Garbage (1989-11) by Ted ThaiLIFE Photo Collection
We live in a throwaway society
We don't need to stop enjoying life to live sustainably but if we think more carefully when we make choices, using the 5 Rs, we can make a difference. We can:
1. Refuse
2. Reduce
3. Reuse
4. Re-purpose and
5. Recycle
What does this mean?
1. Refuse
When shopping, think about the packaging. Can you buy things with less or no packaging? Loose fruit and vegetables instead of prepackaged? Glass jars instead of plastic? Can you say 'no' to the plastic or paper carrier bag at the checkout?
Say 'No' to products that harm the planet
What about the ingredients in the cleaning products or toiletries? Can you buy an environmentally friendly version of the same thing? As the writer Anna Lappe says:
"Every time you spend money you are casting a vote for the kind of world you want."
What world will you vote for?
2. Reduce
By planning meals and shopping for food carefully we can reduce the amount of waste food we throw away.
Buying and cooking only what we need or freezing leftovers for another day, means that it doesn't go into landfill and saves you some money too.
Less is more
When it comes to clothes, think of the fashion designer Vivienne Westwood's mantra:
"Buy less, choose well, make it last. Quality not quantity."
Fast fashion is not sustainable.It doesn't mean we have to spend a fortune on high end fashion. Get creative and show flair with care.
3. Reuse
Invest in reusable containers.
- A well designed water bottle instead of buying plastic bottles of water.
- A reusable coffee cup for that morning cup of joe.
- Take a bag when you go shopping instead of buying a plastic bag at the check out. It looks more stylish too.
One man's rubbish is another man's treasure
Use cleaned glass or plastic food containers to store leftover food, instead of cling wrap. Buy used (vintage) furniture, clothes, and books, instead of new. Stop an item going into landfill by giving it a second life. By reusing we can save money and the environment.
4. Re-purpose
Used yogurt pots to grow plants, or empty glass jars to store things (paperclips, lentils, craft items), can be done by anyone. A quick clean and it's pretty easy to re-purpose what you usually throw away. Feeling creative? You could decorate them to add pzazz to your shelves.
Everything we own can have a second life
Think about clothes that need repairing or don't fit. Can you make them useful again? Can you patch or embroider them? What about furniture or household goods? Can they be made into something else? Can you:
- Donate to a good cause or someone who needs it?
- Resell?
- Up-cycle?
5. Recycle
We've refused, reduced, reused and repurposed, but there are things that need disposing. So WE RECYCLE!
- plastic
- aluminium
- card/paper
- food/garden waste
- clothes
- electrical goods/batteries
can ALL be recycled. By recycling everything you can, you help protect our planet.
Projections on Sustainable Development Goals and 70th Anniversary of the United Nations (2015-09-22) by UN Photo/Cia PakUnited Nations Association of Australia
This is just the beginning
These are just some ideas to get you started. The 5 Rs help us make better choices. By being mindful about how we shop, consume and use, we
- live a more intentional life
- tread more lightly on the planet
- make a positive difference to the world
Now it's up to you!
