7 Reasons to Reuse, Repurpose and Recycle After 60

In today’s world, the importance of sustainability and environmental consciousness cannot be overstated. As we become more aware of the impact of our actions on the planet, it’s crucial for everyone, especially those of us over 60, to lead the way in adopting eco-friendly practices.

The good news is that the movement toward recycling, repurposing, and reusing is gaining momentum. Communities are coming together, innovative projects are popping up, and there’s a growing sense of responsibility towards reducing waste.

Have you got a stack of yogurt containers, microwave meal bowls or a shelf full of empty jars? Most of us keep food containers as we hate to throw them out. We figure that eventually we’ll find a use for them.

Maybe we think a use will miraculously present itself. Or that we’ll meet someone who needs them. Regardless of the reason, we seem to hang on to things that have already fulfilled their original purpose.

So, instead of hanging on to this junk, waiting for some kind of enlightenment, we need to do something with it.

Here are a few good reasons why we need to reuse, repurpose and recycle when we’re over 60. Also, in this article, you’ll find practical tips and DIY projects, apps to help you recycle and reuse, and a list of books and YouTube channels that talk about this crucial issue.

Our Homes Are Full… So Reuse, Repurpose and Recycle!

Getting rid of clutter makes us feel lighter, less stressed and more at ease. When we are outgrowing our homes because of the stuff we have, it’s time to get rid of the stuff, not to move to a bigger space.

I don’t mean finding storage space, I mean doing something with it all. The emotional benefits from having a leaner home far outweigh the need to keep things in case we find a use for them.

If your home is jam-packed, you could be experiencing anxiety from the clutter. Check out my Sixty and Me article on Going on a Home Diet in Your 60s for the emotional benefits of downsizing.

When your home is full, it’s time to reuse, repurpose and recycle, to claim back your space and peace of mind.

Environmental Impact 

Understanding the environmental impact of our waste is essential to motivating ourselves to reuse, repurpose, and recycle.

The Growing Plastic Problem

• Global Plastic Production: Each year, approximately 380 million tons of plastic are produced worldwide. A significant portion of this ends up as waste, with only about 9% being recycled.
• Ocean Pollution: An estimated 8 million tons of plastic waste enter our oceans annually. 
• Longevity of Plastic: Most plastics take hundreds of years to decompose. This means that virtually every piece of plastic ever made still exists in some form, contributing to long-term environmental pollution.

Waste Generation and Landfills

• Annual Waste Production: The average person generates about 4.5 pounds of waste per day, totaling over 1,600 pounds of waste per year.
• Landfill Space: Landfills are rapidly filling up. In the United States alone, landfills received 139.6 million tons of municipal solid waste in 2018.
• Decomposition Rates: Different materials decompose at different rates. For example, paper takes about 2-6 weeks to decompose, while aluminum cans can take up to 200 years, and glass bottles can take over a million years.

Benefits of Recycling

• Energy Savings: Recycling one ton of paper can save 17 trees, 7,000 gallons of water, and enough energy to power an average American home for six months.
• Resource Conservation: Recycling aluminum saves 95% of the energy required to make the same amount of aluminum from raw materials. Similarly, recycling glass saves about 30% of the energy used in new glass production.
• Carbon Footprint Reduction: Recycling helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For instance, recycling steel saves 1.5 tons of carbon dioxide for every ton of steel recycled.

Impact of Repurposing and Reusing

• Reduction in Resource Extraction: Repurposing and reusing items reduce the demand for new raw materials, thus decreasing the environmental impact of mining, logging, and manufacturing.
• Waste Diversion: By repurposing and reusing, we can divert significant amounts of waste from landfills and oceans. For example, reusing a glass jar instead of buying a new one reduces the need for new glass production and keeps the jar out of the waste stream.
• Economic Benefits: Repurposing and reusing items can also save money and resources, both for individuals and communities. It promotes a circular economy where products and materials are kept in use for as long as possible.

The Plastic Island in the Pacific Ocean Is Enormous

Recycling is so important. It ensures that the items don’t end up in garbage landfills or in the mass of plastic in the Pacific Ocean. When I googled the size of this mass, I found it’s double the size of Texas and triple the size of France!

That’s incredible. I definitely don’t want to add to it, and I’m sure you don’t either. Recycling ensures that the items are broken down and used in other products. It keeps them out of landfills and from being duped in the ocean.

