The most effective way to reduce waste is to not create it in the first place. Making a new product requires a lot of materials and energy – raw materials must be extracted from the earth and the product must be fabricated then transported to wherever it will be sold. As a result, reduction and reuse are the most effective ways you can save natural resources, protect the environment and save money.
Some of the benefits of Reducing and Reusing
- Prevents pollution caused by reducing the need to harvest new raw materials
- Saves energy
- Reduces greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global climate change
- Helps sustain the environment for future generations
- Reduces the amount of waste that will need to be recycled or sent to landfills and incinerators
How to Reduce and Reuse
- Buy used. In most cases, used items can be less expensive and just as good as new.
- Less packaging. When manufacturers make their products with less packaging, they use fewer raw materials. This reduces waste and costs. Buying in bulk can reduce packaging and save you money.
- Buy reusable instead of disposable. Look for items that can be reused. For example, you can bring your own cutlery and coffee mug to work, rather than using disposable items.
- Borrow, rent or share items that are used infrequently, like party decorations, tools or furniture.
Recycling…
Recycling is the process of converting waste materials into new materials and objects. Recycling has multiple benefits for many areas of the economy – providing raw materials, creating jobs and encouraging business opportunities and innovation.1
There are many benefits to recycle and all of us can contribute to this just by taking small steps:
- Find ways of recycling different materials. Many materials can be recycled, such as paper, plastic, metal and glass. Other items such as furniture, electronic equipment, building material and vehicles can also be recycled but many people don’t often think to do so.
- Buy products that can be recycled. When shopping at the supermarket, look for products that can be recycled easily such as glass jars and tin cans. Avoid plastic!
- Buy products that have been made from recycled material. You can tell if a product is eco-friendly by looking at the label on the packaging.
- Make sure you have a recycle bin in your home. Your local council should be able to provide you with a recycle bin that can be used for materials such as glass, paper, aluminium and plastic.
- Composting – a process where waste degrades into compost, which can then be used in your garden to help it grow. It is an excellent way to recycle garden and kitchen waste such as plant trimmings and leftover food.
Nikken’s bio-green PiMag® Water Bottle is made from patented BioGreen materials. These materials enable the bottle to completely break down in landfills and compost piles into biomass that nourishes soil and biogas that can be harvested for energy use.
1. https://www.eea.europa.eu/highlights/recycling-industry-can-boost-the
18th November 2019
