1) Reduce
Firstly, what does reducing mean?
Well, simply put, it means that we should try cutting down on the amount of waste we produce at home. This waste usually comes in the form of wasted electricity, water, food and other products; since a lot of these are wasted or thrown after they have been in the fridge for too long or sometimes even past their expiry date.
The best place to start the ‘reduce’ process is by doing your groceries. Here you can purchase lesser of better quality products to reduce any related waste. Even if there is a good value deal on certain items, think if you really want that much (will you need and use it, or just throw it away later?).
Often, you will find that the food items are kept in the kitchen for too long, after which they have to be thrown out. This especially happens during the summer. So before you spend on a large amount of food, be mindful how much you will actually need and use.
However, doing groceries is not the only place you can reduce your spending! In your house, it is a good idea to reduce the amount of electricity and water that you use. For example, a solar water heater reduces waste and helps in saving on electricity bills. On top of that, some government agencies in India will offer savings of up to INR 50 per month if you use such a solar water heater.
If you already have one and are looking for other methods to save electricity or water, you could simply reduce your electricity consumption by turning off all appliances when they are not in use, thereby reducing the amount of electricity and bill. Turn off the taps when you don’t need the constant flow of water. You’d be surprised how much difference it makes; your wallet and the environment will thank you!
We learn in school and teach our children about ‘Reduce, reuse, recycle’, but what exactly is it all about? Well, the ‘3 R’s’ are about practising sustainable living, which focuses on recycling the products that we use in everyday life. By following the rule ‘Reduce, reuse, recycle’, we do our part for the environment. It is a simple, 3-stage process that focuses on reducing what we use, reusing what we produce, and recycling what we do use. On top of that, it is always great to save some money on the electricity bill and reduce your expenditure on things you could easily repurpose at home – which is an added bonus!
2) Reuse
Every household uses water on a daily basis, which makes it a great area to reuse or recycle! This way, you can contribute to the environment, and save on your spending while doing it!
For example, the water that we normally consider waste, as the runoff from kitchen sinks after washing dishes or even the bath water. All these can be reused and recycled, by simply watering your plants with it! It does not harm the plants, and is even great for controlling insects and bugs!
Another tip is to make sure you are using a zero-waste water purifier, which helps to reduce the amount of water used!
3) Recycle
Did you know that it takes 70% less energy to recycle and reuse paper than it does to create paper from the necessary raw materials?
This gives you an idea of how much is wasted every year, and how many trees get cut just to make new paper, and paper is one of the easiest things we can recycle.
In India, the main things we can recycle are paper, plastic, and glass – simply collect them after you have used them, and sell them to your local radi shop. This way, you are helping the environment, and making a little pocket money on the side!
Recycle ideas for home do not need to be restricted to saving or reusing paper, plastic, or glass! Think outside the box. Everything that is left over from cooking a meal, such as vegetable skins or leftovers, can be used to make vegetable stock for recipes.
Plastic bottles could easily be used to store certain items or liquids, and old clothes can easily be turned into kitchen rags.
You see, there are a great number of things we can recycle when we get creative – perhaps you could even think of some methods of your own, make pouches out of old jeans, pillow covers with old dresses, you can even make sofa covers with your sarees!
Plus, the internet is a great place to search for DIY tips, which you can use to recycle and reuse old items.
Adopting the ‘Reduce, reuse, recycle’ philosophy does not have to be expensive or even difficult!
It is usually the small things, like reusing shower or soapy water, that already have a large impact on the environment and your wallet. The things we can recycle are almost endless when we put our creative mind to it, and we hope that our tips on how to recycle waste have inspired and taught you a valuable lesson.
We would like to thank you on behalf of our planet for participating in recycling, and doing your part for the environment!