Re-use (plural re-uses) Alternative spelling of reuse Verb edit re-use (third-person singular simple present re-uses, present participle re-using, simple past and past participle re-used).
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Many of us were taught about the '3 R's' growing up - reduce, reuse, recycle. It seems pretty simple. First, you try to reduce the amount of waste you have. Then, you try to reuse what you can and give it a second life. Finally, you can recycle any items that you can't reuse. But with plastic, we now know that it can usually only be recycled once or twice.
And plastic never truly goes away - it just degrades into smaller and smaller pieces. So we need to rethink our use of plastic and other items. Which is the first step in the '6 R's' - rethink, refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, replace. This new way of thinking can help each of us curb our environmental impact.Step 1: RethinkHave you thought about how much plastic you use on a daily basis? How about how much trash you generate each week?
The first step in the 6 R's is to stop and think about what you're buying and using. Is it something that you need? Is there a way to reduce your waste or change your habits? Becoming self-aware of your habits is the first step towards changing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle. Step 2: RefuseThe next step in the 6 R's is to refuse. Once you have taken the time to think about some of the waste you generate, you can then start refusing certain products.
By now I think everyone has heard about the plastic straw movement - saying no to one-time use plastic straws. Another example can be buying items in bulk. Depending on the item, this may be a great way to reduce plastic (i.e. Buying yogurt in one large container vs. Individual plastic ones).
However, if you buy something in bulk and only eat half of it, that is a lot of food that goes to waste. Consider buying only what you know you're going to use.Another reason for refusing certain products is because you don't like what that company stands for. It might have to do with labor practices, unfair wages, lack of environmental responsibility, use of chemicals, or another issue close to the heart. For me, it's refusing products that use unsustainable palm oil and opting for instead. Whatever your reason for refusing something, this is a powerful way to use your voice as a consumer.Step 3: ReduceReducing your waste used to be the first step in the 3 R's. Now, you have already gone through two steps first - 'rethink' and 'refuse'.
You can reduce your waste by buying something in bulk instead of individual packaging. This uses less plastic packaging. An example could be a large refillable bottle of soap instead of individual soap containers. You can also skip the plastic altogether and opt for bar soap instead!Another way to reduce your waste starts with rethinking and refusing. When you go shopping, you can bring your reusable shopping bags with you. This takes some forethought, but with practice it can become a habit.
That way you are refusing all of those single-use plastic bags and reducing the plastic you use each week. The sea turtles will thank you for it!Step 4: ReuseBy reusing items, you are extending the life of them. You can reuse old jars for storage or reuse takeout containers for leftovers. One of my favorite ways to reuse paper at work is to cut it up for scrap note paper. If I have old single-sided papers that I can recycle and that don't need to be shredded, I will cut them up into quarters. I'll use the back of the paper that hasn't been used and can make notes. This might be a reminder to do something later or a note for a coworker.
I'm giving that piece of paper an extra life, and also reducing my need for post-it notes!Another way to reuse items is to donate them. My husband and I recently went through and donated clothes that we no longer wear. There are many charities and thrift stores that will sell these items cheaply to those in need, or will even give them away for free.
Even though you aren't reusing those items personally, those items now have a second life! Step 5: RecycleLet's face it. You're going to have some waste leftover, unless you have accomplished a zero-waste lifestyle. If so, I'm very impressed! I still have a long way to go, but I'm slowly getting there. Many items can be recycled - paper, cardboard, plastic, and glass being the most common.
Instead of throwing those items in the trash, make the conscious effort to put them in the recycling bin instead. For those that don't have recycling in your apartment building or neighborhood, consider taking your items to the local recycling center. It is an extra step, but you'll feel so good afterwards!You can also recycle light bulbs, batteries, oil, electronics, and other similar products. When not recycled properly, those items can damage the surrounding environment and affect the animals living there. Check with your local government on where to recycle those items. Many organizations also offer a recycling day for those special items.
Step 6: ReplaceThe last step in the 6 R's is to replace. This doesn't mean buying the same things you've been buying all of your life.
It combines all of the steps above - when it comes time to replace something, think about an alternative to it. Can you buy the same thing made from recycled materials? Is it made with eco-friendly ingredients, or is there a better option?
You might be surprised as to what's out there. Some recycled products I've bought are scissors, trash bags, and a flip flop animal (which are pretty amazing).
Takes flip flops that are washed up on beaches, cleans them up, and turns them into works of art.The 6 R's in SummaryRethink, refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, replace. It's not as catchy as 'reduce, reuse, recycle', but it is so important. Once we start rethinking what we are buying, we can then take steps to help the environment. Each of us can implement the 6 R's in our daily lives, and businesses can too. Can you think of a way that your business can implement one or more of these practices?
Consider sharing your ideas with your manager or during a meeting. It will take all of us working together - individuals, businesses, and governments - to help the environment.
Let's start by rethinking the way we do things and find better solutions.