There is a concept that states, “It is not a waste until it is wasted.” On daily basis, people dispose functional items, ranging from daily necessities (food, water, furniture…) to leisure items (toys,  fashions, phone…), which can be beneficially utilized by other people in needs; some people in the society make livings out of ‘trash’ that we no longer see value in. 

Fact you might not know #1: North Americans alone dump 10 million tonnes of clothing to the landfill every year — most of which could be reused or recycled (Based on: rco.on.ca)

Literally, a lot of things in the world possess a potential if used suitably. For example, we may dump our outdated, faded-with-holes outfits into the bin. However, people living in absolute poverty may seek comfort in those old clothes we no longer want in order to shield them from the harsh weather of heat and storm.

Fact you might not know #2: The EPA estimates that 75% of the waste is recyclable, but we only recycle about 30% of it.

Similarly, in this technological era where mobile gadgets are released one after another with appealing designs and functions, users tend to discard their current working devices for a new luxury in a way to keep up with the social trends. Comparably, in this prolonged Covid-19 pandemic, while some of us have been switching up with technology luxuries, there are children and adults out there who lack the privilege of having access to any device for remote learning and work-from-home tasks.

Even so, there are several ways you can avoid sending useable items to the landfill to rot (or if it’s not biodegradable, that’s even worse for Planet Earth), according to EPA:

1. Instead of dumping them into the bin, try to reuse/recycle as much as possible. When shopping, look for reusable over disposable items.
2. Avoid unnecessary packaging, or reuse the plastic bags at home (like how our moms have been saving those bags up in the kitchen)
3. Donate, donate, DONATE—One person's trash is another person's treasure. Instead of throwing undesired things away, try selling or donating them. You can both prevent usable goods from being wasted while also helping those in need. (related blog:Why Household Should Reduce Waste)

At the moment, we have yet to find any guaranteed global donation source for you to take part in reducing these tremendous wasted goods. However, in Tech for Kids Academy, we have initiated a campaign that aims to collect second-hand laptop and desktop donations for students in need of continuing their education: Computer of Change.

(learn more: https://www.facebook.com/ComputerofChange.CoC )