The 4-R method is a highly effective and very responsible way to manage and reduce waste matter… but what does the acronym stand for?
Reduce
You can reduce waste by consuming less. You might avoid over-eating, as an example. Before buying something, ask yourself if you truly need it. You’ll save money, too!
Re-use
We should use and re-use things until they no longer serve a purpose. Before discarding an object, think first if someone else can use it, or if it can be recycled. Think of ways to re-use items, such as keeping leftovers in empty yogurt containers, or using empty jam jars for drinking glasses. Be creative!
Recycle
Glass, paper, cardboard, plastic… recycle everything possible! Paper and cardboard can be re-used to make more of the same, which is what we do here at Cascades. Glass can be ground into powder and reconstituted for new uses, too, and rubber can be broken down and given a second life in tires.
Recover
Make gold out of garbage with composting. If your community doesn’t offer central composting services or sites, you can easily buy a composting unit from a local hardware store and keep it in your backyard. Some municipalities offer training and discounts on composting materials.
Our advice
- Use recycled copy paper in your printer, and set your printer default to print on both sides.
- Use the blank side of printed pages to take notes or for other uses.
- Find other uses for empty cardboard boxes and/or packages.
- Swap any clothes you no longer wear with family and friends, or donate them to places that resell them for charity or offer them to shelters.
- Make rags out of discarded clothing items.
- Use the water collected by your dehumidifier to water your plants.
- Buy in bulk when possible to avoid excess packaging waste and/or avoid buying over-packaged items.
- Wash and re-use plastic containers for leftovers and food storage.
- Avoid over-consumption of bottled water and plastic beverage containers. Is there a water fountain nearby? Buy a permanent water bottle and keep it filled and handy!
- Before discarding your old computer, laptop or smart phone, consider donating it to a local organization for use if it is still running. If not, dispose of it properly at a local eco-center for recycling, or at a store such as Staples, which is set up to recoup used electronics.
At work
Organize a group to form a “Green Committee.” The more people you can involve, the more successful it will be. Make sure you have management’s permission, of course, and hopefully you’ll get their support as well.