There’s a lot of stuff that might be considered trash, but before you throw something away, think about the possible uses for it. These are partially full cleaning supplies and pesticides, well, there’s also a random bottle of unopened champagne too. Just because it’s half empty (or half full, depending on your perspective) and you don’t want it, dosen’t mean someone else can’t use it. I list this on freecycle and it was gone in a matter of hours. Yes, it’s my waste, but it doesn’t need to end up in a landfill or disposal center.

Before you throw things away, here’s some things to think about.

Repurpose. Could I repurpose this for something else?

Could I repurpose this for something else? Sell. Is this something that I could sell?

Is this something that I could sell? Give. Is this something I could give away? Do I know anyone who might use this or need this? Will a thrift store take it? Remember, your trash might be some else’s treasure. Put it on freecycle. If it doesn’t go on freecycle, it might just be trash.

Is this something I could give away? Do I know anyone who might use this or need this? Will a thrift store take it? Remember, your trash might be some else’s treasure. Put it on freecycle. If it doesn’t go on freecycle, it might just be trash. Green. What is the best environmental way to get rid of this item? Can it be recycled?

What is the best environmental way to get rid of this item? Can it be recycled? Good. Is there a way to use this to bless someone else? Can you give it to a fundraiser or charity?

Is there a way to use this to bless someone else? Can you give it to a fundraiser or charity? Plan. Why did you buy this in the first place? Have you made a plan not to buy it, or anything similar again?

Why did you buy this in the first place? Have you made a plan not to buy it, or anything similar again? Repurchase. If you need this item or something similar in the future, is there a smaller size or is it something you can borrow?

Yes, this is a lot to think about each time you plan to get rid of something, but if you start doing this, it will change your habits. It will be easier to get rid of things because you will have a process and your shopping habits will change, as you will think long-term about something before you buy it. It’s a win-win.