Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Waste and the way it is handled has a major impact on the environment. The amount of waste continues to grow which has started to cause difficulties with its disposal as the local landfills are getting full too quickly. It is impossible not to create any waste in the modern world but there are three ways to reduce its impact on the environment – reduce, reuse and recycle.
Waste reduction may seem very difficult since every package and container eventually end up in the waste bin. However, it is possible to significantly reduce the amount of waste you create. Here are only a few of many ways to minimize waste in your household:
- Watch what you buy. Choose products with minimal packaging and avoid impulsive buying to reduce the amount of unnecessary waste as well as spending your money for things you do not really need.
- Choose returnable bottles instead of disposable ones.
- Do not take a carrier bag every time you leave the store. Reuse carrier bags or use cloth bags.
- Avoid disposable products such as plastic plates and cups, cameras, etc.
- Buy refill products.
- Chose eco-friendly packaging and avoid non-recyclable ones.
- Borrow things you need only now and then instead of buying them.
- Cancel unwanted mail to reduce paper waste.
- Donate or sell things you do not need any more.
- Compost kitchen and garden waste.
- Repair things before replacing them.
- Buy durable and quality products. They are actually less expensive in the long run.
Lots of things that end up in waste bins can be reused including those that seem useless. Here are some of the most common waste items that can be reused and how:
- Envelopes can be used as scrap paper.
- Cardboard boxes can be used for storage.
- Old wood can be used for woodcrafts such as building bird nest boxes or as firewood.
- Plastic bottle can be used as watering can, a vase, storage container, etc.
- Egg cartons are useful as seed starters.
- Old cloths can be used for crafts and as cleaning cloths.
The amount of waste can be significantly reduced by following the tips for waste reduction and reuse, however, it is nearly impossible to create zero waste. For that reason it is crucial to displace the waste you create properly so that recyclable materials can be reused. Make sure to throw waste paper into a paper bin, glass into a glass bin, etc. If you are not sure in which bin to put a particular item, do not assume and contact your local authorities that are responsible for waste collection and disposal. Separation of household waste material and proper disposal significantly reduce the amount of waste on landfills because all recyclable materials are reprocessed and reused. Particularly important is proper disposal of hazardous waste which includes paints, waste oil, various hazardous chemicals from household cleaning agents to pesticides (including containers of hazardous chemicals), medications, etc. These items should be handed over to the local waste collection/disposal centres.