Dear Recycle Lady,

What is the difference between reusing and reducing?

Confused

Dear Confused,

Good Question. Perhaps the simplest definition of reusing is finding another use for a product other than the use for which it was made. For example, using worn out clothing as rags instead of using paper towels, buying reusable items over disposable ones, or buying gently used clothing or furniture at consignment shops, Goodwill, or the Habitat ReStore instead of buying the product new. Contributions of unwanted items to these organizations makes them available for reuse. Reducing means using less or cutting back on the amount used. Taking shorter showers reduces the amount of water and energy you use. Replacing older appliances with Energy Star appliances not only saves energy, but it also reduces greenhouse gas emissions, fossil fuels and oil. Turning off the water while brushing your teeth can save up to 4 gallons of water each time you brush. Taking your own silverware and reusable cup to work instead of using disposable ones both reuses your own items and reduces the amount of trash. Check out this website for more ideas: https://www.epa.gov/recycle/reducing-and-reusing-basics#benefits.

Dear Recycle Lady,

It’s me again. Here is a short video made by Sierra Club that has information on cat litter that you could use for your column. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hm6Gk4Y387M.

Sincerely,

Cat Lover

Dear Cat Lover,

Thanks for the excellent video on cat litter. All cat owners should watch it as it has some important information about disposal of cat litter. Never flush it down the toilet as it may overload the municipal sewer system and many municipal systems can’t eliminate toxoplasma, an organism sometimes found in cat waste. Don’t dump it outside either as this could also spread any parasites present. The best way to dispose of litter is put it in a plastic bag (preferably a biodegradable one), tie it, and then put it in the trash. Best of all, use organic, biodegradable cat litter made from corn, citrus scraps, grains, paper or wood shavings. Has anyone seen this organic litter in a store here? Do let us know.

Dear Recycle Lady,

My husband is getting ready to change the oil in our cars. Is there somewhere locally that accepts used motor oil?

Concerned for the Environment

Dear Concerned,

Yes, there is a local collection station. In the Greenbrier Valley area, used oil can be taken to the Advance Auto Parts store in Fairlea (304-645-5088), located in the Greenbrier Valley Mall on US Route 219 South (Seneca Trail). Motor oil never wears out, it just gets dirty – and it can be recycled, refined and used again. A single quart of motor oil, if disposed of improperly, can contaminate up to 2,000,000 gallons of fresh water. Please encourage your husband to take the used motor oil to Advanced Auto Parts and thanks for writing.

Bad News/Good News: According to research by the University of Indiana, Americans use 85,000,000 tons of paper each year – approximately 680 pounds per person. Each ton of recycled paper can save 17 trees, 380 gallons of oil, three cubic yards of landfill space, 4,000 kilowatts of energy, 7,000 gallons of water and create 60 pounds less air pollution.

Have questions about recycling, or interesting information about recycling? Send questions or requests Recyclelady7@gmail.com. Dear Recycle Lady is sponsored jointly by the Greenbrier Recycling Center and Greenworks Recycling.