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Like millions of a Americans, I cannot dunk a basketball. Some nights I lie awake at night imagining how it would feel to "be like Mike." But alas, my tops are not high enough, my sneakers not fully pumped and my name on the court is "bricklayer." I also wear Nike shoes with Reebok socks. (That is a joke.)
Even though I am not a talented basketball player I am good at taking care of the things that I own. I know that proper item care can save me money and reduce landfill growth. Plus, the environmental impact of your basketball grows smaller the longer you use it.
How to Take Care of Your Basketball
- Proper Basketball Storage
Always store your basketball inside at room temperature. If you leave your basketball outside, it is going to expand and contract as the temperature shifts. Eventually, your B-ball will get all lumpy. - Basketballs and Direct Sunlight, No Thanks
If you leave your basketball in direct sunlight for two long, you are going to fade it. Also, it will cause lumpiness as the area exposed to constant sunlight expands. - Properly Inflate Your Basketball
Too much air and too little air causes undue wear and tear on the ball. Drop the basketball from about eye-level. If it bounces back up to your waist, it should be sufficiently full. - Clean the Basketball
A damp cloth should suffice to clean your basketball. Warm wate and biodegradable soap will remove grease or other hard-to-remove stains. - Use Basketball to Play Basketball
The basketball should be used for basketball. Kicking the basketball, hitting it with a bat or a polo mallet can ruin the ball.
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