Helps Reduce Our Spending

Most of us live on a budget. We shouldn’t spend our money when we can reuse something we already have. Why buy containers when we can use yogurt tubs? Why buy plastic bags when we can reuse the ones we have?

There is a wealth of ideas online on how to reuse so many things, like plastic containers, glass jars, toweling and bedding.

These are just a few of the common things we hang on to, long past their due date. We can save money and reduce unnecessary spending by finding ways to reuse and repurpose.

Keeps Us Busy

You’ll find you’re never bored if you look for ways to reuse and repurpose items found around your home. There are many websites full of ideas, along with videos on how to easily transform the items into more usable things.

It Gives Us Something to Talk About

Talking about repurposing items makes great conversation starters, even with strangers. There are endless interesting and creative ways to make something useful, and it’s fun to talk about this.

Such discussion and the sharing of ideas usually sparks more discussion on how to transform other things. And this gives fuel for continuing and new conversations, and new ideas, and more discussions…

Provides an Opportunity to Be Creative

You’ll surprise yourself with your ideas on how to transform your clutter. Let your creative juices flow. Maybe you’ll never actually transform the objects, but you’ll have fun thinking about it. You may find that your creativity is uplifting, and that you enjoy coming up with creative ideas.

You may even start to feel very proud of yourself for being so innovative. Being creative is a wonderful way to help reduce depression, loneliness and stress. We can all use a lift as we get older. A bit of positive energy goes a long way to make us feel good about our day.

Connects Us with Others

There are so many groups and clubs trying to help reduce our garbage footprint. If there isn’t a group in your area, start one. Put up a sign in the local supermarket, senior centre, or on a local Facebook page. Find others trying to make a difference.

You’ll be surprised at the number of seniors interested in helping out. It’s a good reason to have a weekly meeting at the local coffee shop, to come up with ideas, plan activities, and make a difference.

You could even prepare a presentation to give in your neighbourhood, maybe at a nearby senior’s home. Share suggestions for reusing and repurposing to enlighten others on how they can get involved and make a difference.

We all need to get involved with this. When I think about how much I love yogurt, I now have visions of towering stacks of my used yogurt containers.

It’s mind-boggling when I realize the garbage footprint I’ve had on the planet. My own garbage would probably be a mass the size of a city. It’s like science fiction when I think about this, but it’s not; it’s all real.

I’m trying as much as possible to reuse and repurpose, and to recycle my waste. I’m making cat and dog toys with discarded clothing and bedding, making grocery tote bags from dry food packaging, and composting all my food waste to use as fertilizer in my garden.

Practical Tips and DIY Projects

Repurposing common household items can be both fun and rewarding. Not only does it reduce waste, but it also allows you to get creative and make unique, useful items for your home. 

Turn Old Jars into Storage Containers

Empty glass jars from jams, sauces, or pickles can be transformed into attractive storage containers. Simply clean them thoroughly and remove any labels. You can paint the lids for a more polished look or leave them as is for a rustic feel. Use these jars to store dry goods in your kitchen, like rice, pasta, or spices. They also make great containers for craft supplies, bathroom essentials, or small hardware items.

Yogurt Containers as Planters

Yogurt containers make excellent small planters for herbs or succulents. Poke a few drainage holes in the bottom, fill them with soil, and plant your favorite herbs or small plants. You can decorate the containers with paint, stickers, or fabric to match your décor. Place them on a sunny windowsill and enjoy fresh herbs all year round.

Repurpose Towels into Cleaning Rags

Old towels that are too worn for bath use can be cut into smaller pieces and used as cleaning rags. They are perfect for dusting, wiping down surfaces, or cleaning up spills. This is a great way to extend the life of your towels and reduce the need to buy disposable cleaning cloths.

Use Wine Corks for Bulletin Boards

If you have a collection of wine corks, why not turn them into a functional and decorative bulletin board? Glue the corks together in a pattern of your choice on a piece of sturdy cardboard or a wooden frame. This creates a unique board where you can pin notes, reminders, or photos. 

Transform Tin Cans into Desk Organizers

Empty tin cans can be turned into stylish desk organizers. Remove the labels and paint the cans in your favorite colors or wrap them in decorative paper. Use them to hold pens, pencils, scissors, and other office supplies. You can also use these decorated cans to organize utensils in your kitchen or tools in your garage.

Create a Compost Bin from a Plastic Container

A large plastic container with a lid can be converted into a compost bin. Drill holes in the lid and sides for ventilation. Fill the container with kitchen scraps, garden waste, and other compostable materials. Turn the contents regularly to speed up the composting process. In a few months, you’ll have rich compost to nourish your garden.

