If you think about it, almost every appliance we have can be reused. From food containers to grocery bags. There are so many uses in everyday items, we just need to look at a bigger picture. Think about it, what are all the things you could do with a single tote bag? On top of reusing materials we also have this wonderful system called "hand-me-downs". Handing down things that you do not use or want anymore could be in great need of someone else, whether it is your parents, future children, or a stranger. There are wonderful associations that help the process of donating and exchanging reusable products. Companies like Goodwill, public recycling drop off stations, and other donation centers are easy ways to help your community reduce carbon emissions.
My sources:
http://www.goodwill.org/
https://www.wm.com/us/facility-locator

I agree with your point Katharine, and I like what you are saying. As the youngest of four kids in a family of six, I know all about hand-me-downs. In fact, the clothes I wear to school every single day are all hand-me-downs. I believe that they are a very ethical way to save fabric, not to mention save money. You can also reuse other common household items such as appliances.

I agree as well. Instead of throwing away clothes that we do not want, we could also donate to the victims of Hurricane Harvey. For example, I have many friends that have been deeply affected by this hurricane, and it'd be really helpful if people could donate things to them because they have lost a lot. Not only that, but my family and I have been donating to people we don't even know and it has helped them a great deal.

Recently, I overheard my mom talking about diaper waste. disposable ones sit in landfills for many years and wreak havoc on the environment. She recently switched to using reusable cloth diapers on my little sister, but she commented that washing multiple cloth diapers a day uses a lot of water. This brings me to a question: What is worse for the environment? Disposable diapers, or the water used to clean reusable ones? Maybe the eco-friendly versions of disposables are actually better?

I agree, we can reuse everything we have. handing your clothes down to your younger sibling is a good way to reuse them. I personally love getting hand-me-downs from my older sisters and I'm sure everyone does. Shopping at thrift stores is also a way to reuse things that aren't bad yet. Everyone should start shopping at thrift stores.

Clothes manufacturing has  HUGE footprint, both carbon and water footprint! The diaper question is a good one, kp. I still believe cloth is better, though!

I agree as well, I don't have any siblings but I love getting hand-me-downs from cousins and friends. I personally think that reusing clothes is incredibly helpful to the environment. Also, donating clothes helps others who don't have the money to buy new clothes.

I really agree with Teresaricher. Though some may think that used clothing is gross or unsanitary, it really helps our planet. According to Alternet.org,  the clothing the the second largest polluter second to only oil. Some may think that organic clothing would help the earth and be more environmentally green, but in fact an organic pair of jeans and just one organic t-shirt can take up to 5,000 gallons of water to produce. one the other had synthetic clothing may not be quite as water intensive, but it has sever issues with managing its pollution. Any way you look at it the fashion industry is a major contributor to global warming. Thus, shopping at thrift store or getting Hand-me-downs really can make a huge difference in the fashion industry and helping save our planet.

You all make very good points. Almost anything we use can be reused or repurposed to help reduced the amount of waste humans produce. From plastic bags, plastic water bottles, and clothes. For example, we can use hand-me-downs instead of always buying new clothes. Even though I also don’t have siblings I know that donating clothes is a great way to help reduce the carbon footprint.

I agree with Jessica. Cutting down the amount of clothes you buy from stores like Urban Outfitters, Forever 21, and H&M is fantastic for the environment. instead you can go to thrift stores and find some really cool, cheap name brand stuff.

I definitely think that reusing things is a great idea. We need to all be more resourceful and if you aren't using something for its actual purpose then you could always reuse it as something else or you could give it to someone else who will use it. Great thinking!!

I agree with you Katherine, but only to a certain point, there is only so much you can wear/ use something, like if it has holes in it or something. But a great way to still be reusing is by just even taking reusable bags for shopping. Donating stuff you don't use to Goodwill or other donations places.

I completely agree, even if you cant get clothes from family or friends you can even go to the thrift store which has clothing for really cheap. Reusing things is really important for the environment and even the little things like reusing water bottles or anything in general, helps our earth.

I totally agree with the points above. if you don't have the money to go shopping if you want to help out your carbon footprint you should donate your used clothes to thrift stores and good will. This will benefit lots of people including you! If. you are not able to resuse something you should go to the thrift shop instead of buying all new clothes. I think it is important to donate you clothes to help out your carbon footprint and to keep the environment clean.