Tip 6: Borrow, rent, or share items used infrequently
eldom-used
items, like certain power tools and party goods, often collect dust, rust,
take up valuable storage space, and ultimately end up in the trash. Consider
renting or borrowing these items the next time they're needed. Infrequently
used items also might be shared among neighbors, friends, or family. Borrowing,
renting, or sharing items saves both money and natural resources.
Rent
or borrow party decorations and supplies such as tables, chairs, centerpieces,
linens, dishes, and silverware.
Rent
or borrow seldom-used audiovisual equipment.
Rent
or borrow tools such as ladders, chain saws, floor buffers, rug cleaners,
and garden tillers. In apartment buildings or co-ops, residents can pool
resources and form "banks" to share tools or other equipment
used or needed infrequently. In addition, some communities have "tool
libraries" where residents can borrow equipment as needed.
Before
discarding old tools, camera equipment, or other goods, ask friends, relatives,
neighbors, or community groups if they can use them.
Share
newspapers and magazines with others to extend the lives of these items
and reduce the generation of waste paper.
