You’ve probably heard the classic phrase, “reduce, reuse, and recycle.” Gaining popularity in 1976 with the passing of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, this saying is a staple of the sustainability movement.
By reducing, reusing, and recycling, we can prevent water and air pollution from waste and production, conserve materials, and keep fewer items out of landfills.
Here at Sustain, we enjoy taking a closer look at the unique and lesser-known ways to become more eco-friendly, but let’s bring it back to the basics!
Reducing is all about cutting back on wasteful and harmful practices.
- Keep track of food, cleaning supplies, paper goods, and items that you often replace, including what is usually thrown away, and aim to purchase only what you will use
- Avoid single-use items
- Opt for paperless, electronic delivery for recurring bills
- Buy higher quality furniture, clothing, and staple items, both new and gently used, to prevent frequent repurchases
Reusing focuses on repurposing items from your collection or seeking upcycled or refurbished goods.
- Use reusable bags rather than single-use plastic bags that are difficult to recycle
- Get creative with upcycling, such as turning old towels into cleaning rags
- Check out local thrift and vintage stores to enjoy previously-loved items
Recycling lets items find a new home by checking that they’re disposed of using the proper methods and containers.
- Check the plastic recycling symbols to ensure you’re sending the items to the right spot
- Use local recycling services and become familiar with the practices and drop-off locations in your area
- If you are going somewhere that may not have recycling bins, such as a hike, bring a small bag to save those items for later disposal
While you may be familiar with “The Three R’s,” sustainability is about taking small steps that add up and sharing what you’ve learned. For weekly positive climate news, check out the Environmental Defense Fund’s stories.
Thank you for joining the collective effort to protect our planet!
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