Reduce, reuse, recycle (also known as R3) is a widely accepted waste management method designed to reduce the total use of environmental resources and lessen humans' carbon footprint on earth.
Reducing involves limiting purchases and accummulation; consequently reducing the amount of waste produced. Reduction strategies include buying used products; avoiding disposable products; renting or borrowing in place of new purchases; and phasing print mail out of your life.
Reusing products makes both environmental and economical sense. Reusing strategies include buying used goods, reusing products such as bags for the same purpose, repairing broken products instead of buying new ones and borrowing or sharing infrequently used items such as decorations.
Recycling refers to processing, treating or converting an object into reusable materials. Commercial products made from recyclable or recycled materials almost always contain a symbol on their packaging. Buy these products instead of conventional ones. You can also practice recycling by collecting recyclable materials such as old electronics in your house and dropping them off at a collection center. (Photo: Shutterstock)
Why can't you recycle graduation gowns?
August 19, 2017, 3:27 p.m. by Robin Shreeves
There doesn't seem to be a solution for these polyester gowns.
Why we all have a little hoarder in us
August 15, 2017, 11:18 a.m. by Sidney Stevens
While most of us aren’t true hoarders, we still may find it hard to throw things out. Here's why.
How these colorful sculptures are fighting ocean pollution and creating jobs in Kenya
August 11, 2017, 3:02 p.m. by Jaymi Heimbuch
Nairobi-based Ocean Sole has transformed a big pollution problem into a bustling business.
Are you one of the 'weirdos' who picks up litter?
July 31, 2017, 11:45 a.m. by Starre Vartan
If you regularly pick up other people's trash, you are definitely not alone.
Why optimistic recycling is a problem
May 25, 2017, 1:05 p.m. by Angela Nelson
Single-stream recycling may be convenient, but it has a few pitfalls. And what consumers don't know can hurt the recycling process.
How to get a more sustainable shave
May 15, 2017, 12:57 p.m. by Sidney Stevens
Cutting waste from your shaving routine helps the environment — and your wallet.
Only in Texas: A rental home shaped like a cowboy boot
April 7, 2017, 11:02 a.m. by Matt Hickman
Roomier than your average Stetson, this habitable boot would be an upgrade for the old woman who lived in a shoe ...
8 cooking liquids you shouldn't toss
March 20, 2017, 1:25 p.m. by Sidney Stevens
How to turn these 'waste' liquids into culinary gold.
D.C. architect eyes old Metro cars as housing for the homeless
March 15, 2017, 3:23 p.m. by Matt Hickman
Just think of it as repurposing with a purpose.
Pro baseball player makes these fierce, recycled creatures in his down time
March 9, 2017, 1:50 p.m. by Angela Nelson
Pitcher Blake McFarland says he just wants to make cool things.
7 unrecyclable items that really can be recycled
March 7, 2017, 10:39 a.m. by Sidney Stevens
Breathe new life into hard-to-recycle junk with these innovative solutions.
The story of (getting rid of) stuff
March 6, 2017, 2:50 p.m. by Lloyd Alter
What do you keep, what do you pitch, and when do you do it?
-
Remember that kid who invented a way to clean up ocean plastic? He's back, and it's happening
-
Farmers' Almanac warns of brutal winter
-
Why do men tell women to smile?
-
14 famous people who mysteriously disappeared
-
Capturing the spirit of the wild horses of Cumberland Island
-
Mysterious pink tube 'creature' baffles divers
-
Why are my plants turning yellow?
A closer look at yellowing leaves on plants can help gardeners get to the root of the problem.
-
7 surprising facts about dragonflies
Like did you know they can fly backward, have almost 360-degree vision and they're ferocious?
-
What is the best way to get rid of poison ivy?
The simplest and best answer is 'very carefully.'
-
Top 10 vegetables to grow in your garden
These nutritional powerhouses can flourish in your yard or in containers.
-
Good bug, bad bug: How can you tell the difference?
Most bugs are harmless, but here's how to tell the good from the bad — plus organic solutions.
-
Got moles? Read this
Don't make a mountain of a literal mole hill. Follow these tips to a mole-free lawn.
Flipboard