Reduce
The Three Rs of Recycling
The Three Rs of Recycling
Green living is mainly focused on how to reduce pollution in our environment. Recycling is one activity that we do in order to reduce our carbon imprint and reduce our waste, thus reducing the chances of environment degradation. In recycling, there is what we call the three Rs. This involves recycle, reduce and reuse.
One of the strategies in waste management is the reduction of waste consumption. Being the first level in the hierarchy, logic also dictates that if one reduces the amount of waste, one also reduces the chances of reusing and recycling of materials.
There is also what we call source reduction. This is the reduction of waste at the source level. This is done through designing and producing products that are less toxic to the environment. This is done so the toxicity level of trash in the landfills is also reduced.
Reuse is another level where in before disposing the waste, reuse. This means that if the product cannot be unmade, then it must be reused for a different purpose. Because of this, people, in theory, will purchase less, saving them money and saving the Earth as well.
Believe it or not, reusable items can be sold. All you need is to have a little creativity to create products out of trash.
The last level of waste management is to recycle. Recycling is the process of converting waste materials into something new. In the United States, old cans, bottle, paper and plastic is put inside recycling bags and sent to the processing plant. It is the reproduced in another form which in turn is purchased.
Because of the 3R Principle of waste management, there has been a reduction of landfills, prevention of pollution which in turn decreases the greenhouse gas emissions, leading to a healthier environment.
Latest Recycling Facts
Latest Recycling Facts You Should Know
Recycling for many has become a way of life. Due to the fact that there are so many different benefits that come with recycling from saving money, doing a good thing for the environment and learning to use less, many people do it all the time. Here are a few facts you should know when it comes to recycling.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
• Over 40% of soda bottles and paper products are being recycled.
• Over 50% or appliances and steel products are being recycled.
• In the 1990’s the US had only one recycling program that was curbside. In the last 20 years that has grown to over 10,000 programs with more than 12,000 recycling sites drop off services.
So what can you do to start recycling? There are many things you can do right in your home that will help in the recycling and reusing efforts. Here is a quick list just to get you started:
Recycle plastic grocery bags – Let’s face it we all have tons of them laying around the house or in our garbage every time we grocery shop. Bag them up and take them back to the grocery store. Many stores have a program where you can drop them off or just reuse them for your next order.
Plastics and Paper – Contact your local township hall to find out how you can obtain a free recycling bin. During the week you place all your recyclable materials in it and then just place it alongside your garbage for weekly pick up on the same day.
These are just a few easy ways to start recycling and enjoying the benefits it offers.
