The 5 R’s Of Zero Waste

Now that we are aware of some of the steps we can take to reduce our carbon footprint, it is time to delve deeper and understand more about one of our main steps - Going Zero Waste.

So, what is zero waste? It is the meticulous production and management of products, packaging, and materials to prevent their wastage, release of toxic substances into the air, land, and water, and threat to the environment or human health. In common man’s language, zero waste is a set of principles which focuses on reduction of waste by encouraging the maximum use of resources. The idea is to prevent any waste from going to landfills, incinerators, oceans, or being burnt.

And how do we do so? By following the 5 R’s - Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot.

01) Refuse

The concept of refusal is to say NO to the things that you don’t need or that become instant waste. For example - straws, flyers, extra wrappings, plastic cups and plates. Refusing to use these things helps create less waste from the beginning itself. But in order to refuse, you need to know where you can say NO. If you are using straws for every drink you take in a day, buy a metal straw and carry it around with you. If you are getting junk mail, write back to the organization and let them know about the issue. If someone’s offering you a flyer, take a picture and save it for later.

Refusing doesn’t have to mean you have to go without something, it only helps you do something more environmentally friendly.

02) Reduce

01) Refuse fferentiating between your needs and wants and refraining from buying things you don’t necessarily need or desire. Keeping a check on your impulse buying helps you keep control over not only your budget but also waste generation. Many of the things we buy are often not used much, if not at all. Trying to buy the goods that you require and that meet the quality standards for buying quality goods reduces the need to purchase often.

03) Reuse

Reuse and Repair go hand in hand. When you break something, or find something better to use, think of repairing before buying a new object or using it in some other way. If you don’t want to use it yourself, you can share, donate or sell it to someone you know. Buying goods from thrift stores, or backyard sales is also an interesting way to reuse resources instead of buying new ones.

04) Recycle

While recycling is one of the preferred methods to reduce waste, it is not the best way. Sort out your waste according to the regulations set up by your local municipality and recycle to the most of your ability. However, do give more attention to reducing your non recyclable waste like plastic wrappings and one time use cups and plates. The best way to recycle is to reduce the non recyclable waste itself.

05) Rot

You can rot in more ways than one - digging a pit. Making a vermicompost in your house is one of the best ways you can rot your waste. Clean your refrigerator once a week to get rid of the bad food and put it in for composting. Or you can contact one of the many compost collection organizations like the Tampines Black Soldier Fly Facility which will help you take care of your waste.

Get ready and get moving. It’s your time to go ZERO WASTE.