The Best of the R’s

Everyday we are all make hundreds of choices and decisions. Some of them even before we are really away [snooze alarm or get up...?]. For those of us who are trying to lead a greener lifestyle we are often faced with even more decisions. Fortunately, there are the guide posts of the three R’s [reduce/reuse/recycle] to help us along the way.

The three R’s are a great help until we are faced with a decision between the two. At that point, it is necessary to remember which ones are better. Of the three R’s the one that should always win a decision is the opportunity to reduce.

Here are a couple of everyday opportunities to reduce:

Purchase items in bulk and/or that have less packaging. Where ever it makes sense, consider purchasing items in bulk. You often save two ways: one - bulk items tend to be less expensive per unit; two – properly packaged bulk items result in less packaging waste destined for the landfill or recycle bin.

Shop locally. This can reduce your gas consumption dramatically, especially if you can walk or bike rather then drive. As an added bonus you also help your local merchants thrive.

Buy locally produced goods. Items that have to travel thousands of miles to the store can have a tremendous transportation cost associated with them

Don’t buy stuff you don’t need. This will help not only reduce unnecessary manufacturing, but also the clutter in your house and the emptiness in your wallet.

For perishable items especially, buy just what you need. For items such as fruits and vegetables it is often worth figuring out how much you can use before your next trip to the market and then buying just that amount, rather then lots and having to toss it because it is spoiled. If something is such a great bargain that you just have to get it, consider sharing your expected extras with friends family and neighbours.

At the core of ‘reducing’ is avoiding buying stuff you do not need. Often a direct result of this is more money where you do need it - in your wallet!