Rethink Home Goods
Rethink home goods
Why?
If you’re like many people, you’ve become accustomed to buying new home goods whenever you think you need them. But what if you paused before each purchase? What if you shared more of the things you use less often?
Or what if you found other ways to extend the life of products such as electronics? Not only would this save money, but it would lighten the pressure on our planet.
Reduce & share home goods
Let's start at the very beginning and think first about reducing or refusing: For example, stop buying more than you need and refuse unsolicited mail advertising!
Then, think about what you can share. How many households have tools or equipment they use only a few times a year? These items take up space, cost money, and require resources to be produced. Sharing is a great option. Consider creating a list of tools and equipment you and your neighbors are willing to share. Or check out the Santa Rosa Tool Library, which offers hand and power tools for landscaping and home repair. Maybe Petaluma can follow their lead and create one closer to home.
And don't forget to avoid single-use packaging, whenever possible. Use refillable containers for common household goods like dishsoap, laundry soap, shampoo and more. We are luck enough to have our very own downtown zero waste store: Refill Mercantile!
Resources
Direct Mail: National Do Not Mail List
Olio: Your local sharing app
Nextdoor?
Eartheasy: How to Start a Neighborhood Tool Share
Petaluma zero waste store: Refill Mercantile
Give planet-friendly gifts
As for tangible gifts, think about the lifecycle of the object you are buying. Where did it come from and how was it made? How long will it last and where will it go at the end of its usefulness? Look for low-impact and long-lasting stuff.
Support local artisans by shopping at craft fairs and international artisans by looking for the "fair trade" label.
For kids, shy away from buying new plastic and don't be afraid to give gently used toys and games. Wooden train sets, board games, and puzzles can be passed down to younger friends with no less enjoyment.
Try shopping at antique or thrift stores. You can find some great stuff at a fraction of the price while contributing to a circular economy.
No matter the gift, wrap it in eco-friendly materials or use reusable gift bags over and over.
Help others with their gift giving:
Organize a children’s clothing and toy swap.
Instead of giving to ALL your family and friends, organize a Secret Santa or White Elephant gift exchange. A White Elephant bonus? It’s sure to elicit the gift of laughter!
Have a re-gift party where everyone brings something they already own to trade.
Petaluma zero waste store: Refill Mercantile
Yelp: Antique store in Petaluma
Recology, Daily Acts & the City of Petaluma: Zero Waste During the Holidays
FoodPrint: 8 Ideas for Eco-Friendly Gift Wrap for Food Gifts
Repair & repurpose home goods
Now that we’ve reduced our need for new stuff, we can think about repairing or repurposing what we do have. Attend a fix-it clinic. Check out the Zero Waste Home resource and Zero Waste North Bay’s annual Zero Waste Week and other local events for more ideas. Get creative with your repurpose ideas and try to “upcycle” your stuff into something even better.
iFixIt: Explore a World of Repair
Repair Cafe: Toss it? No way!
Good Housekeeping: 65 Useful and Easy Upcycling Ideas for Every Skill Level
Zero Waste Sonoma: DIY Ideas
Resell & give away home goods
You’ve heard the saying, “Your trash is my treasure” (and vice versa). There’s some truth – and value – to it, as long as you don’t take it to an extreme. It’s great to find homes for the things you no longer need. But avoid giving away mounds of stuff you’ve purchased in frequent shopping sprees. Before you donate, check to see if the organization is accepting the items you wish to give away. Maybe host a neighborhood home goods yard sale.
Buy & resell baby and kids’ gear: Petaluma Kids Gear
Online hubs to buy & sell: eBay & Mercari & Facebook Marketplace
Yelp: Best donation drop off near Petaluma, California
Copperfield’s Books Underground in Petaluma (Used & Rare Books)
Reduce & recycle electronics
Contrary to widespread claims, consumer electronics and other digital technologies cause some of the worst environmental disasters of our time – including serious occupational hazards, toxic pollution, and rising energy consumption. According to a report by the World Health Organization and UN Environment Program, global electronic waste (e-waste) reached more than 50 million tons in 2019 – and could more than double by 2050. But less than 20 percent of e-waste gets recycled.
Much action is needed on a global scale, but here’s where you can get started: Whenever possible, repair electronics or upgrade and install more memory. Only buy new electronics when repair or upgrade is not an option, not when you find yourself attracted to the latest bells and whistles. Recycle devices responsibly. And advocate for the “right to repair,” which requires manufacturers to provide information about repair and tools to third parties.
UN report: Time to seize opportunity, tackle challenge of e-waste
NY Times: Fix, or Toss? The ‘Right to Repair’ Movement Gains Ground
Zero Waste Sonoma: Electronic (E-Waste) Waste Disposal
Organize a block yard sale
A neighborhood yard sale can bring a lot more customers to your door. Plus, they can be a lot of fun!
Talk to your neighbors about doing a joint yard sale. Pick a day that will be good for the community and should be good for weather. Then share the advertising resposibilities to make sure the town knows to come. At the end of the day, you can also share taking leftover items to the thrift stores.
For even more impact, go all in and organize a citywide garage sale! Here are some tips.
