The 3R (recycle, reuse, reduce)

Ecology and the environment have become important issues in the last decades because we have become aware that our planet is in danger and we must do everything we can to save it. It is high time we respected the Earth because if we continue ignoring the problems which affect it, we will be in danger, too !
Consequently, everybody has their own part to play. We all can do something for the environment, so let’s not hesitate and let’s apply the rule of the three Rs : reduce, reuse, recycle.

You have probably seen when you go shopping the amount of packaging materials that add up in your trolley. They represent 30 % of our waste and not all can be recycled. Paper, cardboard, glass, plastic, wood and metal can be recycled, but other materials like photographic film, microwave containers, frozen food boxes, aluminum boxes... cannot.
They end up in landfills where they take years to decompose. In the meantime, they reject toxic substances into the atmosphere which is very bad for the planet and for us. So, if we reduce this amount of waste, we will help the environment. And it is quite simple.
For example:

• Use and reuse the same bags when you go shopping.
• If you take your lunch to school, store it into a reusable box that you can wash and use every day.
• It is not necessary to throw away things you do not use anymore (toys, clothes, books...). You can give them to a friend or a center which collects them for donations.
• When you write your lessons at school, use all pages, write on both sides of the sheet. To save paper, remember that you can write your shopping list on an old envelope.
• If you organize a picnic, do not use disposable plastic utensils and plates, take silverware and dishes instead.
• Use rechargeable batteries which can be used again and again.
• Do not let rainwater disappear into the soil, capture it and water your plants or vegetables.

• Buy products wrapped in recyclable materials, products which are environment friendly. If you hesitate, there is a label on the product which can help you choose the right material.
• Sort your waste. It is very easy today thanks to the different colored bins that exist.
• Do not hesitate to make a compost heap in your garden instead of throwing away the food you have not eaten and you will help your plants and vegetables grow.
• You should find different ways of recycling. Keep some useful containers instead of throwing them away. If you use your imagination, you can make beautiful objects from shoe boxes or cans !
• Do not buy hazardous products that could be difficult to recycle.

As you can see it is quite easy to adopt the right attitude as far as the environment is concerned. Anybody can go green and become eco friendly if they decide it. We must change our attitudes if we want the next generations to live in a beautiful world, a world which will not be damaged or polluted. We know we can do it, so let’s do it !
Moreover, lots of things are being implemented to help us, we have no excuses and if we do not take advantage of these improvements now, it will soon be too late.