SIMPLE WAYS TO APPLY 3Rs IN YOUR DAILY LIFE

In our previous chapters we saw the importance of Recycling, Reusing and Reducing waste. In this chapter let us take a look at how we can apply the 3Rs in our daily life and protect the environment. 

Ways to reduce the amount of waste you create

1. Only buy what you need, and use what you buy

2. Buy loose fruit and vegetables and avoid items that are heavily packaged

3. Sign up to paperless billing or banking

4. Buy products with refillable packaging

5. If you are able, try home composting your food waste

6. Use refillable water bottles and coffee cups

7. Buy second hand clothing and consider hiring clothing

8. Have a go at replacing buttons and mending faulty zips or fallen hems rather than buying new clothing

9. Buy items that will have a longer life than disposable items, such as rechargeable batteries and use real crockery and cutlery for your parties instead of disposable ones

10. Avoid the use of disposable goods, such as lighters, paper cups and plastics

11. Purchase products made from recycled materials

12. Adopt the use of recycled paper for copier paper, letterhead and newsletters

Ways to reuse

1. Donate items that are still in a good, usable condition to charities or charity shops

2. Repurpose glass, plastic and cardboard containers to give them another life

3. Carry a re-usable shopping bag. Use cloth bags when buying groceries. 

4. Re-use wrapping paper or gift bags

5. Convert old clothing, towels or sheets into cleaning rags/cloths

6. Instead of using plastic wraps, use resalable containers

7. Use dishcloths instead of using paper towels

Let us now take a look at what some of the ways our social media families apply the 3Rs in their lives:

Instagram: 

@aisha_bagha -

" 1. Reusing scrap paper for writing notes. 

2. Buy loose fresh food as per our needs rather than pre-packaged. "

@rewireyourmindsetstrategy -

"Try to reuse stuff as much as possible"

@motivated_mamaof3 -

"Go Digital!"

Facebook:

Mary Jean Ernst -

" I no longer buy laundry detergent in plastic jugs. I use the dry laundry sheets, instead & have for past 3 years. I've tried about every brand and they all seem to work. I'm currently using Clearalif...bought on Amazon. However, I've used Earth Breeze & other well advertised brands. They are all good, but some seem to be more powerful on really dirty greasy boys & men's jeans.....Clearalif for one! "

BENEFITS OF THE 3Rs

The three R's of sustainability—reduce, reuse, and recycle—are critical because they not only reduce the environmental impact of human activity but also conserve natural resources and protect the environment for future generations.

Now that we have understood in detail what the 3Rs mean ( Reduce, reuse, recycle) let us take a look at some of  the benefits of these:

1. Lowering the amount of greenhouse emissions created that add to global warming as these methods prevents emissions of many greenhouse gases and water pollutants. 

2. Saving energy and money. Creating new items requires energy, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. We can reduce the need for new production while also saving energy. Conserving  materials for continuous reuse in making new products saves on costs. 

3. Decreasing pollution created from unearthing raw materials. It can also improve air quality. When waste is buried in landfills, it releases harmful pollutants like methane and carbon dioxide into the air. It reduces the amount of waste that ought to be burned, improving air quality and lessening the risk of respiratory sickness. It can help to reduce water pollution. When waste is disposed of in landfills, it can contaminate groundwater. It reduces waste, lowering the risk of water pollution.

4. Reducing the amount of waste that is sent to landfills or put in incinerators. This is because we will be using products to the fullest extent of their life cycle. 

5. Conserves resources for our children’s future.

6. Helps create jobs. Reduce, reuse, and recycle can help local economies. Recycling creates jobs and promotes the circular flow of the economy.

7. Stimulates the development of greener technologies.

Here are some more benefits shared by our Social Media family members: 

Twitter 

@veroforplanet - 

"Recycling is a tale. We need to lower human populations and, therefore, lower waste. And yes, it will be helpful if you actually will recycle, not talk about it. Only 32% of our trash gets recycled."

Instagram 

@its_winnie_cheche -

"Help curb/delay plastic pollution."

@globalgiving -

"Having less landfills"

@rewireyourmindsetstrategy - 

"Less waste"

@aisha_bagha -

"Reduces greenhouse emissions"

@zainab_akadir - 

"Prevent pollution caused by harvest of new materials"

1. REDUCE, REUSE & RECYCLE

‘Reduce, reuse and recycle’ targets waste and ultimately avoids making it in the first place. The three R's of sustainability—reduce, reuse, and recycle—are critical because they not only reduce the environmental impact of human activity but also conserve natural resources and protect the environment for future generations.

REDUCE :  How can I reduce the amount of waste I produce?

Waste prevention reduces the generation of waste in the first place, so it is the most preferred method of waste management and goes a long way toward protecting the environment. You can reduce waste by:

• Purchasing durable, long-lasting goods.
• Seeking products and packaging that are as toxic free.
• Redesigning products to use less raw material in production, have a longer life, or be used again after its original use.
• Only buy what you need
• Buy in bulk
• Look for items that you can re-use

REUSE : How can I reuse what I have?

This looks at how you can use certain items again before replacing them. Here are some ideas:

• Refill a water bottle with water from home instead of buying a new one
• Update your computer rather than throwing it out and getting a replacement
• Ditch plastic bags and choose reusable, environmentally-friendly bags instead
• Use durable coffee mugs.
• Reuse boxes.
• Purchase refillable pens and pencils.
• Participate in a paint collection and reuse program.
• Use cloth napkins or towels.
• Donate old magazines or surplus equipment.
• Turn empty jars into containers for leftover food.

As well as helping the environment, you could save money too!

RECYCLE : How can I recycle the products I use?

Before you throw something away, think about whether all or part of it could be recycled. Recycling prevents the emissions of many greenhouse gases and water pollutants, and saves energy. Materials that can be recycled include: 

• Glass
• Cardboard
• Aluminum
• Lead batteries
• Paper
• Textile
• Wood

Sometimes, two more 'R's can be added to the three basic ones.

• Rethink can be added to the start of the list. It means we should think about the way our actions impact the environment.
• Recover is sometimes added to the end of the list. It refers to the act of putting waste products to use. For example, decomposing garbage produces methane gas, which can be recovered and burnt to produce energy.

Let us look at some of the comments we received from our Instagram family: 

@its_winnie_cheche -

" Recycling, Repurposing & Reusing"

@aisha_bagha -

" Prevents emission of greenhouse gasses and water pollutants, and saves energy."

@rewireyourmindsetstrategy -

" Less waste in the environment"

@zainab_akadir -

"Conserve natural resources"