Make Fabric Scraps into Quilts or Rugs

If you have leftover fabric scraps from sewing projects, consider making a patchwork quilt or a braided rug. These projects are perfect for using up small pieces of fabric and can result in beautiful, handmade items for your home. There are plenty of online tutorials to guide you through the process, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter.

Technology and Apps

In today’s digital age, technology can be a powerful ally in our efforts to reuse, repurpose, and recycle. There are numerous apps and online tools designed to help us make eco-friendly choices easier and more accessible.

Recycling and Waste Management Apps

• iRecycle: This app helps you find local recycling centers for various materials. Simply enter the item you want to recycle, and iRecycle will provide nearby locations and detailed information on how to recycle it properly.
• RecycleNation: This app offers a comprehensive database of recycling information, including locations, hours, and accepted materials. It also provides tips and articles on recycling and waste reduction.
• Recycle Coach: This app provides personalized recycling schedules, reminders, and local disposal guidelines. It also includes a search tool to help you determine what can and cannot be recycled in your area.

DIY and Upcycling Apps

• Pinterest: While not specifically a recycling app, Pinterest is a treasure trove of DIY and upcycling ideas. You can find endless inspiration and step-by-step guides for repurposing household items.
• Craftsy: This app offers a variety of online classes and tutorials on crafts, including upcycling and repurposing projects. Learn new skills and get creative with materials you already have.
• Instructables: This community-driven app provides thousands of DIY projects, including many focused on upcycling and repurposing. Detailed instructions and user comments make it easy to follow along and succeed with your projects.

Community and Sharing Apps

• Freecycle: Join the Freecycle network to give away items you no longer need and find things you can use for free. It’s a great way to keep items out of landfills and help others in your community.
• OLIO: This app connects neighbors to share surplus food and household items, reducing waste and building community. Post items you want to give away or find free items nearby.
• Nextdoor: While primarily a neighborhood networking app, Nextdoor often has groups and posts about recycling, upcycling, and repurposing. Connect with local residents to share tips, resources, and items.

Environmental Impact Tracker

• My Little Plastic Footprint: This app helps you reduce your plastic consumption by providing tips and tracking your progress. It also offers challenges and educational content on the impact of plastic waste.

Additional Resources

For those looking to dive deeper into the world of reusing, repurposing, and recycling, here are some excellent resources that offer a wealth of information and inspiration. 

Books

• Zero Waste Home by Bea Johnson: This book is a comprehensive guide to reducing waste in every aspect of your life. Bea Johnson shares her journey to a zero-waste lifestyle and provides practical tips and easy-to-follow steps.
• Plastic-Free: How I Kicked the Plastic Habit and How You Can Too by Beth Terry: Beth Terry offers a personal account of her quest to eliminate plastic from her life. The book is packed with practical advice and actionable steps to reduce plastic use.
• Waste Not: Make a Big Difference by Throwing Away Less by Erin Rhoads: This book provides simple, achievable tips for reducing waste and living more sustainably. It covers everything from reducing food waste to making your own cleaning products.

YouTube Channels

• The Minimal Mom: Dawn from The Minimal Mom shares tips on decluttering, minimalism, and reducing waste. Her practical advice and easy-to-follow projects make sustainable living accessible to everyone.
• Gittemary Johansen: Gittemary focuses on zero waste and sustainable living. Her channel features DIY projects, eco-friendly tips, and discussions on living a low-impact lifestyle.
• Shelbizleee: Shelbi provides videos on zero waste, sustainability, and eco-friendly living. Her content includes product reviews, DIY projects, and tips for reducing waste in daily life.

Online Communities

• Reddit – Zero Waste: This subreddit is a community where people share tips, ideas, and experiences related to zero waste living. It’s a great place to find support and inspiration from like-minded individuals.
• Facebook – Journey to Zero Waste: A large and active Facebook group where members share their zero waste journeys, ask questions, and offer advice. It’s a supportive space for anyone looking to reduce their waste.

These additional resources can provide you with the knowledge, inspiration, and support you need to make a meaningful impact on your environmental footprint. Happy reusing, repurposing, and recycling!

Let’s Have a Conversation:

How do you recycle, reuse and repurpose? Are you committed to reducing the amount of waste in your life? Are there any community groups in your area focused on recycling? Please share any tips you have found helpful in your journey to recycling.