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The 3 R

The document discusses the 3 R's of reduce, reuse, and recycle which are rules that guide reducing waste and using resources wisely. Reduce means using less and avoiding unnecessary purchases. Reuse means using items again through creative repurposing or giving items a second life. Recycle is the process of collecting materials to be made into new products, with paper and cardboard making up most of recycled materials in the US.

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36 views

The 3 R

The document discusses the 3 R's of reduce, reuse, and recycle which are rules that guide reducing waste and using resources wisely. Reduce means using less and avoiding unnecessary purchases. Reuse means using items again through creative repurposing or giving items a second life. Recycle is the process of collecting materials to be made into new products, with paper and cardboard making up most of recycled materials in the US.

Uploaded by

darvasfortunes
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The 3 R’s stand for “Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle”.

This Eco Trio are rules that guide us to take care of our
planet and use things wisely.

1. Reduce

“Reducing” means using less, like using fewer plastic bottles or buying products
with less packaging. It’s about cutting down on waste from the start.

“Reduce” means not buying too many things in the first place. It’s about being
mindful of using resources wisely so they don’t end up in a landfill.

For instance, bringing your own reusable coffee cup or water bottle is an
example of “reducing”. By doing this, you help cut down on the need for single-
use containers and reduce waste.
2. Reuse
“Reusing” means using things again instead of throwing them away. There are a
lot of creative ways that you can reuse anything in your household.

For example, you can reuse old cardboard boxes to create fun DIY projects or as
storage containers. This not only saves money but also reduces the number of
boxes that end up in the trash.

Another example of “reuse” is using an empty glass jar to store leftovers instead
of throwing them away. This way, you give the jar a second life and reduce the
need for new containers.
3. Recycle
“Recycling” is the process of collecting and processing materials like paper,
plastic, and glass so they can be turned into new products. It’s a way to give old
items a new life instead of sending them to the landfill.

On average, over 69 million tons are recycled in the United States. Paper and
cardboard make up about two-thirds of all the recycled things. Next, metals are
around 13%. Finally, glass, plastic, and wood together are about 4 to 5%.

Food waste is still a significant problem. In the United States, 30-40% of all food
produced is wasted. This is a big problem because it means throwing away good
food and causing environmental issues.
The 3 R’s Hierarchy
The order of the 3 R’s is not just about the spelling; it’s a strategic approach
to sustainable waste management.

The 3 R’s hierarchy starts with “Reduce,” the best way to manage waste. Then
comes “Reuse,” and lastly “Recycle.”

This hierarchy shows that it’s best to reduce and reuse items first. Recycling uses
more energy and resources and has a bigger environmental impact.

“Reduce” is the leader because it makes sure you don’t buy unnecessary items in
the first place. Next, “reuse” is like a helpful sidekick because it’s when you use
something more than once. Finally, “recycle” is like the hero who cleans up after a
big mess.
Examples of the 3 R’s
The table below highlights some of the examples of applying the 3 R’s to
everyday life.

R’s Examples

– Using a reusable water bottle


Reduce – Buying products with less packaging
– Walking or biking instead of driving for short trips

– Using a cloth shopping bag instead of plastic bags


Reuse – Repurposing old jars as storage containers
– Handing down clothes or toys to younger siblings or friends

– Putting empty glass, plastic, and paper in recycling bins


Recycle – Recycling old newspapers and magazines
– Turning aluminum cans into new aluminum products

Summary
So far, you’ve learned about the importance of the 3 R’s and how they can be
helpful in reducing climate change. Here’s a recap of the 3 R’s:

 “Reduce” means using less of something. Instead of using a plastic shopping


bag, you bring your own reusable bags.
 “Reuse” means using things again. For example, you can repair or repurpose
them instead of immediately replacing them.
 “Recycle” means that you convert existing items and turn them into new
products. This includes paper, cardboard, metal, glass, plastic, and wood.
By following the 3 R’s, we can protect the Earth, use things wisely, and make
sure there’s enough for us and the generations that come after us.

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