Rent & Repair

Sometimes, doing the "green" thing can make great economic sense, as well as saving your house from clutter. Consider these options before making costly purchase decisions. 

Is it really broken? You don't replace your car every time the starter fails, so why would you replace your vacuum cleaner when it loses suction? Explore your community for repair options. If you can't find what you're looking for, post the item on a free on-line garage sale site. You never know who might be looking for a component from that exact machine!

Can it be mended or altered? Damaged or ill-fitting clothing and other textiles can often be easily repaired...if you have the skills! While sewing more complex than re attaching a button may be beyond most of us these days, there are still people out there who retain the ancient art of the needle and thread!

How often will you really use it? Some people really do use all of the tools and specialized equipment stored in their workrooms and garages, but others could probably make do with a basic tool-kit of a hammer, pliers and a multi-head screwdriver 364 days of the year. For those other occasions when a carpet cleaner, wheel-barrow, rototiller or downhill skis are necessary, why not rent? This problem really does come down to economics--do the math, and if you find that you would get enough use out of an item, go ahead and invest in a worthwhile piece of equipment.