We know that there is a great increase in the amount of waste generated every year. The waste is not only detrimental to environment, but also to life on earth. In this context waste reduction, reuse and recycling are slowly becoming important components of the waste management programme. The wastes can be effectively managed by using the principles of 3 R’s in our daily life.
1. Reducing Waste:
The first step of managing our waste is to reduce the amount of waste we produce. The practice of consuming less so that our needs are met without much waste generation is called the source reduction of waste. Waste reduction starts at the household level. We should try to purchase those products only which require fewer resources in its production.
We can also reduce waste generation by buying only the right quantity of what we really need. We can also choose products with less packaging. The term “waste reduction” can be interchanged with “waste minimisation” and “waste prevention”.
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2. Reusing Waste:
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It is the practice of reusing materials in their original form again and again after necessary repair and replacement. For example, a car or a truck tyre can be reused by retreading them, instead of just throwing them away as waste.
This practice can help us to reduce the amount of waste disposed of in the landfills. Actually the concept of reuse does not fit well in our modern lifestyle. Nowadays, the consumers feel pride in acquiring new items and discarding the old ones, which could still be used with minor repairs.
We must understand that the resources must be used carefully, keeping in mind the ill effects of over-utilisation. Thus, we must help ourselves and others, and also delay the stage at which materials become waste.
3. Recycling Waste:
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It is the process of breaking down of solid waste into its component materials and using those materials to remake the same product or some new product. Almost half of the contents of our dustbins can be easily recycled. Most of the non-biodegradable solid wastes, such as metals, paper, glass, plastic, etc. can be recycled.
Some common solid wastes which have been recycled profitability or can be recycled easily are the valuable materials or materials that are costlier if produced from fresh raw materials. Recycling reduces the demand for raw materials and also uses less energy.
Thus, recycling is a positive step which can reduce environmental pollution. It encourages us to think about the waste we create and take responsibility for what happens to it. The recycling process is not really complete until we buy the products that have been made from the recycled materials.