Recycling and repurposing items into different products also reduces the amount of virgin materials that go into making new goods as well as reducing the energy that is spent creating new goods.
Reusing or repurposing an item doesn't require that the item be broken down and transformed.
Renovating attics, basements, or repurposing rooms can yield a new floor plan that makes better use of your home.
Repurposing an automobile is better for the environment than having it end up in the junkyard.
Sometimes it's just a matter of repurposing things you've already got in the house.