Previous experiences of homelessness don't have to be trashed

I've been having discussions with my two sons about loaning out items to their friends that don't seem to get returned by well intentioned neighbors.

The rhetorical situation of the lawnmower lent to the guy next door, in this case either a broom or electric grill. It's not that I'm a bad neighbor, I'm actually trying to teach my kids responsibility...and to let their friends be just that.

Green shopping is the same. I don't want to over time purchase 20 brooms in my life for my household, due to either loan outs not returned or handles breaking. I want one item purchased for the long haul, not having to take up space in landfills.

I told my younger son the other day if I could do that with just 20 broomsticks, what could I...and then many...people do regarding our local landfill.

Just a thought. What's yours?