The 3R's

Part 1

How to reduce or change our environmental impact in easy and creative ways

Most of us have heard of the three R’s – reduce, reuse and recycle – but we don’t always consider the significance of their order. It is easy to refuse to change our daily habits, skipping over reduce and reuse, and simply hoping that others will find ways to recycle our waste. However, in order to achieve the maximum impact on taking care of our environment (as well as our community, health, and pocketbook) we must start by reducing our regular consumption, then reusing those things we cannot eliminate, and finally, recycling should be the last step.

In general, reducing means being consciously aware of what we are purchasing and whether the items are essential to our wellbeing or not. Before making a purchase, make sure that it is the most environmentally friendly option, check to see if you can buy it in bulk, and consider before the purchase how you will discard the used item and waste.

Tips on reducing personal daily consumption and waste:

• Eliminate plastic and paper products by investing in cloth bags and napkins, and stainless steel water bottles.
• Return bags, rubber bands, bottles, and jars to vendors for reuse.
• Maintain appliances and vehicles, so they last longer.
•Invest in durable goods; for example, rechargeable batteries, compact fluorescent light bulbs, appliances, etc.
• Be aware of everything you buy, use, and throw away on a daily basis and make an effort to eliminate those items you do not truly need.
• Sell or donate used clothes, appliances, and household items to local charities.
• Look for products that use less packaging and buy in bulk.
• Avoid to-go cups and containers, especially the once made with non-recyclable materials.