We were always taught the three R’s, “reduce, reuse, recycle,” in school. Things have changed since then. A couple of people mentioned this two r’s idea to me and I didn’t get it. I kept wondering what about recycling? What’s wrong with recycling? After hearing it for the third time, I think I understand this concept. Finally. :p

Recycling isn’t bad, it’s just that the first two r’s are better. Because in the end, recycling still uses up significant amounts of energy. So the reason why recycling has chilled out is because what you really want to do is emphasize ways to reduce the trash you generate and reuse things. Say you go to a coffee shop, bring your own coffee thermos. Don’t waste those paper cups, lids, cardboard cup holders, and cup sleeves. Grocery shopping? Bring your bags with you. Need sandwich bags for chips and crackers? Use tupperware or even some reusable containers of packaged foods instead. For instance, I like nuts, so I reuse those cans that the nuts come in with the plastic lids. I’ll usually fill em up with more nuts (that I buy in bulk or bags) or another snack food. They’re metal and sturdy as can be. If you’re the only one reading a print out, reduce the font and decrease the margins. Print on both sides of the paper. Instead of buying a pen holder for your desk, use a washed jar. Get creative. Recycle only when you’ve run out of uses. So don’t go patting yourself on the back just yet when you recycle your plastic grocery bags. You can do better than that. BYOB!

It gets easier as you do it. I used to forget my grocery bags in my car all the time. So there’s another new years resolution for me, mindfulness of R&R.

Oh, remember the waterpouch I got to eliminate purchasing bottled water? I loved it so much I got two more (.5 L and 1L sizes). Seriously, lugging around a 2 liter pouch of water is not too practical even if it does require less refilling. I keep that baby at my desk. The water tastes very clean. They’re inexpensive too. I got mine from Amazon. .5L is $6.95 and 1L is $7.95.