The 7 R’s of Sustainability:
Did you know that ‘recycling’ is step 6 of the 7 Rs of sustainability? The other R’s are just as important even if they are often forgotten.
Rethink- Do I really need to buy this? The point of this step is to stop and think.
Refuse- Does this product damage the environment? If so, refuse to spend your money on it. i.e. single use plastics, harsh chemicals
Reduce- How much of this do I really need? Buy less! Buy in bulk when you can as it often equals less packaging to throw out.
Reuse- Can I use this product again? Can I fix what I have so that I don’t need to buy something new? Reuse that plastic water bottle a few times. And instead of buying new, try thrift shopping, flea markets, yard sales etc.
Repurpose- Unlimited creativity! Does this item have another use? i.e. old torn clothes can be rags or plastic cups can be planters.
Recycle- Can I recycle this? Not everything can be. There are also some important steps to making sure your recycling is done properly. If unsure, look up local recycling regulations.
Rot- Can I compost this? Food waste, yard clippings, newspapers and many other items can be composted instead of being tossed in the trash. Composting is surprisingly simple and helps reduce harmful greenhouse gasses from entering the atmosphere.
What is the point of the R’s?
The number one benefit of the 7 R’s are the reduction of the amount of waste sent to incinerators and landfills. The EPA website provides a lot of useful information. Other benefits that we can reap from
implementing these concepts in our life are (as listed on the EPA website):
• Prevents pollution caused by reducing the need to harvest new raw materials
• Saves energy from not making a new product
• Reduces greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change
• Helps sustain the environment and natural resources for future generations
• Saves money from processing our waste
• Increases economic security by tapping a domestic source of materials
• Helps create jobs in the recycling and manufacturing industries in the United States
https://www.northglenn.org/government/departments/public_works/trash/recycling.php
https://www.nrdc.org/stories/composting-101
https://www.epa.gov/recycle
https://www.northglenn.org/Recycling%20Article.pdf
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