Land Phil loves
a second chance.
What does a second chance look like? Well, it looks like taking the time to repair items instead of tossing them, fixing clothing that can be mended, and donating items that still have plenty of life left so someone else can enjoy them.
Get creative!
Recognizing the potential in items that would otherwise get thrown in the garbage can prevent a significant amount of waste. Taking your water bottle or coffee mug to be refilled reduces the use of disposable cups. Those plastic tubs that hold butter or yogurt? They can be washed and reused to store other food. Empty glass bottles make fantastic vases. Old jeans and shirts are perfect for becoming cleaning rags or tote bags. When it comes to reusing, the only limits are those defined by your imagination.
If it’s broke, fix it.
Yes, yes, Phil knows. It can take a little more time to fix something than to buy it new again. However, fixing items that can be repaired saves many appliances, electronics, and clothing (textiles) from taking a one-way trip to Land Phil. Plus, you can learn a whole new set of skills—carpentry, sewing, or ceramics, for example.
Be a good neighbor.
For items that still have plenty of use left, consider holding a garage sale, gifting them to a friend or family member, or donating them to one of the many terrific organizations in and around Lincoln that accept secondhand goods. Land Phil gets warm and fuzzy feelings when he sees our community being a good neighbor by sharing items that would otherwise be wasted.
Where good stuff
goes next.
Not sure where to start? We’ve done the digging for you. From thrift stores and donation centers to repair pros and reuse hubs, these places make it easy to keep things out of the garbage and in circulation.
Take a scroll, pick a spot, and make a small move that adds up to something big.
Not on this list, but should be? Let us know at recycle@lincoln.ne.gov!