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" 

WHAT CAN BE DONE

 Animals are going extinct—but it’s not too late

Around the world, animals are facing extinction. For some, there may be time for us to change their fate.

Research shows that animal agriculture is a major threat to many species facing extinction, from habitat loss to deforestation and more. Climate change, putting countless animals and ecosystems at risk, is also driven in part by animal agriculture, which causes an estimated 14.5 to 51 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. 

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN reports that around 44 percent of livestock emissions are in the form of methane gas, and 27 percent in the form of carbon dioxide. So, with animal agriculture taking such a heavy toll in the climate crisis, is taking steps to reduce its carbon footprint enough?

Many experts and environmental advocates say that dietary change is also needed, and individuals who are able to can take action by reducing or eliminating our consumption of meat. This is especially needed in the U.S., where meat consumption is growing at an alarming rate and around 99 percent of farmed animals are raised on industrial factory farms.  

One step you can take today is to calculate your carbon footprint using this tool from the Nature Conservancy, then work to reduce it. 

Dr. Jane Goodall has said, “With language, we can ask, as can no other living being, those questions about who we are, and why we are here. And this highly developed intellect means, surely, that we have a responsibility toward the other life forms of our planet whose continued existence is threatened by the thoughtless behavior of our own human species.” 

Just as we have the power to threaten other species, we have the power—and the responsibility—to save them.

Here are some other ways which we can help:

•  Be sure that fish and other food you buy don’t come from overharvested areas.
• Before you buy wood, make sure it comes from a “sustainable forest,” a forest where trees are replanted.
• Don’t let your pets hunt wild animals.
• Don’t use many plastic bags when they’re not necessary.
• Help reduce traffic and exhaust: Support bike-friendly cities and roads. Use public transportation when you can.
•  Don’t buy wood or wood products from threatened native forests like Pacific maple, California redwood, mahogany, ebony, or teak.
• Don’t release pets—including aquarium fish, turtles, and birds—into the wild.
• Always make sure you throw away your garbage in a trash can and avoid releasing balloons into the air.
• Save energy: Use energy efficient light bulbs and appliances. Turn off power when it’s not in use.
• Buy recycled or salvaged wood whenever possible.
• Don’t travel with wild plants and animals.
• Buy Eco-friendly products
• Follow the 3 Rule - Reuse, Reduce, Recycle
• Don't buy souvenirs made from endangered (or any wildlife) species 
• Eat less meat
• Spread Awareness : Get involved 

We have the power to stop animal extinction, and we must act now. Everyone can make a change, small may it be, to protect not only the animals, but the whole environment (including ourselves).

“The sixth mass extinction we are going through could be the most serious environmental threat to the survival of our civilization since it is irreversible”

By killing them, we are actually killing ourselves.

How to Go Green.

 In this chapter we shall look at some of the simple ways we can adopt to a sustainable lifestyle.

 If you want to “go Green”, you’re not expected to do everything to day, you can't suddenly transform your life 180.  If you try to do that, most likely you’ll give up due to the overwhelming-ness of it all.  Just make a few small changes in your daily life to begin to go green.

For example, recycling is a huge way to begin to go green and do your part to encourage re-usable resources.  Instead of plastic, paper, aluminum and glass ending up in a landfill, it can be re purposed and used again.  By recycling, you are “going Green”.

Another to go green is when your cleaning products run out, try to replace them with products that are “organic” or “chemically free”.  When you use products containing harmful chemicals, the chemicals get washed down the drain and end up back in our water sources.

When you’re in the market for a new vehicle, look for one that is more fuel efficient.  You don’t need to sell your existing car now to go green.  Remember, small steps.  

Here are some small steps you can follow:

• When your batteries run out, replace them with rechargeable batteries.  The electrical energy is used and than the battery can be re-used after its charging.
• When your gas powered lawn mower gives out, look for an electric one. 
• While shopping at the grocery store, bring your own canvas sacks instead of taking home their plastic bags.
• Shop at Farmer’s Markets.  Purchasing from local farmers keeps money in the local economy.
• Ride your bike instead of driving when you’re able.
• Turn off your tap water while brushing your teeth and turn off lights when they are not necessary.
• Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer to save on heating and cooling costs.
• Unplug appliances when you’re not using them. Or, use a smart” power strip that senses when appliances are off.
• Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. As much as 85 percent of the energy used to machine-wash clothes goes to heating the water.  Use a drying rack or clothesline to save the energy otherwise used during machine drying.
• Skip buying bottled water and purchase a re-usable water bottle, preferably aluminum rather than plastic, to use and refill.
• Create a compost pile for use in your garden.
• Shop re-sale for clothing and use your local library to borrow books.
• Buy in bulk. Purchasing food from bulk bins can save money and packaging.
• Keep your cell phones, computers and other electronics as long as possible then donate or recycle them responsibly when the time comes.  
• The more you do online, the less you need paper. Think about if you can send emails instead of letters or if you need to print files or if you can save them on your computer 
• One of the simplest ways to reduce energy consumption is to switch lights off when you leave a room. If it’s sunny outside open up the blinds and make the most of natural light instead.
•  Reuse before recycle
• Both in services and offices make sure computers are switched off when you’re not using them rather than just leaving them on standby – you’d be amazed how much energy this saves!
• Bringing lunches to work in reusable containers is probably the greenest (and healthiest) way to eat at work. Buying lunches everyday almost inevitably ends up with a miniature mountain of packaging waste and is way more expensive than making your own too!
•  Plant a simple backyard garden.  It’s good to remember where our food originates, and it doesn’t have to be huge or complicated.

