REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE

Waste management is ultimately the origin of the negative impacts on our environment. When discarding waste in a trashcan, you are eventually polluting our soils, oceans and natural water sources. To help cut down the amount of waste we throw away daily, the key is to reduce, reuse and recycle as a daily ritual.

Reducing the amount of goods you are purchasing, is the start of the cycle. Consider plastic or single-use items as being primarily a waste material and try to avoid consuming those. When purchasing, focus on quality and durability. Borrow items that you will barley use instead of buying them. It’s most important to understand what you actually need and what is wasteful to purchase.

Reusing items that you have purchased previously or donating them so another person can make use of them is essential in waste hierarchy. Save items such as packaging, jars, or bags that can be used for another storage purpose. Purchase used items yourself and actively minimize your energy footprint. Be as creative and resourceful as possible, as many items can be used to make something completely different, that has its own use. Lastly, if you cannot use it, someone else is definitely in need. So, donate and sell whatever you have no more use for.

Recycling something means it is broken down into a raw material and fashioned into something completely different. Educate yourself through your city or county’s webpage on what materials are accepted for recycling. Consume what you know can be recycled and actually take the next step to recycle it in your designated recycling bin after use. Make sure to recycle your electronics at a local recycling center. Use recycled paper and products made from recycled materials when possible. Take the additional step and compost, so you save on waste and generate a useful resource for yourself.