Embrace a lighter footprint: master the art of reduce, reuse, and recycle for a sustainable lifestyle.
Simply put, reducing means bringing in less. Reuse means keeping items in use for as long as possible. Lastly, recycling means disposing of items with techniques that don’t end up in a landfill. Reduce, reuse, and recycle are core components of a circular economy.
Reduce
The first of these R’s is about less: Buy less, use less
Buy Less
There’s a concept called conscious consumerism. Conscious consumers focus on only buying what is actually needed. This requires you to stop impulse buying, which has the added benefit of saving you money. When conscious consumers do purchase items, they are selective in what they buy.
- They focus on quality over quantity. High quality items last longer, requiring fewer replacing me
- Choose products with less packaging. You might consider buying your frequent purchases (toilet paper) in bulk. Alternatively, opt to shop at your local farmers market where they don’t package the items.
- Another choice for buying less is sharing and borrowing items. A few years ago, I had a pipe burst”. Well technically, a mouse chewed a hole through my shower pipe, and I had water all over my living room. Instead of going to buy a wet/dry vacuum I reached out to my neighbor and was able to use theirs.
- Tip: I always return items in better condition than I had received them. In this case, I deep cleaned the vacuum before returning it.
If you can’t borrow from your neighbor or a friend, consider rental services. Most cities have some type of rental company. I recently did some looking into renting an auger. I actually have three options within 30 minutes of my house.
Use Less
We consume more than physical items; we consume resources like energy and water. I won’t go into this too much, as I go over water consumption and energy efficiency in other posts.
Reuse
Reuse options include repairing items, upcycling, and buying used or multi-use products. Don’t sell yourself short. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard, “Well I’m a woman. I can’t do that.” or “I’m not creative, I can’t do stuff like that.” You can do so much more with a little confidence. Everything you can do, you had to learn to do it first. Never stop learning how to do new things.
Repair
“Jack of all trades, master of none.” Repairing items means a little learning and getting your hands dirty. For example, instead of buying a new Roomba, I just replaced the battery, and it has extended its life. YouTube is your friend!
Upcycling
Get creative. Or just go to Facebook or Pinterest, there are so many ways upcycle items. I reuse candle jars for storage. I currently have some in my bathroom holding cotton balls, Q-tips, and makeup remover pads.
(insert picture of bathroom)
Buy Secondhand
Buy secondhand when you can. It gives the items a second life and prevents them from entering landfills for a little while longer. These items are unique, and they are A LOT cheaper. Common items that I aim to buy at thrift stores are clothes, furniture, and household items.
Consider buying refurbished electronics. I have had a lot of success over the last year with refurbished items. My laptop wasn’t a full refurbish, but I still got a huge discount on it. I just got a walking treadmill for half the price by getting it refurbished. I also received a sale on top of the half-price discount, so it was a steal!
Recycle
Many items can be recycled instead of being sent to landfills. Here’s how you Can start recycling.
Understand What can be recycled
Always check with your local recycling programs. But generally, paper, cardboard (not contaminated w/ food -so no pizza boxes), glass bottles, metal cans can be recycled. For plastics, there is a number on the recycling logo and some facilities can only take certain numbers.
Proper Sorting and Preparation
Your recycling company may have specific instructions. Most want the metal, glass, and plastics rinsed and dry. Then separate items should be sorted into their categories. I usually break down and flatten my cardboard too to save place.
Collection of Recyclables
Designate a home collection location that’s convenient for you. I keep a bag in a lower cupboard by my sink for cleaned recyclables. I also place a box by the garbage can for paper and flattened cardboard.
If you have curbside pickup – your provider may give you a designated bin for your recyclables. Some communities opt for drop-off centers instead, so always do your research.
Uncommon Recyclables
There are items that can be recycled on special occasions. You will need to check with your local community for specifics.
- Yard waste
- Batteries
- Electronics
- Appliances
- Textiles
- Paint
- Chemicals
For example:
My city has a brush site where I’m able to drop of leaves and branches from cleaning up the yard. My county does two drop-offs a year for chemicals and paints at a designated location. Sometimes those drives also include mattresses and appliances, they will say if they do on the notice. I have a local business that collects old electronics, some items require a fee. They then break them down for the metals and other resources that can be reused.
Integrate the 3R’s into Daily Life
Create a routine- develop daily and weekly habits that support reduce, reuse, and recycle. Reducing is your first line of defense, the less you bring in the less you have to dispose. Reuse as long as possible. Recycling last line of defense, what can’t be recycled goes into landfills.
By adding reduce, reuse, and recycle into our daily routines, we create a mindful and resourceful way of living. From buying smart and getting creative to recycling, each is a step to a healthier planet and a sustainable future. By focusing on reducing first, then reusing and finally recycling, we can make a difference.
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