At The Seed of Life Foundation we encourage sustainability all round, and encourage adopting a sustainable lifestyle. Keeping that in mind take a look at our Baby Steps Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnMJNpI5rqg and  -1 initiative video on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sACJ4cmJE4o&t=7s

5Rs OF WASTE MANAGEMENT (Part 2)

 3. Reuse – Make Sure Things Last as Long as They Can

It simply means switching up disposable items for reusable and permanent alternatives. This means sourcing a reusable beverage container and carrying it with you when you are out and about. It means carrying reusable cutlery with you as a measure to avoid disposable cutlery.

Single use plastics such as cups, straws, gloves and now masks have generated a ‘throw away’, ‘one won’t hurt’ culture. The rate that we all consume plastic products is drastically becoming unimaginable, the plastic crisis has always been one of the world’s biggest environmental challenges. 

For almost every single-use item there is a reusable alternative. Here are some few examples:

•  Paper tissues – washable handkerchiefs
• Disposable razors – electric shaver or a straight-edge razor
• Paper towels – cotton cloths or microfibre
• Dish sponge – cotton cloth
• Tea bags – loose tea and a tea strainer
• Coffee pods – French press
• Baking parchment – grease or oil the pan or use a silicon mat
• Tin foil/cling film – use a food container or jar with a lid
• Paper bags/ plastic bags – bring your own cloth bag
• Bottled water – a glass or stainless steel water bottle and tap water

And the list goes on.     

Reusing and repairing go hand in hand. When you’re deciding whether to toss something and buy a new one, ask yourself if you can find a way to reuse or repair it. This applies to clothing, furniture, and technology. If your phone or laptop is broken, instead of immediately purchasing a new one, seek repair options first.

Reusing also means selling or donating your used items so they go to loving homes instead of the landfill. Have a jumble sale, stick it on sites like ebay or freecycle, you can even ask your friends and family if they have a need for things you don’t.

Another thing you can do is re-purpose or upcycle old things you don’t need into something cool and useful. This step doesn’t have to be expensive. Buy second hand, or make it yourself! Repair broken items. Repurpose old clothes, or household items and breathe new life into your wardrobe by participating in clothing swaps.

So how can we reuse waste? Here are some tips: 

- Give unwanted toys and books to hospitals or schools

- Put unwanted clothes in used clothing bins

- Use plastic containers for freezing or storing food items

- Save wrapping paper and boxes to use again

- Use old jars for storage

-Take old magazines to your local doctor's or dentist's surgery

-Shop at second hand stores or use online trading websites to buy items that are unwanted by others

- Take household items to your council’s resource recovery center

- Make memo pads out of waste paper

- Re-use envelopes - purchase reuse labels.  

4. Recycle – For Those Things You Can’t Refuse, Reduce, or Reuse

Recycling involves some form of reprocessing of waste materials to produce another product. For example, recycling plastic bottles to make buckets.

One of the easiest ways to reduce your waste is to recycle. After you have refused, reduced, and reused there shouldn’t be much left to recycle anyway. But with what there is, you should still make sure to separate your trash so that those resources can be reused instead of filling our landfills.

Many of us have been programmed to believe that recycling is the go-to solution for waste reduction. This is a misconception.

In reality this is still an expensive way to process the waste that can be reused. Glass jars and bottles could be kept and used in a zero waste store. Plastic can be upcycled to some extent but it never really goes away. It is better to refuse it.

Recycling infrastructure in its current state is quite limited and in many cases actually consists of “downcycling” – meaning that recyclable materials are made into low-quality, disposable goods that will ultimately end up in landfill.

Another problem is that recycling infrastructure cannot keep pace with the huge quantities of single-use disposables consumed and disposed of by humans at record speed.

Recyclable materials that are not successfully recycled into new products become landfilled, shipped to landfills in so called developing countries, or incinerated in Waste-to-Energy (WtE) programs.

It is also important to consider that the recycling process itself is highly energy intensive.

For these reasons recycling is treated by the Zero Waste movement as a last resort to be used only after steps 1 Refuse, 2 Reduce & 3 Reuse have been exhausted.

So what can be recycled? The main products that can be recycled are paper, cardboard, glass, aluminum, tin and plastic containers.

Composting and worm farms are methods of recycling organic waste.

Buy recycled. You can buy products that are made from recycled materials. This is called ‘Closing the Loop’.