The 3 'R's
Recycling is obviously important, but it is just one method of dealing with our waste! We have options in which to make use of our resources. These options are listed in order of preference within the waste hierachy.
The 3 'R's are listed in order of importance. They form to produce what we call the Waste Hierarchy; Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
Reduce
This is basically eliminating waste before it has been created. This is obviously the prefered option. There are lots of things that we can do to reduce waste e.g. reducing junk mail, being a shrewd shopper and using real nappies.
Reuse
This is when you use an item again. It is the second prefered option after reduce. An example of this would be to use a 'Bag for Life' rather than disposable carrier bags.
Recycle
Recycling is transforming used products into new products. This may surprise you that recycling is not the best option but it is still a good option and still very important. It is alot better than burying the waste in a landfill site.
Disposal
This is definately the least preffered option and should only be thought about once the 3 'R's have been considered. In the Uk, the majority of waste that is sent for disposal, is buried in landfill sites.
