REDUCE , REUSE , RECYCLE
Obviously , we can ’ t enlarge the earth to accommodate all of our stuff . So , let ’ s do our best to adopt the following helpful hints to minimize our consumption and waste ( with particular focus on the “ three Rs ” in the order listed ):
1 . Reduce
• Buy only what you need and use all of what you buy .
• Choose products with minimal packaging . ( Hint : Packaging should protect the product from damage , keep it clean and sanitary , and present product information ; anything more than this is unnecessary and wasteful .)
• Purchase products in packaging that can be readily recycled and , even better , is made from recycled material .
• Buy in bulk . It will reduce waste and save you money in the process .
• Refuse bags at stores ! When you buy one or two items at a store , carry them out in your hands or take a reusable bag with you to carry your purchased items .
2 . Reuse
• When you are done using something or no longer want it ( such as a book , a piece of clothing , a board game , or virtually anything else ), then give it to a friend who can continue to put it to good use .
• Sell old products on sites like Craigslist . org . Maybe you ’ ll find something you need on the site yourself !
• Take along washable cups or travel mugs instead of disposables .
• When you do use disposables — like plastic cups , plates , utensils , and plastic food storage bags — don ’ t throw them away ! Wash and reuse them .
• Instead of replacing items when they break , repair them .
• When you replace something , donate the old one ( if in good condition ) to charitable outlets like Goodwill or Salvation Army .
• Hold a yard sale or give-away . And ask your neighbors to join in too .
• When you need to purchase something , check yard sales , charitable outlets , and resale stores first . ( See list of reuse stores on next page .)
3 . Recycle
Only after reducing and / or reusing your goods do you recycle what is left over ! Fortunately , Siena Heights makes it extremely easy to recycle with recycling bins available throughout main campus .
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