The 3 "R"s and more ...

R educe, R euse & R ecycle

"3R" is a very famous term used to describe the three ways one can help produce less waste, and is often symbolized by three arrows, arranged in a triangle. We observed "Earth Hour" a couple of days ago and my thoughts go to the real mass movement that can make the difference.

Reduce? It simply means reducing our waste and/or consumption. I would include another "R" as part of this 'Refuse'. Reducing consumption would include simple things like reduced use of plastics. Like at a shop 'refusing' the extra plastic bag. Another step would be the use of long-lasting goods like a shopping bag thus reducing the use of plastic bags. Another is the use of products that come in minimal packaging. Reduce should apply to our power consumption too. Reduce emission. Since reduction prevents the production of waste in the first place, it comes as the first step in conservation.

Reuse? The reuse of things around us reduces consumption and waste. Old items can be reused either by yourself or someone else. Repairing items and/or donating them to charity or using them in a different way are methods of 'Reuse'. From the reuse of you 'out of fashion' clothes by lesser fortunate to reuse of plastic bags from shopping sprees for garbage disposal or storage or another shopping spree instead of buying new ones for the same purpose. Refilling bottles or use of old furniture after remodelling them. So new "R"s here are Reinvent, Refill, Reach out...

Recycling? Recycling is the newest 'R' of the basic 3 R's. It turns materials, that would otherwise become waste, into valuable materials. By recycling, we can conserve resources and at the same time reduce waste. Recycling involves the collection of recyclable materials, sorting and processing them into raw materials and manufacturing them into new products. A lot of products are now using recycled materials eg. newspapers, metal drink cans. Our role is to ensure recyclable waste is sent for recycling. Hence the need for sorting our waste. Another important role we have in recycling is in purchasing of products using recycled material. Ensuring growth and promotion of the practice.

I have one more "R" to add to the list R emind.

Remind? Ah! thats what I am doing right now ...Reminding you to play your part by following the "R"s. And following this R each one is called to remind themselves & the people in their lives to follow the "R"s for a better life.

Skeptics: I have heard this "what difference will it make if I do it?" time and again. The question has come to my mind too. But the answer comes too ...'Every Drop makes the ocean' . For example I am 30 and if i had to live another 30 yrs (30 yrs = 10,957 days)...If i were to use 1 plastic bag less each day that woud be 10,957 plastic bags less in the waste. If i can get 5 people close to me to do it (remind) too along with me that would be 65,742 plastic bags less. If this is a chain i.e. each influencing 5 more ...16,43,550...WOW!, the impact of reducing just one item ....by 31 individuals. Imagine more than one item per individual and with a larger group doing it.