Why buy a new ereader when you can buy a new-to-you ereader?

Dudes, did you know that Half Price Books sells (and buys, obviously) used ereaders?

Whelp, now you do. Having had not-the-best luck with the fine folks at Craigslist, it's nice to know that this option exists if I ever decide to abandon my love of print books (borrowed from the library).

Want to learn more about the eco-friendliness of ereaders? Check out this infographic.

Give That Back: Columbus Companies Who Reuse Their Packaging

Recently, I've been feeling a wave of nostalgia toward the age of the milkman. Reusing glass milk jugs, instead of treating them as disposable, just makes sense to me.

So when I heard that two of my favorite companies in Columbus, The Candle Lab and Sweet Thing Gourmet were offering to take back their glass jars for reuse, I got super excited.

I know I've mentioned The Candle Lab before. They sell create-your-own-scent or prefab soy candles (a preferable alternative to candles made with paraffin wax.) They also let you bring in your own jars, which means you could totally take in that sentimental pickle jar you've been hoarding for the right occasion and pay by the ounce to fill it with candle love.

Anyway, if you buy one of their jars, the beauty is that you can take it back when you've burned down every last bit of it, rather than chucking it in the recycle bin. 

And what about when you dig the last spoonful of yummy goodness out of a jar of Sweet Thing Gourmet's jams & jellies. Hand them back the jar and you get a quarter. Woot, woot!

What an excellent way to encourage a repeat customer like me.

Do you know of any other Columbus companies who offer similar services?

Update: Middle West Spirits will take back their bottles for Candles with a Cause. Though they are recycling the bottles rather than reusing them, it's still a good deal. Especially when you consider that they give a 10% discount on one non-alcohol item in their gift shop when you return a bottle. Or you could make this outdoor torch.

3 Easy Ways to Reuse in the Kitchen

1. Reuse the coffee bag when you buy do-it-yourself ground coffee.

I have a few and rotate between them when I go to Raisin Rack for refills. The only trick is remembering to take them with you to the store.

2. Reuse the rubber bands from produce (like broccoli stalks) for random household needs.

These tend to be thicker and shorter than typical rubber bands, which may be just what you need when you're in a "bind". Keep 'em around and I guarantee you'll find a use for them.

3. Reuse produce baskets to help organize your kitchen.

A place to keep my reusable rags...

A place to hold all of my odds and ends in the medicine cabinet...

Or a place to keep all of my office supplies and aforementioned rubber bands.

What everyday items do you reuse in the kitchen?