The three R’s – reduce, reuse and recycle help cut down on the amount of waste we throw away. They conserve natural resources, landfill space and energy.
Reduce. The most effective of the three R’s.”This also means you cut back from where you are now.
When you shopping, Look for things that will last and well made. The extra money you spend on their addition will be offset by the money you do not spend replacing them. Don’t chase the latest fashions. They will age the fastest.
- With electronics, extravagance may pay. A super-charged computer will still run the software that comes out two years from now, and a large monitor will accommodate the ever wider web pages that companies will be building then.
- When you make a purchase, find out how to keep the item in shape. Then, Buy products in bulk. Larger, economy-size products or ones in concentrated form use less packaging and usually cost less per ounce.
- Avoid over-packaged goods, especially ones packed with several materials such as foil, paper, and plastic. They are difficult to recycle, plus you pay more for the package.
- Avoid disposable goods, such as paper plates, cups, napkins, razors, and lighters. Throwaways contribute to the problem, and cost more because they must be replaced again and again.
- Buy durable goods – ones that are well-built or that carry good warranties. They will last longer, save money in the long run and save landfill space.
- At work, make two-sided copies whenever possible.
- Maintain central files rather than using several files for individuals.
- Use electronic mail or main bulletin board.
- Use a dish cloth instead of paper towels.
Reuse. Before you recycle or dispose of anything, consider whether it has life left in it. Reusing keeps new resources from being used for a while longer, and old resources from entering the waste stream. It’s as important as it is unglamorous.
It makes economic and environmental sense to reuse products. Sometimes it takes creativity:
- Reuse products for the same purpose. Save paper and plastic bags, repair broken appliances, furniture and toys.
- Reuse products in different ways. Use a coffee can to pack a lunch; use plastic microwave dinner trays as picnic dishes.
- Sell old clothes, appliances, toys, and furniture in garage sales or ads such as OLX, or donate them to charities.
- Use resealable containers rather than plastic wrap.
- Use a ceramic coffee mug instead of paper cups.
- Reuse grocery bags or bring your own cloth bags when shopping.
Recycle. Try to learn what the recycling rules are in your own community and follow them. It’s the easiest way to do your part.
Begin recycling at home and at work:
- Buy products made from recycled material. Look for the recycling symbol .The recycling symbol means either the product is made of recycled material, or the item can be recycled. For instance, many plastic containers have a recycling symbol with a numbered code the identifies what type of plastic resin it is made from.
- Consider purchasing recycled materials at work when purchasing material for office supply, office equipment or manufacturing.
- Buy products made from material that is collected for recycling in your community.
- Use recycled paper for letterhead, copier paper and newsletters.
Let’s save the planet for future generations.
Article by Mercy Kariuki.