24/08/2018
Reduce, reuse, recycle.
If ever there was a snappy call to action, it’s this. We see the phrase everywhere but what does it actually mean and how can we actually ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’? And why should we?
Reduce…
Yes, it sounds like a cop out. But reducing your single use waste will make a huge difference.
Stop getting a takeaway coffee every day or take a travel mug with you.
Stop buying lunches in non-recyclable packaging, either make your own lunch or take a container with you to reuse.
Think about plastic cutlery, do you really need it? Maybe keep a set at your desk that you wash every day.
And, we know you know this one, but stop buying plastic bags. Plastic bags alone are the highest contributors to pollution. Buy a reusable shopping tote and actually use it.
And we’re pretty sure we don’t need to remind you to say no to the straw, as well as to plastic water bottles.
These simple changes mean you’re not throwing things away at every minute of the day.
Reuse…
If you must buy something in masses of plastic and packaging, then think of ways to reuse it. For example, yoghurt containers make for handy storage containers and glass jars are useful for around the house. The point here is, think about what you’re going to do with the waste of whatever you’ve just bought.
… Then recycle
Yes, recycling is great and you should already be doing it, but it should be the last resort for reducing your waste. If you’re mindful about how you consume, then you won’t end up with a load of trash that now needs to be recycled.
The best way to get into a recycling groove is to go out and buy a big recycling bin and get into the habit of washing out your recyclables and popping them in the separate bin.
Read more at elledecoration.co.za