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Reduce/Refuse
Skip the single-use plastic bags, bottles, straws, and utensils by carrying your own! You'll also save money on buying bottled water- did you know New York City tapwater is the best in the country? You can also buy package-free products, like detergent bars and bulk items.
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Reuse/Refill
Glass jars can be used for storing leftovers or packing a lunch- you can even make a salad in a jar! Did you know you can bring your own containers for bulk items at the co-op? Just have the container weighed at the customer service desk before you fill it!
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Recycle
We all know we can recycle paper, glass, and plastic at home. But you can also recycle textiles and electronics at community recycling events and health and beauty packaging through Terracycle!
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Rent/Borrow
Did you know that in addition to books, CDs, and DVDs, the Brooklyn Public Library loans out musical instruments and board games? And in just a few weeks, you can begin borrowing tools from the Flatbush Tool Library! You can also rent instead of buying clothing for a special occasion or host or participate in a clothing swap!
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Repair/Restore/Refurbish
Household item in need of work? Check out the Brooklyn Repair Cafe! Clothes need repair? Check out a mending workshop at your local library. Buying refurbished electronics instead of new items saves you money and helps keep down the environmental impact of manufacturing new items.
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Repurpose/Restyle
T-shirt too tattered to wear or repair? Upcycle it!
Make new items from rags, pillows, or even plastic bags!
Restyle a worn backpack or wear something you already own in a new way.Check out even more ideas on our DIY and Sustainable Living Pinterest boards!