Reduce — Use Less!
The FIRST and most important R is REDUCE. Reduce means using less stuff in the first place. If we do not create waste, we do not have to worry about throwing it away!
Here are some easy ways to reduce:
Turn off lights when you leave a room. This reduces the electricity used, which helps the planet.
Use a reusable water bottle instead of buying plastic bottles. One reusable bottle can replace hundreds of plastic ones!
Bring your own bag to the store instead of getting a new plastic bag every time. Some families keep reusable bags in the car so they always have them.
Only take what you will eat. Food waste is a huge problem — when we throw away food, we waste all the water, energy, and resources it took to grow and transport it.
Use both sides of paper. Before recycling a piece of paper, flip it over and use the back for drawing or notes.
Reduce is the most important R because it prevents waste before it is even created. The best garbage is the garbage that was never made!
**Think About It:** How many plastic water bottles does your family use in a week? Now imagine using zero by switching to reusable bottles!