EL Civics Obj.43Environment
Read the
information about
Reusable items.
Then, write your
answer to the
question.
The Savemors hold a garage sale twice a year to sell things that they no longer
want or need, but that can still be used. That way, they not only help the
environment, they make money, too!
If things do not sell,
 You can sell your clothes, and sometimes toys, on consignment. To sell on
consignment, you take the things you want to sell to a consignment store.
The store does not pay you until after it sells your things.
 You can also sell used items through the want ads in your local newspaper.
You will have to pay for the ad.
 Clean, usable household goods, clothes and toys can be donated to many
organizations.
In addition, they know that many everyday items—such as bags, plastic containers,
and coffee cans—can be used more than once. Here are some ideas for how some
things can be reused at home:
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Paper and plastic bags and twist ties can be saved. Bags can be used to clean
up around the house or taken to the store on the next shopping trip. Brown
paper bags are great for wrapping packages to be shipped. Twist ties can be
used to secure wires on appliances or a computer.
Paper and envelopes can be reused to write notes or make lists before being
recycled. Gift boxes can be used again as well as larger pieces of wrapping
paper, tissue paper, ribbons and bows.
Packaging, colored paper, egg cartons, and other items can be used for arts
and crafts projects for school, at day care, or senior citizen centers.
Newspaper, packaging "peanuts," and bubble wrap can be reused to ship
packages.
Adapted from: http://www.epa.gov/recyclecity/mainmap.htm
EL Civics Obj.43Environment
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Glass and plastic jars, milk jugs, coffee cans, dairy and other kinds of
containers can be washed and used to store leftovers, buttons, nails, or
thumbtacks. Empty coffee cans can be turned into flower pots.
Used wood can be made into birdhouses, mailboxes, compost bins, or other
woodworking projects.
BUT motor oil cans or pesticide containers CANNOT be reused because they
contain harmful residues. They must be discarded following the manufacturers'
instructions on the label.
List three ways that you can reuse things at home more often starting
TODAY.
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Adapted from: http://www.epa.gov/recyclecity/mainmap.htm
EL Civics Obj.43Environment
(Alternative reading)
Used household goods, clothes and toys can be reused and recycled.
Household goods are furniture, dishes, silverware, glassware, linens and
mattresses.
Clean, usable household goods, clothes and toys can be donated to many
organizations. Find out if your county has a Community Action Program
that takes donations. Churches often take donations. Depending upon
where you live, some organizations, like the Disabled Veterans and the
Salvation Army, will come to your home to pick up donations. Look in the
Yellow Pages telephone book under “thrift shops” or “furniture used,” to find
a place that takes donations. Some places only take furniture, others only
clothes, or toys. Call ahead to find out if they will take your items.
You can sell your clothes, and sometimes toys, on consignment. To sell on
consignment, you take the things you want to sell to a consignment store.
The store does not pay you until after it sells your things. They will keep
20% to 60% of the sale price. To find a store that will sell your things, look
in the Yellow Pages telephone book under “clothing consignment for
resale.” Call them first, to find out if they are able to take your things, before
bringing your items in.
You can sell things yourself at a garage sale. It is a good idea to go to a
few garage sales first to see how they are handled. A few days before the
garage sale, take all of the items you no longer need, and set them up
neatly in the garage. Be sure to mark the sale price that you want for each
item. It is a good idea to put an ad in the paper that will tell other people the
day, date, and time of your sale. You will have to pay for the ad. Put some
signs on the streets near your home, so the people who are driving by will
know about your sale.
You can also sell used items through the want ads in your local newspaper.
You will have to pay for the ad. Call your newspaper, tell them you want to
place a classified ad, and what you want the ad to say. Include your phone
number.
Adapted from: http://www.epa.gov/recyclecity/mainmap.htm