We Chose to Buy it Used

As avid followers of the 3 R’s, we are all familiar with how the planet benefits when we make the choice to reuse. We are also well aware that when we avoid purchasing brand new items whenever possible, it’s great for our pocketbooks too!  The University of Rochester’s recycling office practices what it preaches and had a golden opportunity to live up to its name, thanks to our friends and neighbors at RIT.

RIT used to use the same Slim Jim lids for recycling containers as we do over here. You know, the blue ones with slits designed to collect paper and the green ones with holes for bottles and cans. But RIT recently switched to a single stream collection system which made these lids obsolete for their purposes. So, the RIT recycling team generously reached out to us to see if we would be interested in purchasing some of their used lids at a discounted price. We enthusiastically obliged.

The result is a win-win situation for both Rochester colleges. RIT doesn’t have to live with the guilt of turning their former recycling equipment into trash, and we get more equipment for our campus without having to take such a big budget hit.

This time of year has a tendency to get kind of hectic as holiday planning and shopping move into full swing. But let’s take the time to slow down and remember the 3 R’s whenever we can. Maybe there is a used item out there that would make a perfect gift for someone special on your list. Perhaps this is the year that you will save on postage and send out holiday e-cards instead. Tis the season to indulge, but make an effort pay attention to how much waste you are generating in the process. But most of all, take the time to enjoy those who are dear to you during this special time of year and always. One other thing that we all know around here is that the time goes by way too fast!