Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Repair, and Rot
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The slow transition to a more eco-friendly way of life often demands that citizens follow the fundamental dimensions of sustainable shifts to conduct their routine actions. These habits aim to protect and preserve our natural environment, and further seek to ensure that there are few environmental impacts that disrupt our everyday lifestyle. Even though these activities are universally known, individuals still misinterpret and poorly execute them.
reduce
The first dimension of change to consider is reduction. 'Reduce' implies imposing a limitation on the consumption of products that increase waste and worsen adverse environmental impacts. As much as humanly possible, citizens should try to lessen their investments in and use of non-biodegradable products, inclusive of plastic bottles, disposable Styrofoam food containers, and non-compostable wrappers. Contemporary society is defined by a high demand for excessive material wants, and the normalization of these economic desires results in individuals engaging in mass consumerism. In spite of this, reusable water bottles, containers, and wraps are suitable replacements that reduce the quantity of waste we produce. Common illustrations of the need for reduction depict that every toothbrush, plastic container, and other disposable items individuals would have used at any point during their lifetime still exist and only multiply each day. Ideally, individuals should focus on investing in items that they need, rather than buying new items that they don't need and that would otherwise contribute to issues of pollution and waste management. Refusal and reduction might also be applied to activities such as excessive use of aerosols, which are used daily and have adverse environmental impacts.
reuse
The reduction of pollution and waste remain key aspects of limiting our impact on the environment, however, it is not always feasible in modern society. 'Reuse' suggests making use of an item more than once, or investing in items that can be used multiple times. One method of combating waste accumulation is through reusing certain single-use items multiple times, such as jars, sturdy plastic containers, and bottles. Jars can be used as mugs or storage containers for homemade foods, exemplified by jams and pickles. Plastic containers might be used to store food or act as waterproof storage containers. Bottles can be used to store homemade drinks, such as sorrel during Christmas, or water during droughts. Items such as wrapping paper or gift bags can be reused multiple times before being discarded. In tandem with this, investing in durable reusable items also offers a method of positive change. Many eco-businesses sell reusable cutlery, utensils, bottles, and even hygiene and household products. This includes diapers, menstrual products, food wrappers, cleaning cloths, and napkins. These reduce the need for constantly purchasing new items since they last for multiple uses over a long period of time.
recycle
In addition to reusing, recycling creates crafty opportunities to repurpose and reuse used products. 'Recycle' suggests innovatively making a new product from an old item. This might be manifested by upcycling, crafts, and similar projects. Upcycling is traditionally associated with clothing and furniture, where old items that would have otherwise been thrown away, are made into something new through changing it in some manner. An individual might turn an old ripped pair of pants into a shirt, a chest of drawers into a decorative shelf, and old magazines into a collage or card. At a more conventional level, recycling involves taking waste items, and turning them into alternative versions of the same material. Cardboard, newspapers, and other paper products might be collected and used to make pulp that will eventually become other paper-based items. This can also be applied to plastics, aluminum, and glass. Recycling can be done at home, as well as at specialized centers with the facilities to properly sort, treat, and manufacture recycled products. Additionally, recycled items may not always change their form, but might just be repurposed. Plastic containers, for example, can be turned into small plant pots or bird feeders. These not only reduce the output of waste items but also serve a beneficial environmental purpose.
repair
Many items that are seen as waste or ineffective might still be in good condition, requiring only minor repairs to resume their normal function. 'Repair' outlines that items that are often thrown away are not useless or without purpose. The ripped fabric on bags and other cloth items can be mended. Old electronics might require a new part, and worn wobbly furniture might need a few new screws and paint. They can easily be restored to their original state without the need to constantly replace them with newer versions and increase our waste accumulation from discarding their parts. Cars, for example, are often repaired and treasured despite their age and condition, as well as antique novel items. This same principle can be applied to regular older items. While repairs might not always be possible, this practice can assist in reducing both pollution and certain daily expenses.
rot
Lastly, 'Rot' aims to cover the natural and organic processes that facilitate the recycling and repurposing of waste products. Composting presents an opportunity to reduce wastes created by humans that often hinder large-scale recycling. Food and organic waste, under influence of these natural processes, rot and become a new product that benefits the environment, especially in the context of plants. While there are many forms of composting, some using earthworms, and others relying on organic chemical combinations, lighting, and temperature conditions, they produce a rich product that aids plant growth and health. This provides a potential solution that reduces food waste through reusing scraps, and similarly reduces wastes associated with compostable and biodegradable materials. Biodegradable alternatives to many daily necessities, including paper cups and straws, and bamboo or cotton hygiene products, often become ineffective since they are improperly disposed of. A proper well-constructed composting system can reduce the accumulation of compostable materials by recycling them slowly and naturally.
There are many alternative R's that appear in environmentalist discourse. Despite this, they are often disregarded. Pollution and waste accumulation continue to persist as severe global issues. Regardless of whether individuals can implement these dimensions of change, it is still essential that they remain mindful and responsibly dispose of their waste.