Ideas to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle

We are all familiar with the three R’s when it comes to being green, and protecting our environment. However if you are not familiar with the three R’s, they stand for reduce, reuse, and recycle. By adhering to using the three R’s on a regular basis, we help to conserve energy, save on landfill space, and helps protect natural resources.

First, we need to examine what we can do to help reduce. Below are a few examples how we can all help to reduce.

Cut back on certain disposable items, such as paper plates, disposable plastic silverware, batteries (start using rechargeable ones), razors, and paper towels.

Instead of buying that brand new MP3 player that came out this week, consider buying last month’s used or refurbished one. You can find refurbished or used electronics at places like, eBay, Amazon.com, Craigslist and even garage sales.

Learn to share items with your friends and family, items that you can pass on and share are things like, magazines, books, movies and games to name a few. According to your likes, I am sure you will be able to come up with many other items that you can share.

Now let us take a closer look at some ways you may reuse items that you may already have in your own home, or items that you can easily purchase at local thrift stores, garage sales, Craigslist, or even curbside.

You know all that leftover bread in your cabinet. We all have them the extra hot dog bun, one or two hamburger buns, and even the ends of the loaf of bread. Do not threat there is no need to waste them, as long as they are not moldy you have a few options. One you can cube the bread, and make croutons, or two grate your bread, season and use as breadcrumbs.

Save the leftover wax from candles that you can no longer burn, melt them down, and make new candles from them.

Save your leftover coffee and tea grounds and use them as fertilizer for either your indoor or outdoor plants.

If you have extra ice cube trays, you can use these to freeze extra broth or extra baby food to use later. Another great idea for ice cube trays is to use them to store small items, such as nuts or bolts, or even jewelry.

Old jars make great containers for storing item like flour, sugar, beans and other items that you might want to purchase in bulk. You could even store items such as buttons or coins in your jars.

Instead of using the plastic bags when shopping, think about purchasing the reusable shopping bags, if you do not feel like buying one of those, then consider making your own from an old t-shirt. Here is a link to a great site that show you how to.

Make your own t-shirt tote bag

Why spend expensive money on designer clothes, when you can buy used or vintage clothing. If you have basic sewing skills you can take the used clothing and redesign them into new stylish outfits. Look for clothes and good deals at your local thrift store, garage sales, Craigslist, or consignment shops.

Finally, yet importantly recycle. Learn a few basic steps on ways to recycle and help preserve our planet.

Dispose of hazardous materials, such as building materials, which includes paints, varnishes, and thinners. Other items that they consider hazardous are pesticides, and house cleaners.

Recycle home items, like papers, glass and plastic containers.

Leave grass clipping on your yard after mowing, it helps provide a good source of fertilizer. Not only will you love it, your yard will love it.

For more information and a better-detailed list of what to recycle check out

Tips for Recycling

Remember reduce, reuse and recycle; only together can we make a difference.