How To Reduce Your Household Waste And Benefit Your Local Community

Sep 1, 2020 | Blog

Waste is a serious issue in today’s society. Our mentality and the accessibility of new products have made it easy for us to buy more than we need and then throw them away without further consideration.

Across America, households dump more than 250 million tons of material, of which much is recyclable. Some of it is even new and unused.

These items could make a significant difference in the lives of those who don’t have a lot of money or resources. They need your support now more than ever before, so you should consider helping by donating your unneeded items.

At Dorchester Habitat for Humanity, we know better than most how devastating having very little can be. We also want to reduce waste and help the planet rejuvenate for the next generation.

To help homeowners throughout the Summerville, South Carolina area to reduce their waste and give back to the community, we’ve put together this practical guide. 

Shop Sensibly 

It would help if you tried to shop sensibly to reduce your chances of waste. Whenever you consider buying a new product, think about whether you need it or not.

You should also consider if you will use the product or if you are likely to keep it in storage and then throw it away later. If you’re not sure if you’ll use the product, then consider borrowing one from a friend who has one or buying the product from a store that allows for returns if you don’t like or new your new item.

When you’re trying to shop sensibly, you should consider avoiding browsing the internet for new items. Instead, you should make a list and set a budget before going to any store or starting online shopping.

By reducing the number of items that you throw away, you’ll save yourself money and reduce your impact on the environment. 

Repair Your Existing Items

When your furniture and clothes get old and worn out, it’s tempting to throw them away and replace them with new items.

However, it would be best if you considered repairing more of your possessions to save yourself money and reduce the number of items you throw away every year.

If the item is something you use regularly, and you’re not sure how to repair it correctly, then consider taking it to a professional. Often, fixing the item will cost less than it would replace it, so you’ll still save money.

By repairing your items instead of replacing them, you’ll save waste and help local companies fix clothes or upholstery items. 

You will also value your items more and come to respect them and treat them with more respect. This approach might sound extreme, but it is a great way to save money and the planet at the same time. 

Offer The Things You Don’t Need To Others.

If you clear out your home and decide that you don’t need some of your possessions, consider offering them to others.

Friends or family that don’t have much money might benefit from your generosity, so offer your item to people you know before getting rid of it. 

The team at Dorchester Habitat for Humanity understands how much joy and help you can offer by donating the items that you don’t need to those who face financial hardship. 

If you know someone struggling, especially during this challenging economic situation, offer them as much assistance as possible. 

Donate Unwanted Items To Charity 

As well as donating items to your friends and family who are less fortunate, it would help if you also considered offering them to charitable organizations like ours. 

Our ReStore shop stocks a wide range of items, including clothing, used furniture, household items, books, DVDs, working technology, and more.

As such, you can donate anything that you might have but don’t need to us. If you’re unsure what you can donate, reach out to us or check our website for full details.

We also accept quality building materials and tools, some of which we use to build homes for those in need throughout Summerville and throughout the Dorchester county area.

Learn About How Hard It Is For Those Experiencing Financial Hardship

To put yourself off wasting money and buying unnecessary items, consider learning more about the lives of those who need financial support.

By learning about how challenging their lives are, you will learn to appreciate everything you have and become more careful with your money.

Consider attending one of Dorchester Habitat For Humanity’s events, where we discuss our work and the importance of supporting those in need throughout the county. 

At these events, you can have fun, learn about those in need, and contribute to our vital work. As such, they’re the perfect activity for those who want to give back to the community and improve their own lives.  

Find Other Ways To Give Back To The Community

As well as donating your household items, such as furniture and clothing, to charity, there are other ways to support your community.

Our non profit organization Dorchester Habitat for Humanity, offers individuals across the Summerville, South Carolina area the chance to give back and help the less fortunate in many different ways.

If you have the time, please consider volunteering and helping us make homeownership a reality for those who’ve faced struggles in life. 

As well as time and resources, we also need money to continue with our vital work. If you have any money to spare, then we can put it to good use. You can donate or join our Carpenter’s Club and regularly contribute to making a difference in your community. 

For anyone who’s still unsure how they can help us in our vital work, please contact us. We can discuss the options and find the one that will work best for you and our community.

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