Reusing has been somewhat unfairly represented over the years, causing many of us to now associate this R exclusively with crafty inventions and art projects like toilet-paper-roll bird feeders and egg-carton pencil holders.

And while a lot of useful things can in fact be made from previously used materials, many of us don’t have the time or inclination for such undertakings.

Luckily, there's more to reuse than meets the eye!

Reusing is largely about being smart and mindful when you shop, and being thoughtful before you dispose of certain items. It's about buying products that have long life spans and then finding ways to extend these life spans.

Designate up a "Supply Return" shelf or cupboard in your office.

Many office supplies are used gently once or twice before getting lost on desks, or in drawers, or just thrown away. Binders, folders, notepads and other supplies tend to be forgotten and/or replaced after minimal usage, and don't go the distance that they can.

Designate a space in your office where supplies can be returned. The better organized this space, the more naturally it will double as a supply cupboard for employees to grab something they need.

Encourage people in your office to return items that they don't use regularly. And send out occasional reminder emails - especially before you place orders for new products!

When you first set this up, you'll likely discover that there are enough supplies around your office to open a small store!

Keep a supply of reusable plates, cups and cutlery on hand.

Most offices keep disposable plates, cups and cutlery on hand for special events—like birthday and retirement celebrations—or meetings and conferences. Many of these disposable products are not recyclable, so they are shipped off to landfills after a single use.

Replacing disposable stock with reusable products is ideal, but this can result in major post-event cleanups. That's why many offices now ask their employees to bring their own reusable place-settings to events. Each employee is then responsible for his/her own cleanup, which is a fairly easy undertaking.

If you do have to keep some disposable alternatives on hand, choose recyclable or compostable products over ones that can only be tossed in the garbage.