In articles recently published by The Guardian and Business Insider's World Wide Waste series, we learn two newly graduated college students in Louisiana, Franziska Trautmann and Max Steitz, upon pitching an empty wine bottle into their recycle bin turned to the problem of recycling glass. They knew the United States only recycles about 25% compared to Europe's rate of 60-80%. 
These young people wondered if glass could be recycled into beach quality sand to help restore Louisiana's badly eroding coastline. Using Go Fund Me, they began experimenting with pulverizing glass to make it more like beach sand. Beach sand is naturally rounded from tumbling in the water, while other types such as desert sand can't be used due to jagged edges. Many trials were held until the finished product met the necessary criteria to be environmentally correct, able to support native grasses and plants, as well as meet wildlife needs. At the same time, they developed a successful recycling program, Glass Half-Full, which grew to provide ample glass.
Using social media, their unique idea soon obtained backing and gained momentum to the point they have already replaced some 15 tons of glass beach sand along the Louisiana coastline. This is part of a new movement on Tik Tok of environmentally concerned you people termed Climate Optimism. Climate Optimism means instead of focusing on what's wrong, finding ways we as individuals can take steps to make improvements. Kind of like lemons and lemonade. Sounds promising, doesn't it?  

Penny Hopkins, UUCGV Green Team Member

We can do our part to help the planet by developing easy and cost effective habits of buying used goods instead of new. Once we are through with these items, by donating we cut back on more things being manufactured, provide income for others, and keep waste from clogging our landfills. Whether you're in the market for a couch, clothes, or a coffee cup, there are many options.

Seeking new-to-you items can cost nothing. Classifieds, such as Craig's List and Facebook, have freebie sites such as "Buy Nothing" and "Mesa County Free and Give-Away." During city clean-up days, usable furniture and household items are often found curbside free for the taking.

For little cost, many donated household items, furniture, clothing and, sometimes building supplies, are available at thrift stores such as Goodwill, Salvation Army, and Habitat for Humanity. Buying there gives people jobs and purpose. Other good sources are the ever-present yard sales.

Up the ladder are consignment stores. They are more particular in what they accept for sale.  Consequently, higher end clothing, household items, and furniture may be found. Buying from consignment stores provides income for employees and consignees. Examples are Encore Shop and Ritz Consignment.
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Higher quality clothes, household items, and furniture can also be found at Heirlooms for Hospice. Buying there helps support our wonderful Hospice programs.
Treasure hunters love estate sales, auctions, and antique shops for gently used one-of-a kind finds.
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Many stores carry used books which can be re-donated when read. Friends of the Library holds seasonal used book sales and maintains a booth in the main library. Used book stores are another option. Perhaps set up your own Little Free Library in your neighborhood?
When time comes to downsize or redo, remember these thrift and consignment stores. Donate, hold a yard sale, consign. Get your usable items back into circulation so someone else can feel they've found a real treasure.

Other ways to save are finding new uses for items on hand. Faded sweats make comfy pajamas, colorful dinner plates add a splash of color to your winter garden, soiled shower curtain liners make great drop clothes. Old dressers can hold office supplies and decorative baskets can be put to good use. Use your imagination and see what you can re-purpose.
By developing the habit of using and re-using and by finding new purpose for old things, we can save money, save space in the landfill, and feel good about doing our part. 

- Penny Hopkins, UUCGV Green Team Member