It is important to recognize that the sustained growth in reuse efforts, as well as the sustained interest of the reuse industry, derives in large measure from the solid waste reduction hierarchy: Reduce, Reuse, then Recycle. It is best to reduce first, reuse as a second option, then to resort to recycling. Reuse is recognized as being distinct from recycling, both in doctrine, and in the handling of the materials this unique industry diverts from the waste stream. Recyclers have successfully kept materials out of the landfill by collecting, segregating, processing and manufacturing their collected goods into new products. Reusers, on the other hand, with little or no processing, keep materials out the waste stream by passing the goods they collect on to others. Reuse is a means to prevent solid waste from entering the landfill, improve our communities, and increase the material, educational and occupational wellbeing of our citizens by taking useful products discarded by those who no longer want them and providing them to those who do. In many cases, reuse supports local community and social programs while providing donating businesses with tax benefits and reduced disposal fees.
For all their convenience, eating with disposable cutlery isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
For one thing, these tend to be painfully small. For another thing, regardless of the quality, they’re still essentially flimsy plastic. This means that they might break at absolutely the worst time—like while you try to eat.
No matter how “cheap” you go with reusable cutlery, it’s still going to be more durable.
The really “affordable” ones might bend a little when used with a little more vigour, but at least they’re never going to break apart when you’re eating.
Reusable Is Far More Durable
For all their convenience, eating with disposable cutlery isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
For one thing, these tend to be painfully small. For another thing, regardless of the quality, they’re still essentially flimsy plastic. This means that they might break at absolutely the worst time—like while you try to eat.
No matter how “cheap” you go with reusable cutlery, it’s still going to be more durable.
The really “affordable” ones might bend a little when used with a little more vigour, but at least they’re never going to break apart when you’re eating.
Reusable Is Way Healthier
Consider the disposable cutlery handed to you. Where was it stored? Was it handled by someone with dirty hands? What were the manufacturing conditions it was born into?
Did its maker have any true quality control? Disinfection? Higher standards?
Of course, you could argue and then go and wash your disposable cutlery. But that defeats the purpose of it being far more convenient.
You’d be better off with reusable cutlery. Unless you’re terrible at the basic task of washing things up, you’re golden.
Reusable Means Value-Added!
Reusing an item means that it continues to be a valuable, useful, productive item, and replaces new items that would utilize more water, energy, timber, petroleum, and other limited natural resources in their manufacture. Businesses can save significant dollars in disposal by reselling or donating items that are no longer needed. Many chemicals and solvents that are no longer useful to one organization, can be used in other applications by other organizations. This method of “materials exchange” results in disposal savings by the generating company, and saving in the purchase of the material by the recipient organization. Reuse adds value!.
