Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle

What is Waste?

Waste is anything released into the environment that could have a negative impact on that environment.

The average American throws away 4.5 pounds of trash (waste) a day!

Waste could be anything from paper to diapers or food to batteries.

What can I do to help?: The Three R’s

REDUCE!– Reduce means to make something smaller or use less,

resulting in a smaller amount of waste. REUSE!

– Reusing something means to use a material again in its original form, or to give it to someone else who can use it.

RECYCLE!– Recycling is when you save a reusable material and take it

to where it can be made into something new.

How can I REDUCE?

Buy less; buy only what you need and use all of what you buy.

Use durable items instead of disposable ones. For example, buy plastic plates that you can used many times instead of paper ones that you throw away after one use.

Refuse store bags. Carry the items you purchase from the store by hand, or bring your own cloth bag to use.

How can I REUSE?

Donate used clothes to Goodwill or other charities.

Use cloth diapers instead of disposable ones.

If your bicycle breaks, fix it instead of throwing it away and getting a new bike.

How can I RECYCLE?

Almost everything at home and school can be recycled! Check to see how your community recycles.

Don’t throw anything away that can be recycled! Some recyclable materials include:

– Aluminum cans– Cardboard– Magazines– Paper – Plastic bags– Tires – Wood– Paint– Electronic equipment

Quiz: Which is NOT one of the three R’s?

Recycle Repeat Reuse Reduce

Oops!

Go back and read, then try again!

Yes!

That is correct!