Recycle/reuse
The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.
-Robert Swan, Explorer/Environmentalist
The most effective way to reduce our waste is to simply, not create it in the first place.
The production process requires large amounts of materials and energy; raw materials must be extracted from the earth, energy is used to transform these into the product, fuel and energy on transportation and more materials in packaging. The most sensible way to reduce waste is hence to reduce the occurrence of this process, reusing and recycling the materials we already have, rather than throwing them out. Not only is this better for the environment but it is also better for the bank, think of the money you can save by re-using what you’ve got, rather than buying new.
What can I do?
- Buy second-hand. There are numerous stores and online platforms that sell secondhand goods in great condition. Why buy something brand-new and full priced, when you can buy it second hand for a much lower price and still get the same quality?
- Buy re-useable items over disposable ones. It may seem insignificant, but all items add up when it comes to waste; think of bringing in your own cutlery to work rather than using disposable items.
- Maintain and repair products such as clothing, tires, appliances and furniture so they aren’t thrown out and replaced as regularly.
Recycling role models
- Savers – non-charity based second-hand goods store
- Plastic Recycling fact sheet
- Zero Waste SA