Reduce, Reuse, Recycle : Get More out of Recycling

Reduce, reuse, recycle; golden rules for the modern age and something most modern people try to obey. It makes perfect sense that if there are materials already extracted and available then why not continue to reuse these rather than rely on the earth to continually supply our every increasing need for raw materials.

The move towards recycling has been a great step towards a more sustainable and positive future. It conserves natural resources and in turn reduces the negative effects of mining, quarrying and logging and saves precious energy. Even when taking into account transport and refining cost of recycled materials; less energy is used than in the extraction, transport and production of raw materials. And of course recycling reduces landfill, reducing the amount of consumer by-products ending up as pollution in our soil, air and waterways.

It is wonderful that we are able to participate with recycling projects easily and effectively in many aspects of our daily life. Throughout parts of the world many homes are provided by their city council, with a recycling program on their doorstep. The council will collect rubbish for landfill, but also recycling to be remanufactured into a variety or new materials and products. All that’s required is to insure the glass, plastic and cardboard is put in a separate bin and its’ ‘taken care of’.

But, there are many more ways to contribute to the broad positive and sustaining impact of a society that reduces reuses and recycles.

So many materials and consumer products can be reduce, reused or recycled; with a little care, dedication and forethought it can become a very sustaining, far reaching and positive action. To be truly effect recycling needs to be considered in all aspects of a consumer lifestyle; not simply at the ‘throwing away’ stage.

Think about the following:

Reduce

• Reduce consumption by purchasing less ’stuff’ and avoiding unnecessary and impulsive buying.
• Reduce packaging by assessing product choices. Up to as much as 16% of the price of an item is to pay for the packaging and this just goes straight in the bin; looking for products that contain minimum packaging or recycled packaging is a great idea.
• Reduce waste by assessing what goes into the rubbish bin, can it be composted, reused or recycled? Everything thrown straight into the garbage ends up as polluting landfill.

Reuse

• Reuse packaging by rinsing out and storing glass containers and some plastic containers. These can be used for food storage in the pantry, in the home office, car, garage or garden. There are so many uses for packaging that is often just thrown away.
• Reuse instead of replace by repairing or making do with what you already have.
• Reuse and refill by purchasing products that offer refillable containers or by utilising other reusable containers.

Recycle

• Recycle everything that is recyclable by taking a little extra time and care and not just throwing it in the rubbish because it is easier and less hassle.
• Buy Recycled; look for products and packaging made from recycled materials. There is no benefit of recycling if people are not buying recycled products. This is everything from toilet tissue and office supplies; to pre-loved clothing and building materials.
• Think Recycle and we can alter the way we all think about rubbish and waste. Consider that everything thrown away ends up somewhere and it can either have a positive or negative impact.

Recycling is an accessible, affordable and easy way to have a positive and sustaining impact on the environment. Keep an eye out for the Recycle symbol and think about what you throw away and asses your product choices. For more information on what materials are recycled in your area contact your local council.

For further in-depth information about what we throw away visit Waste Online

And if your wondering where all that un-recycled plastic ends up? Check out the video below.

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"I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. And because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do the something that I can do." ~Hellen Keller