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Reduce, Reuse & Exchange
When Not To Reuse
Look at the "Big Picture" when it comes to reuse
There are times when reuse of certain items is questionable, for resource or health and safety reasons. Some products, such as cars and appliances (more generally, those products that require resources such as gasoline or electricity to function, or those that emit pollutants when used) should be evaluated for resource efficiency and impact on the environment before reuse. For a reference book on the environmental impacts of consumer choices, see The Consumer's Guide to Effective Environmental Choices by Michael Brower and Warren Leon (New York: Three Rivers Press, 1999).
Other items may be unsafe to reuse (for example, a toy that has been recalled, a damaged bike helmet, or wood painted with lead based paint). Electrical items, sports, medical, and exercise equipment, and children's goods should all be examined carefully and tested before reuse. The Federal Trade Commission's Consumer Protection section is a good place to start researching product safety issues.
Links to other sites
Federal Trade Commission Consumer Protection
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