- REFUSE to buy items that aren't truly necessary. Have some willpower and don't give in to affluenza!
- REDUCE live a simpler, less stressful live by consuming less.
- REUSE by increasing your reliance on items that can be used over and over, rather than throwaway items like plastic cups.
- REPURPOSE by using items for another means, instead of throwing it away. For example, use an old tire to make a tire swing because that's a delightfully fun thing until it breaks...
- RECYCLE paper, glass, cans, plastic, and metal waste materials and buy products made from recycled wastes.
* The first four solutions are ideal because they deal with the problem of waste before it is produced, rather than later.
Businesses can also do their part by:
- creating products that are easily recyclable, compost, or reuse
- using minimal amounts of packaging or packaging that is recyclable / reusable
- fulfilling their cradle to grave responsibilities
Each person can do their part through simple actions, such as:
- recycling their wastes rather than throwing them out
- making a compost pile in their backyard for biodegradable organic waste
- using refillable water bottles
- carry groceries in a reusable bag
What the government can do to encourage recycling:
- increase subsidies and tax breaks for companies that reuse and recycle materials
- require government purchase of recycled products
- pass laws mandating that companies take back packaging and electronic wastes discarded by consumers then reuse or recycle it
Should we care? OF COURSE YOU @$$****!!!!! But why?...
Recycling has numerous advantages; there are almost too many to count but we'll try so...
- first and foremost, it saves the environment (that beautiful thing we all seem to take for granted)
- from a financial standpoint, it can help the economy by creating profitable, innovative markets for environmentally friendly goods
- reduces air and water pollution
- saves energy and reduces mineral demand, which is cheaper
- reduces greenhouse gas emissions
- reduces the production and disposal of solid waste, which is quite important considering we have an island of garbage floating in the Pacific Ocean
- protects biodiversity and all of the cute, furry animals we are supposed to share the planet with
