What is reducing?

Reduce is the first R in the three Rs of living sustainably. To reduce is to use less and minimize waste. It’s the most important of the three Rs because it’s our first line of defense and our first step towards a healthier planet.

Why should I practice reducing?

“The most effective way to reduce waste is to not create it in the first place.”

Photo by Tom Fisk from Pexels

We are living in a time where everything is disposable, fads are fleeting, and Coca-Cola produces 200,000 plastic bottles per minute. Social media is constantly showing us the next new thing that we should want and online shopping makes it horrifyingly easy to overindulge. But it’s time for a change.

In 2018 the U.S. produced 292.4 million tons of waste. About 30% was recycled and composted. 146.2 million tons ended up in landfills. They will sit there for possibly hundreds of years, producing methane and carbon. Some will drift into our oceans and waterways where they will endanger wildlife, poison our drinking water, and kill our plants.

The Earth will be just fine without us. But if we humans want to continue to live on it, we’re going to need to start treating it better. The best place to start is by reducing our impact.

How does it affect the environment?

Use less and reap the benefits!
  • Saves energy and decreases pollution by minimizing the need to create new materials
  • Reduces emissions of greenhouse gasses
  • Saves money on the consumer end
  • Supports a sustainable environment for future generations
  • Decreases waste sent to landfills
  • Items are able to continue their useful life

What are some ways I can reduce?

  • Only buy what you need
    Remember to be mindful and intentional with the things you buy. It will make the items you DO purchase that much more meaningful!
  • Choose items with less packaging
    This goes for shopping in store too. Bring a reusable bag or don’t use one at all! Less packaging = less materials. It’s that simple!
  • Buy in bulk
    This may seem counterintuitive, but buying in bulk can help save packaging! If there’s something you’ll be needing a lot of (dog food, toilet paper, etc) opt for bulk. It will reduce your waste in the long run.
  • Buy used items
    Thrifting is good for your wallet, fights fast fashion, reduces pollution caused by manufacturing, and reduces waste. It’s a win-win.
  • Choose items that can be re-used
    One-time use items are the enemy, and there are very few things that actually need to be that way! Any product that can be used over and over is well worth it – travel mugs, stainless steel straws, cloth diapers, glass food storage containers, reusable period products, etc.
  • Repair vs. replace
    We’ve become a bit of a disposable society but many items can be easily repaired. They get to continue their useful life and you get to save some money!
  • Online shop smart
    Online shopping CAN be better for the environment versus shopping in store – if you do it right! Be sure to have your items delivered all at once. Less boxes, less packaging, fewer trips to the post office, less fuel burned!
  • Eat at home
    Take out containers are one-time use and hard to recycle, if they can be recycled at all. Save the planet and your wallet by eating at home!

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