Reuse existing supplies in new ways, for new purposes.
Welcome to Week 26 of 50 Ways to Reduce Your Waste Line. Last week, we talked about reusing misprinted or misfed office paper by turning it into scratch pad note paper before recycling it. This week, we ask you to get creative and repurpose office supplies before recycling them. Getting more life out of your office supplies will reduce the amount of waste your office produces as well as the need to manufacture new products, which will ultimately reduce pollution and the extraction of natural materials from nature; it helps on both ends of the cycle!
One Thing You Can Do:
Reuse file folders, instead of recycling once they have served their original purpose, by changing out the labels. Non-confidential documents can also be reused for scrap/note paper.
Use old envelopes as wall art and device holders (Image courtesy of Brit+Co (https://www.brit.co/12-newspaper/) via https://www.brit.co/repurpose-office-supplies/) .
Floppy discs can be transformed into planters (Image courtesy of Brit+Co (http://www.brit.co/diy-floppy-disk-planters/) via https://www.brit.co/repurpose-office-supplies/).
Use old erasers as earring backings (Image courtesy of Real Simple via https://www.brit.co/repurpose-office-supplies/).
Additional Information:
Here are four simple tips to help conserve office supplies:
· Ask yourself if you really need a hard copy when printing
· Make double-sided copies
· Reuse packaging materials
· Reuse general office supplies (e.g. binders, pencils and pens, rubber bands)
You can find various creative ideas to reuse office supplies at this site. For other office reuse tips, please click here!
