You've heard about the 3 "R's"... but did you know there are 6???
The 6 "R's" of Recycling
Refuse ~ Reduce ~ Reuse ~ Recycle ~ Repurpose ~ Repair
How To Refuse
To refuse is to say no. Say no to items you don't really need
Refuse a straw and just drink from your cup when out for a meal
Don't use disposable paper or plastic bags at the store - bring your own reusable ones!
Don't use disposable packaging for lunches - use reusable containers
Buy foods and goods in bulk to reduce/refuse packaging
How To Reduce
Reduce paper waste by using a washable kitchen towel instead of paper
Using a glass or re-usable plastic cup instead of disposable cup
Use a glass or plastic water bottle again and again
How To Reuse
Compost food
Reuse paper bags
Buy washable paper towels
Use the back of papers for notes and lists instead of taking a new sheet of paper
How To Recycle
Throw used paper in the recycling bin.
Recycle alkaline batteries.
Recycle plastic. (Plastic Straws, Plastic cups, Plastic bottles, etc.)
Recycle glass and metal bottles and packaging
How To Re-purpose
Use glass or plastic jars and bottles again to store other items
Use cardboard from boxes to create drawer organizers for clothes
Create a garden in re-used jars
Create home decorating items using old window frames, shutters and doors
BE CREATIVE!! MAKE SOMETHING NEW FROM AN OLD ITEM!!
How To Repair
Repair appliances that do not work instead of buying new when possible
Take care of your items and maintain them so they last longer
Consider keeping the family car for longer
Sew/fix clothing that has a tear or holes instead of throwing it away