There are many benefits to becoming a more thoughtful consumer: buying less, cutting clutter and reducing waste, to name a few. As we begin a new year, consider making a small change that can help you live more resourcefully. Make it easier to adopt the change by choosing one new habit per month, or make a change to an established habit. Who knows, maybe something small will turn into even bigger changes (and benefits!) for you.
Watch Alicia on KATU Afternoon Live, where she shares these tips with host Tra’Renee.
1. Borrow rather than buy to cut clutter
Take advantage of the resources that Portland offers! The online map connects residents to free or low-cost options for living more resourcefully.
The map categories are repair/resale/swap shops, donation centers and lending libraries.
Portland has:
· 4 tool libraries
· 3 kitchen shares
· 3 swap and play spaces
· 1 toy library
Borrow these types of items and more
· Home and yard tools, power tools, table saws
· Juicers, mixers, bread makers, canning equipment
· Toys, games, clothes, books
These community organizations also need support! You can become a member based on the area of the city where you live and volunteer your time or donate your unused items.
The Library of Things (which lends baking equipment, board games and even karaoke machines to members) is available in Hillsboro and is coming soon to Beaverton too, through the county library system.
2. Remember to reuse (and reduce disposables)
Make a reusables kit for your car or day bag, bike bag or purse. Include reusable bags, a coffee or travel mug, produce bags, cutlery or small containers for quick stops or on-the-go items.
After you use something from your kit, replace it as soon as you get home so your kit is always with you, ready for anything. Having an on-the-go kit is especially good if you eat out a lot, make frequent stops at the store, or tend to forget your reusables (we all do!).
3. Resolve to redeem in 2018
As of January 1, 2018, many more kinds of containers now carry a 10-cent deposit. These include bottles and cans for tea, coffee, fruit juice, coconut water, hard cider and kombucha. Beer, soft drinks and water containers continue to require a deposit.
By recycling these containers at a bottle redemption center, the materials are separated and turned into a clean, reliable supply of high-grade recyclable material. The materials are all processed in in the U.S., and for plastic containers, 100 percent of them are recycled in Oregon.
Of course, you can still recycle at the curb – aluminum and plastic go in the recycling cart, and glass goes separately in your other bin. But by redeeming your own containers, you get more money back in your pocket.
Find a BottleDrop Oregon Redemption Center near you!