In waste management there is something known as the “waste hierarchy” and it basically has to do with the order of priority of actions that need to be taken when the goal is to lower the amount of waste generated, therefore improving waste management processes and programs in general. This waste hierarchy can be broken down into three “R’s”:

• Reduce
• Reuse
• Recycle

These “three R’s” are the guidance that is suggested in order to create a sustainable life. It is not that difficult to start to incorporate these principles into your routine; all you need to do is pay a bit more attention to how you dispose of things and you will see how the amount of waste you produce will go down steadily.

Reduce

The logic behind this first principle isn’t really too complicated: if there is less waste, then the amount to reuse or recycle is also less. In order to put this into practice is to pay attention to what you’re using and how you use it. You need to ask yourself three questions for this:

• Can something else be used for this purpose? Using items that can serve multiple users is a good way to reduce the amount of waste. Instead of having to buy two or three things, each one with separate packaging and occupying more space in your home, you can only buy one that does multiple jobs. Less waste.
• Is it really necessary? Many items we use are considered “disposable.” By this, we mean that what you’re going to use has real meaning or not.
• Do you need it in the future for your life purpose? Keep in mind that whatever you consume or use has a place in the reality of potential in your life. Buying things that will serve a meaningless purpose only creates more waste.

You can also follow these tips to reduce the amount of waste that is created on a regular basis:

• Print on both sides of the paper.
• Use e-mail instead of paper mail.
• Use cloth napkins.
• Avoid paper or plastic plates, glasses, cups, and cutlery.
• Avoid over-packaged items, wrapped in foil, paper, plastic. Excess packaging equals more waste.

Reuse

It’s a very good idea to learn how to reuse items or repurpose them for a different use than what they were originally for.

A good example for this is how homes and other buildings are being constructed out of old shipping containers, or how plastic bottles are being filled with concrete and used as bricks, or using plastic or glass bottles at home after their contents run out, for other things; like sauces, screws, flower pots, or candle holders. It all comes down to avoid these items from reaching landfills or other waste destination.

Another good idea is to donate old items that still work, and allow others to use them. Things like clothes, books, old electric equipment, rechargeable batteries, are often sought by NGO’s and other organizations.

Making compost from organic material is also a good way to reuse waste, and it is also good for the environment. There are tons of websites that explain how to make compost at home; old tea bags, eggshells, vegetable, and fruit peels can all help plants grow.

Recycling

Finally, the last stage is to recycle. It means that it will be transformed into raw material and can be made into a new item. Most of the materials on earth can be recycled, however, there still isn’t enough information out there about this possibility and the centers that do collect and organize and actually recycle, aren’t enough either for the amount of material that needs to be processed.

It’s a good idea to learn what products can be recycled and which can’t.

You can also look out for items that have been made from recycled materials. Usually, this information is found on the package.