Maintenance

An important aspect of sustainability is the ability to use an item many times before it must be discarded.  Proper care and maintenance will extend the life of most items, while improper use and care can quickly damage an item or reduce its lifespan.  Many products come with an owner’s manual or use and care instructions.  Reading them will generally provide some good information that will help keep the item in good condition. If you have purchased a used item, it’s usually easy to find the instructions and manuals on the internet.  Some items require periodic preventive maintenance to keep them in good condition, while other items just need to be used as intended.  Improper use and maintenance can also result in safety issues.  Taking a few minutes to understand how to use and care for your item to extend its life is a good way to practice sustainability.  Here are some thoughts and examples:

• Understand the cleaning requirements for your item.  How often should it be cleaned?  What kinds of cleaners should be avoided so the item is not damaged?  Does it require maintenance after cleaning?
• Know what kind of rechargeable battery is in your item and how to take care of it.  Some types of batteries should periodically be completely discharged, while other types of batteries can be seriously damaged by complete discharge.  Items that are infrequently used may need to be periodically recharged between uses to maintain the battery in good condition. 
• Some items, such as cars and mechanical equipment, require periodic maintenance based on hours of use or miles driven.  Following the manufacturer’s recommendations will help you get longer life from your item. 
• Many items should be used within specific limits of temperature or other parameters.  For instance, many cookware items have temperature limits or cautions about large temperature swings (I once exploded a glass baking pan by pouring cold water into a hot pan).
• Proper storage of an item when not in use is also important.  Sun, moisture, temperature extremes, and dirt can damage your items.  Some items need periodic care during long-term storage.