Purchasing used items at a garage sale is an example of which environmentally friendly approach?

Purchasing used items at a garage sale exemplifies recycling and reuse because it involves extending the life cycle of products by giving them a second chance at use instead of sending them to a landfill. This practice conserves resources and reduces the environmental impact that is associated with the production of new items, including the energy and materials that would normally be consumed in manufacturing. By opting to buy second-hand, not only is the individual minimizing waste, but they are also contributing to a reduction in demand for new goods, fostering a more sustainable shopping culture.

The other choices, such as composting, focus on breaking down organic material, while source reduction involves strategies to prevent waste from being created in the first place. Waste-to-Energy disposal refers to incinerating waste to generate energy, which does not align with the concept of reusing existing items. Each of these alternatives contributes to environmental sustainability, but buying used goods directly correlates with a recycling and reuse approach.