Reuse, Reuse, Reuse

It's probably pics like this that have
me confused. Source.

So, after last week's post, I searched high & low for the origins of the waste hierarchy to find out if I was just imagining a time when the "recycle" came first. The closest I came was the Wikipedia article linked above that reads, "the waste hierarchy has taken many forms over the past decade". I other words, I may have totally imagined the "recycle, reuse, reduce" thing, or maybe not. If I did, it wouldn't be the first time.

Regardless, I'm here today to talk more about reusing. I was reading BikeHacks the other day and they have some great stuff about reusing all sorts of old things as fenders, bumpers, or other functional bicycle parts. I am totally inspired now to make my own bicycle fenders (which I need, badly, unless I'd like to continue being covered in grit and mud every time it rains) instead of buying. I'm eying some water bottles we've managed to collect to see if I can do something with them.

Source.

And speaking of water bottles... If you don't have a reusable one yet, maybe it's time to think about getting one. They'll go in the dishwasher, they come in every colour and interest imaginable, and they're cheaper than buying case after case of bottled water. If you just can't handle tap water, you can even get one of those nifty filter pitchers (we have one because the Austin water is icky) and still save money. Or, get a reusable water bottle with an itty bitty filter inside, so you're good no matter where you are.

This is an easy, easy way to cut back on waste. Plus, it's kind of trendy and stylish right now, so you don't have to worry about looking like an enviro-nut if that's not your thing. Or, if you're opposed to all things trendy but do want to reuse, get your hands on a simple glass bottle (I have a couple of Tazo and Snapple bottles that I use) or pull out an old Mason jar from the cupboard. See, not only is this one easy, but it's also versatile.

And to go along with your reusable water bottle, don't forget about coffee mugs. The reusable travel mugs have come a long way in the past five years-- I have to admit, I'm waiting for my current travel mug to bite the dust so I can get one of those pretty ceramic ones. I think they're fab. And this one comes with a bonus: Starbucks, to name but one that we are all familiar with, gives a discount to any customer who brings in any reusable mug. Many of the local coffee shops in Austin do the same; your mileage may vary. Call up your favourite local dispenser of caffeinated happiness to see what they will do for you.

Do you have a reusable coffee mug? A reusable water bottle? Are they the trendy new kind, or are you an old-school use-what-I-have-hand type of drinker?