I find it interesting that many people have talked a lot about recycling and how good it is for the environment. This is very true but I feel that recycling is a last resort before throwing something away (the last R- rubbish). I always encourage people to recycle and here in Ann Arbor and single stream recycling there is no reason not to do so.

I have been able to reuse many things before they end up in the recycle bin- or the trash for that matter. Things like yogurt containers were banned from the recycle bins in Ann Arbor until recently because of the plastic used. I have found good uses for these and other items that would have just been discarded. Yogurt containers are great for storing parts and hardware so it can easily be located. I use the quart containers for painting and finishing- they provide a good air tight seal and eliminate the chance of contaminating the bulk of the product. I know people that I give them to that use them for crafts and projects- very cool!

Many other items can find their way to a second life. I have given many things away through user groups and online services such as Craigs List that local resale shops do not want. Recently, I had a client that bought a new flat screen TV and had a fully functional conventional model- the local resale shops had too many already so I posted it for free and it was gone in a few hours. Yes, it did "cost" me a few minutes of time and effort- but it is much better than having it end up in a landfill.

To me- reducing is the most important thing one can do. If I made my own yogurt I could eliminate the need for store bought containers. Reducing is the hardest thing for most people to do in our society, we are raised to be consumers and want the latest device, implement, or machine without considering the implications.

I struggle with reducing every day in my home and business life. From a cost standpoint something that makes me more productive is a good investment. Do I "need" it- probably not. I do tend to use things beyond their life expectancy- from a cell phone to my truck.

It is reduce, reuse, and recycle in that order. Before you buy something- see if you can get it second hand or borrow it and not only save costs but resources also.