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Reducing, Recyling
and Reusing
"Do not wait for extraordinary circumstances to do good action; try to use ordinary situations."
— Jean Paul Richter
Reducing consumption is a main component of environmentalism. We live in a consumer world. We've all heard the phrase, "More is better." It's part of the culture, but we must change this  attitude if we are to save the planet for ourselves and future generations. There are so many ways we can reduce what we use in our daily lives. Use a canvas bag instead of paper for your lunch. Get together with neighbors and buy one lawn mower. Why should an expensive machine sit alone in garage after garage - when one could easily serve four families. Go to thrift shops and buy almost new (and sometimes new) clothes for a fraction of the cost.
Recycling is the reprocessing of materials into new products. It prevents useful resources from being wasted, reduces the consumption of raw materials and reduces energy usage, and hence, greenhouse gas emissions.
Recyclable materials are all around us. They include glass, paper, aluminum, asphalt, iron, textiles and plastics. Biodegradable waste, such as food waste or garden waste, is also recyclable through composting.
Reuse is the art of using an item more than once. This includes conventional reuse where an item is used a number of times for the same function, and new life reuse where a new use is found for a used item. It is distinct from recycling, where the used item is broken down into raw materials, which are used to make new items.
A classic example of conventional reuse is the doorstep delivery of milk in reusable bottles. Other familiar examples include retread tires, the use of plastic crates in place of cardboard cartons, and the use of canvas bags for shopping. There are many other creative ways to reuse. Houses are built completely from reused materials. Beautiful and functional furniture is created from previously used components. There are artists who work solely with used goods.
Reducing, recycling and reusing are great ways to help the environment. There are many ways you can contribute. Jump in with both feet - reduce, recycle, reuse. Start today. Bring your own cup to Starbuck's!
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 Kitchen Compost Crock, Brilliant White
 
ELSEWARES
Independent Art & Design
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