Green ‘R’s
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in 2012 Americans generated about 251 million tons of trash. To put it in easier to understand terms: on average, each person generates over 4 pounds of waste every day or more than a ton of solid waste every year. In order to deal with that amount of waste the green “R”s are quickly being adopted. The most common are 3 “R”s that include recycling, reducing, and reusing.
Recycling
Recycling is the most common “R”. Recycling means that valuable items and materials are separated from the waste stream and used to make new items and materials. Markets are being created for items made from recycled materials. Recycling reduces the need for landfills. Over 75% of waste generated by Americans could be recycled but less than half is actually being recycled. Some commonly recycled items include:
- Newspapers
- Plastics
- Glass
- Aluminum cans
- Motor oil
- Yard trimmings
For more information regarding cycling and to find recycling centers near you a great resource is http://www2.epa.gov/recycle.
Reducing
Reducing waste means to not even generate waste to start with. One of the most common ways to reduce waste is to bring your own bags when you go shopping. Other ways to reduce waste is to buy items made from recycled materials, use energy-efficient light bulbs, use rechargeable batteries, and repair broken items. Look for items that come with less packaging materials. Maintain your items such as lawnmowers, cars, and tires so they last longer. If you need something infrequently consider renting or borrowing it. Another activity that is becoming very popular both at home and at work is composting food and yard waste that comprises around 10% of all waste.
Reusing
The concept of reusing items instead of treating them as waste has been around for a very long time. Basically reuse means you find a new use for something. The first thing to do is buy reusable items instead of disposable ones. Reusing items saves money, energy, and reduces emissions from manufacturing new items. You can reuse items in you own home with little effort. You can reuse plastic cups. You reuse items to make arts and crafts. You mend torn clothing and come up with a new fashion trend. You can also buy items of great quality from second hand stores and yard sales. Someone else didn’t want the items but they are new to you, all the while saving money. If you have something you no longer want, then donate it instead of throwing it away. You can help your community and maybe get a tax write-off.
Another R – Rethink
To rethink is when you consider the life cycles of any items that you buy in the future and their effects on the environment.