The R’s help reduce plastic waste and closes the loop on consumables.

Often, in our throwaway society, items are purchased to be used for a short while, sometimes only minutes. Referencing the Rs helps individuals, communities and businesses to make more sustainable choices.

Rethink – Many people consider this the first choice in helping to reduce plastic waste. Just stopping to rethink if an item is needed at all reduces waste in general.

Refuse – Simply choosing to refuse single-use items, and opting for plastic free alternatives and reusables, reduces waste of all kinds.

Reduce – Before making a purchase, ask yourself if it’s truly needed or if another item can be used instead. Choosing to shop for secondhand items helps reduce new product consumption and contributes to less waste.

Reuse – Many households simply reuse or repurpose what’s already on hand. Items like food containers, clothing, bags, toys, art supplies, tools, sporting goods, etc. Consider reusing items as much as possible or take them to a secondhand store, so they don’t end up in landfill.

Refurbish – Numerous household items, furniture, electronics, etc. can be refurbished to good working order to avoid discarding and buying new.

Repair – Clothing, shoes, sporting goods and household items can be repaired to avoid creating more plastic and waste in general.

Recycle – Once an item has reached the end of its life, recycling correctly helps reduce plastic ending up in landfill or as litter. When buying new items, consider choosing recycled products to close the loop.

What other R’s are out there to consider? refill, repurpose…

Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, is well known as the mantra of sustainability. Waste prevention involves rethinking how we do things to avoid producing waste. By reducing the amount of ‘stuff’ we buy and use, we decrease the resources needed for manufacture, transport and disposal.

We also cause less impact on the environment where the materials originate, during their transport and where they are disposed of. We also save money by not buying ‘stuff’ we don’t need.

Reducing our consumption …. Our choices can make a difference!

As consumers, we can play our part by thinking about our consumption habits and considering the impact of the products we buy.