
“Have you ever taken a moment to consider the fuel consumption of your personal vehicle? With many modern cars promoting impressive MPG (miles per gallon) or kWh (kilowatt-hours per 100 kilometres), it’s tempting to take those numbers at face value. However, the reality is that fuel efficiency is greatly influenced by driving habits.
We often equate time behind the wheel with driving competence, but it's important to recognize that merely accumulating hours doesn’t guarantee skill—after all, practice makes permanent, not necessarily perfect. Over time, we may find our planning distance decreasing and our familiarity with the highway code fading. So, ask yourself: Could you pass a theory test at this moment?
One of the most common ways we waste fuel is by accelerating only to come to a sudden stop. Instead, try to read the road ahead—gaze as far out as you can and identify any upcoming interactions that may require you to adjust your speed. By anticipating these changes, you can allow your vehicle to glide smoothly, maintaining motion without unnecessary pressure on the accelerator.
Additionally, remember that excess weight can significantly impact fuel consumption. Take a moment to remove any unnecessary items from your vehicle; every bit contributes to overall efficiency.
Lastly, don’t overlook your tires! Their tread and pressure play a crucial role in fuel economy. Ensure that they meet the recommended standards for optimal performance.”
If you’d like to explore more about enhancing your driving skills and maximizing fuel efficiency, we invite you to visit us at preempttraining.co.uk
With these findings in mind, we can see that no matter how big or small, there are many ways we can re-purpose. So, let’s think before we throw are look at the ways we can re-use to help the environment and maybe even some money.
Sustainability is one of our core principles at Parliament Hill. We can offer your members a range of sustainable benefits and a Sustainability Hub, which includes a range of articles and blogs to help support their sustainability practices. To find out more on the Sustainability Group and Parliament Hill’s Sustainability journey, please visit; Our Sustainability Journey You can also learn more about the hub and other benefits we can provide your members here: membershipengagement .