The 3 ‘R’s’ and you

The 3 ‘R’s’ or reduce, re-use and recycle is one of the most commonly used phrases today when it comes to waste management. But what does it really mean?

Updated Waste Management Hierarchy
hierarchy-graph-triangle
click image to enlarge

Basically the 3 ‘R’s’ represent a call to action to help encourage people to take individual responsibility for their own rubbish. Placed in order of importance they underline the fact that we must first and foremost try and reduce the amount of waste we produce.

There are lots of different things that people can do to reduce waste, such as:

  • Shop smarter – the average person throws away a third of the food that they buy. To prevent this why not create a meal plan for the week (before you go shopping), avoid ‘buy one, get one free’ offers that you don’t really need and always purchase food with minimal or recycled packaging. It’s that simple.
  • Exercise portion control – many people find that they would cook more food than they can actually eat meaning that a lot of our meals end up in the bin. Always remember to cook only as much as you need. To help in measuring out your food you should purchase some kitchen scales, they represent a good long-term investment.
  • Start home composting – lots of kitchen and garden waste doesn’t have to be thrown away, instead it can be used to create valuable compost or ‘black gold’ as it is known by gardening enthusiasts. All you need is a home composter to get yourself started.
  • Dress to impress – when the urge to buy some new clothes takes hold, why not visit a charity or vintage clothing shop. You might find a real bargain. Donate to these shops when you can, or alternatively have a car boot sale, it will tidy up your home and even help you make some cash into the bargain.
  • Avoid impulse buying – when shopping, try and stick to your shopping list. Where possible avoid purchasing items that you don’t need and perhaps can’t really afford in the first place.
  • Get out and recycle more – find out the exact location of your nearest Recycling Centre and use it. Regularly!