Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. We have all heard these words but just what do they mean? These are simply the three basic methods of managing our waste.
Each of us throws out an average of 4 pounds of garbage each day. Over the course of a year, that’s a lot of waste to mange-over a thousand pounds! What can you do to minimize the amount of waste that goes to the landfill? Follow the three R’s!
REDUCE This is the easiest step of all-Leave it on the shelf. Don’t buy it. Americans have become a very consumption obsessed society, but it wasn’t always like this. “Make it last, wear it out, make it do or do without” used to be the motto of every family.
REUSE Now, here’s a novel idea that we cold speak volumes about. Examples of reuse include: library books, clothing from the Salvation Army or garage sales, making bird feeders from milk jugs, using both sides of a piece of paper…and the list goes on and on. Also, consider repairing items rather than replacing them.
RECYCLE The three chasing arrows of the recycling symbol actually stand for the three basic steps of recycling. These are: Separation and Collection, Processing and Remanufacturing and Buying Recycled.
Why Should You Recycle?
Because it:
It’s the Law – Recycling in Pennsylvania became mandatory in July of 1988 with the enactment of Act 101, the Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction Act. Under Act 101, all municipalities with populations of 5,000 to 10,000 and 300 people per square mile or those who’s population is over 10,000 must recycle.